<p>haz1905 - My dad is British (but has lived in the U.S. since the 1950's) and played rugby in his university days. Up untill about 20 years ago (I'm an old fart) it was extremely rare to come across anyone who knew what rugby is. If it hadn't been for the Andes plane crash and the resulting bumper sticker (rugby players eat their dead) and the follow-up bumper sticker (it takes leather balls to play rugby) no one here would yet know what it is. However, the bumper stickers made it a bit popular and there are a number of schools with rugby teams now. I don't think the play is first class by any means, but improving.</p>
<p>The more important question for you is if there are any rugby scholarships. Take a look at:</p>