California rugby legend and Cal Athletics Hall of Famer Kort Schubert has been elected to the U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame, becoming the 16th Golden Bear to receive the honor. Schubert will be formally enshrined as part of the 2025 class at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on July 18.
A product of Jesuit High School in Sacramento, Schubert came to UC Berkeley as a standout in both rugby and football. At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, the dynamic backrower quickly established himself as a force in collegiate rugby.
During his storied career with the Cal Golden Bears, Schubert captured five national championships, earned five All-American selections, and won the prestigious Woodley Award — given to the nation’s best collegiate rugby player — in consecutive seasons (2001, 2002). He captained the Bears, was named MVP of the national title match as a senior, and was honored as Cal Male Student-Athlete of the Year by The Daily Californian.
In 2021, his collegiate legacy was further solidified with induction into the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame.
A Decorated International Career
Schubert’s impact extended well beyond Berkeley. He earned his first cap for the U.S. National Team (Eagles) on June 3, 2000, against Japan in the Pacific Rim Championship — while still an undergraduate. Over an eight-year international career, Schubert was capped 49 times and appeared in 50 matches, including a streak of 42 consecutive internationals — believed to be the American record.
In 2004, he captained the Eagles for 17 straight matches, the second-longest streak in program history, leading the U.S. to its highest world ranking of the era (No. 14).
Schubert also starred in the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia, starting all four matches and finishing as the Eagles’ leading try-scorer, crossing the line against Fiji, Japan, and France.
Professional and Coaching Journey
Following his collegiate and international success, Schubert signed professional contracts in the United Kingdom, playing for the Northampton Saints (2003–04) and Cardiff Blues (2004–06).
He later returned to Cal as an assistant coach (2004–07), helping guide the Bears to three consecutive national titles. Since 2015, he has worked with the Danville Oaks Rugby Club, and was named head coach in 2023, mentoring young talent, including future Cal players.
“Kort was a player for the ages and an individual we are deeply proud of,” said longtime Cal head coach Jack Clark. “He’s a Cal man.”
Schubert will be inducted alongside six other USA rugby icons at a ceremony at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C. The celebration will coincide with a special USA Eagles doubleheader at Audi Field on July 19, featuring the men’s team against England and the women’s team facing Fiji.
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