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Andrew S. McPherson was introduced to the sport of rugby in 1982 by the husband of one of his high school teachers, and began playing rugby in that same year as a 16-year-old high school student for the Houston Rugby Club. With no prior rugby experience, and being a teenager on a men’s club, Andrew was fortunate to have an excellent coach from South Africa, and additionally two very talented and experienced Locks who took the time and interest in mentoring him in the intricacies of the sport and the position of Lock.

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After graduating from high school in 1983, Andrew attended the University of Texas at Austin, but at that time, there was no official UT Club Team. The UT Team in the 1983-84 season was a combination of students and non-students (who played for the Austin Huns and Austin Blacks), so while rehabilitating from an ankle surgery, Andrew played for the Austin Huns, as his rehabilitation allowed, as the Huns had a more consistent playing schedule than UT.

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Though the 1984-1985 season was not an officially sanctioned University of Texas Rugby Club Team, it was the first true, all-University of Texas student team, and Andrew was the starting #4 Lock on this team. He then went on in the 1985-1986 season to be a founding member and starting #4 Lock of the official, inaugural University of Texas at Austin Rugby Club Team. While his overall playing career was relatively short, the game of rugby and the lifelong friends he has made while playing left a lasting impression on him.

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The McPherson Family has always believed in giving back and helping where needed. The purpose of the Andrew S. McPherson University of Texas at Austin Rugby Scholarship Program is to help qualified student-athletes accomplish their educational goals while enjoying the sport of rugby, and to help continue to develop and improve the University of Texas at Austin Rugby Club for the next generation.

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‍Who is Eligible?

The Andrew S. McPherson University of Texas at Austin Rugby Scholarship is open to all University of Texas at Austin men’s rugby players who are currently enrolled as students. Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA, be in good standing and current with the University of Texas at Austin Rugby Club. The selection committee will prioritize applicants who demonstrate leadership, strong character and ethics, and commitment to the rugby team -as Andrew S. McPherson did. Scholarships are for tuition, books, or fees.

In partnership with: US Rugby Foundation