Stanford University

Rugby Pathways Through Long-Term Partnership

Overview

Stanford University’s Men’s and Women’s Rugby programs, led by Head Coach Rich Ashfield, have steadily strengthened their competitive depth, player pathways, and exposure to elite international environments. Through multiple on-campus visits, Crusaders Global Academy has delivered high-intensity training camps that reinforce Stanford’s commitment to excellence across both squads.

‍

Since 2024, Stanford has also become one of the most active participants in the Crusaders Player Residency Program — sending seven athletes in 2024 and three athletes in 2025. This commitment has already yielded meaningful results, including USA U23 selection for two 2024 residency players. These outcomes underscore Stanford’s growing reputation as a program capable of developing athletes who can compete at higher levels of the game.

The Partnership Approach

Crusaders Global Academy supported Stanford through an integrated development model that combines on-campus coaching immersion with international training opportunities. Crusaders staff delivered repeat visits to Palo Alto to run advanced skills camps focused on pressure-based decision-making, technical fundamentals, and establishing a unified program identity. These sessions provided players with a clear sense of structure, increased clarity in their roles, and a stronger foundation for consistent performance.

‍

Meanwhile, Stanford athletes traveling to Christchurch engaged in multi-week residency experiences that immersed them in a fully professional rugby environment. Daily field sessions, gym work, video analysis, and exposure to Crusaders coaching systems allowed players to sharpen their tactical awareness and improve their training habits. For many, this was an invaluable chance to learn alongside ambitious peers from around the world and to test themselves in an environment that demands accountability and excellence.

‍

The impact of this international experience extended well beyond the residency period. Returning players brought elevated expectations and leadership qualities back into the Stanford environment, influencing the overall culture of both squads. The combination of on-campus camps and global pathways not only raised performance standards but also helped align the Men’s and Women’s programs under a shared set of values, behaviors, and developmental priorities.

Key Outcomes

• 10 total Stanford athletes completed the Crusaders Player Residency Program across 2024–2025.
  
  
• 2 players — Kirsten Loren Lees and Leila Baptiste Wang Gaouette — earned USA U23 selection following their residency experience.
  
  
• Improved training standards and program culture across both Men’s and Women’s squads.
  
  
• Greater alignment and shared identity between the two programs through repeated Crusaders-led training engagements.
  
  

Results

This partnership has provided Stanford athletes with world-class coaching access, stronger competitive confidence, and clearer pathways for progressing to national and international levels. Participation in the Crusaders Growth Program (Men & Women) continues to enhance Stanford’s year-round development structure and supports its long-term vision of building a sustainable, high-performance collegiate rugby environment.

‍

As the partnership continues, Stanford remains well-positioned to expand its development pipeline, attract driven student-athletes, and cultivate a culture rooted in excellence. The alignment between Stanford’s academic prestige and the Crusaders’ high-performance expertise has created a unique pathway that prepares players not only for collegiate success, but for future opportunities on the global stage.

‍