San Francisco - Golden Gate RFC
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[edit] Building a New Club
The San Francisco Golden Gate Rugby Club was formed in 2001 via the merger of two Northern California clubs, San Francisco RFC and the Golden Gate Rugby Club. SFGG was formed with the intent of creating one of the strongest clubs in the country, and through the course of their short history, they have done exactly. SFGG competes in the Rugby Super League, America’s premier division of rugby union. In the five seasons since SFGG was formed, SFGG have never missed the RSL postseason. In the first three years SFGG made it to the quarterfinals – cementing their spot as one of the top eight teams in the country – and in 2004 SFGG followed an undefeated regular season by advancing to the RSL Grand Finals. They would lose the championship game 24-21 to reigning champs and down South rivals, Belmont Shore RFC (LA). In 2005 the Rugby Super League squad once again reached the playoffs before being defeated by a highly regarded Chicago Lions team.
[edit] Birth of the Norcals
SFGG also competes, with a 2nd XV, in the Northern California Rugby Football Union. The 'Norcal Squad' debuted in 2004 with an excellent one-loss regular season in Division II before falling in the playoffs and is now a part of the NCRFU’s expanded Division I/II. The Norcal Squad's 2004-2005 season accomplishments included winning the Silicon Valley Classic, defeating powerhouses Hayward and Olympic Club along the way, and an inspiring win over former National champion San Mateo RFC during the regular season in which the club narrowly missed the playoffs. San Mateo was the lone Norcal representative in the National DI Sweet Sixteen.
[edit] Making Eagles
In addition to excellent results on the field, SFGG is proud of its record incubating players for the USA National team. Numerous past and present USA Eagles play at SFGG. In 2004, Mose Timoteo, Shaun Paga and Pat Guire appeared for the USA. Past international players include Britt Howard, Robbie Flynn, Paul Jennings, Jay Wilkerson, Grant Wells, Karl Thomson, Mark Scharrenberg, Paul Still, Steve O'Boyle, Aaron Satchwell, Olo Fifita, and Sam Vaca. This tradition was continued in 2005, with Mike McDonald and Matt Sherman both being selected for the US Eagles in May and June test matches. A proud reputation and club strength also drew Wallaby World Cup champion Tony Daly, who captained the 2003 RSL team. He is the most capped foreign national who has come to play in the United States.
[edit] The Future
Fall 2005 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in SFGG history with the opening of a newly dedicated fieldside clubhouse and new pitch. With these, SFGG has some of the finest facilities in American rugby. These facilities will be shared by the Rugby Super League, Norcal, and Youth Squads.
