Los Angeles, CA — January 13, 2026 — UCLA Men's Rugby has received a landmark $3.8 million legacy gift from the estate of alumnus Lawrence "Larry" Layne, a contribution that will provide long-term stability for the program and serve as a powerful example of alumni leadership and stewardship.
The gift is part of a $40 million bequest from Layne's estate to UCLA, benefiting multiple areas of the university including athletics, medical research, graduate education, and the arts. Layne's decision to direct a significant portion of his philanthropy to Men's Rugby reflects the profound impact the program had on his life as a student-athlete and lifelong Bruin.
A Lifelong Bond with Bruin Rugby
Larry Layne was a proud member of UCLA's storied rugby tradition, competing on a national championship-winning team during his time at UCLA. He often spoke of rugby as a defining experience — one that shaped his values, friendships, and sense of community long after graduation.
In the later years of his life, Layne developed a relationship with Head Coach Harry Bennett, forged through countless conversations on the sidelines, at practices, and during alumni gatherings. Layne remained a regular presence around the program, taking genuine interest in the development of student-athletes and the direction of UCLA Rugby as a whole.
"Larry believed deeply in what this program represents," said Bennett. "He cared about the players, about the traditions that were handed down to him, and about leaving UCLA Rugby stronger than he found it. This gift is a reflection of his love for the program and his trust in our vision for its future."
Layne's trust in Bennett's leadership and vision played a meaningful role in his decision to include Men's Rugby so prominently in his estate plans. He viewed the endowment not simply as a financial contribution, but as an investment in people, opportunity, and tradition.
Investing in the Future — and Inspiring Others
Layne's $3.8 million gift will directly support the UCLA Men's Rugby endowment, providing sustainable funding to enhance student-athlete opportunities, competitive resources, player development, and long-term program operations. Just as importantly, it serves as a powerful example of alumni leadership and commitment.
The Bruins hope Layne's legacy will inspire fellow Men's Rugby alumni to reconnect with the program and contribute to the endowment, helping to cement UCLA Rugby's future for generations to come. "Larry understood that the strength of this program has always come from those who wore the jersey before," Bennett added. "He hoped his gift would encourage others to give back — not just financially, but by staying engaged and invested in the growth of UCLA Rugby."
A Legacy That Endures
Over more than six decades, Larry Layne and his wife, Sheelagh Boyd, made more than 300 gifts to UCLA, supporting a wide range of academic, cultural, and athletic initiatives. His generosity to Men's Rugby stands as a lasting testament to the lifelong bonds formed through sport and the belief that alumni play a vital role in shaping the future of collegiate athletics.
Larry Layne's legacy will live on every time Bruins take the field — grounded in tradition, driven by community, and committed to growth and excellence.
