Andrew S. McPherson University of Texas at Austin Scholarship: Empowering Rugby's Next Generation

Image (left to right):

Van Stewart - Head Coach

Cody Duke - Student Board Vice President

John Shaheen - Student Board President

Iain Stevenson - Student Board Secretary

Gabriel Farley - Backs Coach

Mickey Johnson - Alumni Board Member, former coach and player

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The September 29th announcement of the new Andrew S. McPherson University of Texas at Austin Scholarship Program, facilitated by the US Rugby Foundation, marks a pivotal moment. Funded by a dedicated alumnus, this annual award signals a commitment to the long-term sustainability and growth of the University of Texas at Austin Men's Rugby. This alumni-driven financial program will fundamentally impact the team’s structure, recruitment, and competitive standing in the years to come!

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Key Details for Applicants

This annual award is dedicated to recognizing a deserving member of the University of Texas at Austin Men’s Rugby Club who demonstrates a strong balance of academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to the team.

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Annual Award: $3,500

Eligibility: Full-time student at the University of Texas at Austin, active member of the Men’s Rugby Club.

Academic Minimum: Cumulative 2.75 GPA

Application Period: Standard annual application runs from May 1 to August 31 via the US Rugby Foundation scholarship portal.

Required Materials: Personal statement, academic transcript, and at least one letter of support from a rugby coach.

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Initial Kickoff Application Period (2026):

To jumpstart the program and make an immediate impact for the 2026–2027 academic year, applications will open early, from January 1 to May 1, 2026, through the US Rugby Foundation’s scholarship portal at usrugbyfoundation.org. The first scholarship recipient will be announced in June 2026, with the award applied to the following academic year.

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Standard Annual Process (Beginning 2026):

After the initial cycle, the scholarship will align with the US Rugby Foundation’s standard timeline, running annually from May 1 to August 31, with recipients announced in the fall.

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The Power of Alumni Investment

Named for Andrew S. McPherson, a founding member of the 1985 club, the scholarship provides stable, dedicated funding. This act converts passionate alumni support into a reliable financial resource, reducing reliance on annual fundraising. The commitment is exemplified by Alumni Board Member Mickey Johnson and the entire alumni base, guaranteeing the club a financially secure future.

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Elevating Recruitment and Attracting Top Talent

This annual award is a crucial competitive tool. It gives Head Coach Van Stewart a powerful incentive to attract highly talented student-athletes who might otherwise choose schools with fully funded athletic programs. The scholarship helps secure top recruits who meet both the University of Texas at Austin academic demands and the Division I-AA team’s athletic requirements.

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Fostering Academic and Athletic Balance

The program requires recipients to be active members and meet the scholarship's minimum academic standard. This dual focus reinforces the student-athlete ideal. By alleviating financial pressure, the scholarship allows players, including current leaders like Cody Duke, John Shaheen, and Iain Stevenson, to dedicate necessary time to their rigorous studies while excelling on the pitch.

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Professionalizing Program Stability and Infrastructure

Partnering with the US Rugby Foundation immediately professionalizes the club. The US Rugby Foundation administers the process, ensuring transparency and adherence to criteria. This standardization, requiring transcripts and coach support, elevates the club's status, creating a predictable infrastructure that supports long-term strategic planning for both coaches and the Alumni Board.

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A Blueprint for Collegiate Club Rugby Success

Andrew S. McPherson University of Texas at Austin scholarship sets a powerful precedent. It demonstrates a viable model where dedicated alumni can utilize The US Rugby Foundation to create significant and lasting financial endowments. It shows that top-tier club sports can secure the resources needed to compete nationally, setting a new standard for collegiate programs nationwide.

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Learn more about this scholarship opportunity.