WESTWOOD, CA — For 83 years, UCLA Rugby has been one of the nation's top collegiate rugby programs. Through the guidance of some legendary coaches and the hard work of generations of players, UCLA enjoys a unique history and maintains unique honors and traditions that define the experience of being a Bruin rugby player. Induction to the UCLA Rugby Hall of Fame, perhaps the most prestigious of those honors, recognizes our program's brightest players, coaches, and volunteers for their outstanding service and contribution to UCLA Rugby.
 

We are delighted to announce that our Hall of Fame Committee has selected John Gilpin '68, Skip Niebauer '76 and Tommy Smith '86 to be inducted into the UCLA Rugby Hall of Fame this January 13, 2018. We are grateful to the HOF Committee, and Chairman Darren Maloney '92 (HOF Class of 2017), for their service and selection of the fine Class of 2018! (please see biographies below).

John Gilpin 

Center, 1966-68
 

As an undergraduate, John Gilpin played rugby and football at UC Riverside where he was the leading scorer and MVP his final two seasons there. John arrived in Westwood at the same time as new coach Dennis Storer and became an instant contributor as a "swift backfield ball-carrier and prolific scorer" per the UCLA Daily Bruin.

John's fellow players noted that, "He had great speed, was very opportunistic, very competitive and an all-around first class guy." Upon the conclusion of the 1968 season, Coach Storer named David Olsen, Ron Nisbet, Doug Purdy, John Gilpin, Vic Lepisto, Mike Coyle and Gordon Moir responsible for UCLA's most successful rugby season to date. Considering the number of Hall of Fame members listed above, John Gilpin deservedly finds himself a part of the Class of 2018.
 

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Skip Niebauer                   

Loose Forward, 1971-76
 

Skip was selected to play representative rugby for numerous teams including the notable 1970 All "UC" Team that toured Australia and New Zealand, the California team to British Columbia in 1971, the Southern California Griffins from 1973-76, The Northern California Pelicans from 1977-82, and the Pacific Coast Grizzlies in 1976, & 1978-82 and he Captained the first ever Cougar side that toured Virginia and DC in 1976.

He also played during some of the most successful years in UCLA history, including the 1972 & '75 Monterey National Championship seasons and was voted MVP in 1973. Further Championships were achieved at the Aspen Ruggerfest in 1975, '76, '77 and '81.  Skip also coached the Bruins along with fellow Hall of Famer, Larry Layne, during one of Dennis Storer's "sabbaticals" in the 1975-76 season.

Skip was described by his fellow players as an "effective tackler and scorer" and Coach Storer described him as, "one of the finest side-row forwards there is." After graduation from UCLA, Skip played for the BATS and was captain when they won the Monterey National Championship in 1982. Skip also played for London Scottish in 1974-75, earned 9 USA Eagle caps, and captained the Eagles vs. South Africa in 1981 and vs. Canada and England in 1982. After retiring as a player, Skip became a Level A referee in Northern California.   
 

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Tommy Smith   

Fly-Half, 1981-86
          

Tommy Smith started his highly decorated rugby career in club rugby and came to UCLA in 1981 where he spent most of his career as fly-half and as utility backline player. Tommy coached the Bruins from 1982-1985 during Storer's first retirement, as well as  the 7's program through 1990.
 

Smith was selected to the All-World 15's team that defeated the famed Barbarians in 1981, was recognized as an All-American in 1982, and went on to earn four 15's caps and numerous 7's caps for the Eagles.  He captained the Eagles 7's team on 13 occasions and was a member of the three teams that reached the Hong Kong 7's Plate Championship match, winning on two occasions.

Tommy is still the only American player to ever win the prestigious "Best and Fairest" Award at the Hong Kong 7's, bestowed on him in 1986 and in 1997. He also became the only Northern Hemisphere player to be selected to the All-World Team at the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong 7's.

Tommy was recently inducted to the USA Rugby Hall of Fame this past June. Beyond his career at UCLA, Tommy enjoyed a successful coaching career with the U.S. Eagles 7's, UC Berkeley, Santa Monica Rugby Club, Pacific Coast Grizzlies, Old Blues, West 7's, Alameda Youth, and is currently the head coach of the Redondo Beach Rugby Club 7s teams.

All three of these three men embody the spirit and tradition of UCLA Rugby and their contributions to our program have made a lasting impact on the history of our program. We look forward to the Hall of Fame Dinner and induction ceremony January 13, 2018 at UCLA as part of the Dennis Storer Classic - Hall of Fame Weekend. Please stay tuned to all Social Media platforms and our web page for further information regarding this event.

 

Congratulations to the UCLA Rugby Hall of Fame Class of 2018!

 

Go Bruins!