Rick Bailey
2015
Sweeney Award
2020
Inductee
Rick Bailey was the dominant loose-head prop for the Eagles in the 1980s. He was a four-sport letterman for Napa High School and then played football for both Brigham Young University and then the University of California at Berkeley.
He appeared on the pitch for the Cal Golden Bears from 1974-1977. His high level of play won him the nod at loose-head prop on the U.S.A Eagles in 1979 and he held that position until 1987, including a spot on the inaugural US Men’s Rugby World Cup team in 1987.
He was a member of the Old Blues of Berkeley and played on seven National Club Championship teams between 1978-1987, being named the MVP at the 1986 National Club Championships.
Bailey made a successful transition from player to coach, serving as a Cal assistant rugby coach from 1991-1994 with the Bears winning four National Collegiate titles.
In 2015, Bailey was presented the Craig Sweeney Award, awarded to “an individual who had played for the Eagles, who was respected by his peers and the rugby community, has made significant contributions back to the game following his playing career, and be a person of exemplary character.”