<p>Some schools have some serious club rugby (think men at Berkeley or in Utah) and some coaches have at least the ability to ask for a 2nd look at the app. You would not get in simply from rugby and coaches don’t have a ton of pull, but when it is 1/10 being admitted and 9/10 are qualified, it is hard to put a value on that 2nd look.</p>
<p>I would go for the best education because no matter what the outcome for college admissions, nobody can take away a quality education. </p>
<p>Some universities you mention will need qualified rugby players to fill slots on a team; no university that I know of “needs” an Eagle Scout. (But much obviously will depend on how talented of a rugby player the kid becomes). There are too many variables to consider in the scouts vs. rugby decision (and injuries can come into play as well). Tell your kid to do what he loves the most right now and forget about what “looks good.” High school should not be about positioning but about exploring.</p>
<p>In case it did not come across, I agree with the peruvian post above 
It seems like after being on these board for 7-8 years what “works” best is to find & pursue YOUR passion, if you luck into a hook, awesome for you, if you are not “hooked” you are still successful because you have p[ursued your interests. Far too many great, talented, bright, well-rounded kids on these boards are disappointed in admissions and had made decisions based on what they imagined an adcom would want rather than what they wanted. I have seen the kids who pursue their passion have more luck both enjoying life and becoming more interesting to adcoms. So follow your interests and develop your passions</p>
<p>Rugby shows a willingness to embrace another culture’s prized sport. Rugby is the second most viewed sport behind soccer in the world. Where ever you go in the world from Wales to Fiji a rugby jumper will get you invited in for a meal and a beer. I played about a decade and enjoyed every bruise, cut and cleatmark, stich and knee brace… Why? because at the same time I was able to sit with the sectional head of the communist party in a small pub in Wales. Released from jail to play against my side. I was able to sit and talk (rather than believe the “news”) about the coal miners strike and the reasons for. I was able to drink a beer or two with Aussie officers and talk about the “white” Austrailia policy and the reasons for it. I was able to billet in a row house, and sleep in the guest quarters of an Irish estate and sleep above a pub and an irish cattle ranch (200 head, small by our standards). If you want to learn about the world and the people in it. lace em up. </p>
<p>And I forgot to mention that the sport is the most relaxing game you’ll ever play. And then there’s scouting. ;)</p>
<p>Which is also fun and educational, no knocks on. </p>
<p>Do both, it will broaden your horizons. But do it because it’s of interest. Not because you think it’s a means to get into school.</p>
<p>Why not both eagle scout and rugby?</p>
<p>Oh man I totally blew this conversation on Scouts vs. Rugby—I meant LaCrosse!!! I don’t know what I was thinking. Any other comments on that particular sport?</p>
<p>Stick with Scouts.</p>
<p>I agree that a motivated kid can do both sports and Scouts, as long as he finds a troop that will work with him on scheduling. But if you must choose, consider a few points. First, a motivated boy who is willing to do the work will become an Eagle Scout. A motivated boy who is willing to work may or may not be able to become a top athlete. An injury–even a fairly minor one–can end a sports career, but it will not end a Scouting career. Finally, I have to add that choosing these activities based on their resume effect is not the way to go about it–they have benefits that go beyond college acceptance. People involved in Scouting, for example, really don’t like the attitude that a boy is in to get his Eagle, and then checks out–parents who promote that approach don’t “get it.” I think it’s the same with sports.</p>
<p>Lacrosse vs. rugby does make a difference. A lot more kids play organized lacrosse than rugby, and a lot of colleges recruit for lacrosse. So, if your son is a top lacrosse player, that alone can be a ticket to acceptance, and even a scholarship, at a college he likes (although he may also be forced to decide whether to like the schools whose coaches like him). That isn’t true with rugby. On the other hand, it’s much more competitive to stand out as a lacrosse player, and the time demands to compete on a stand-out level are much greater.</p>
<p>Plus, rugby culture is very macho and fun. Lacrosse culture, at least at high levels, seems to be very macho and . . . more obnoxious than fun. Both are rough games, but lacrosse is a rough game with big, hard sticks (and, to be fair, a bunch of protective armor).</p>
<p>So: Lacrosse = more risk and more reward than rugby. Scouting remains straightforward, admirable, and . . . the kind of thing an Eagle Scout would do.</p>
<p>“more obnoxious than fun”</p>
<p>That’s because in rugby, it is far to easy to hurt someone who’s a jerk. There’s a certain level of respect given to all players,because during the game at times you are totally exposed to the sportsmanship of the opponent. He can choose to stomp on your head or your goolies, all within the scope of play. That is why it is my favorite sport, fewer small dogs barking. Lax is a pretty cool sport in itself. I’ve watched my kid play the last three years. Usually any sport where contact is accepted as part of play the talkers avoid. </p>
<p>As far as admission issues, I think if you’re really good at rugby, Cal would let you in pretty quick.</p>