About Us

Who We Are

The Gurkhas are a men’s Rugby football club, competing in the D2 division of the Southern California Rugby Football Union (SCRFU).

Our Mission

The North County Gurkhas’ mission is to build a community where people belong, grow, and serve through the game of rugby.

Our History

Introduction: 50 Years of Brotherhood and Rugby Excellence

For half a century, the North County Gurkhas Rugby Club has stood as a pillar of toughness, camaraderie, and community in San Diego County. What began in 1976 as the Escondido Rugby Club has grown into a multi-generational rugby institution with men’s, youth, and alumni programs that have shaped thousands of players.

Today, we honor the people, the matches, the traditions, and the spirit that carried the club from a small Escondido side to one of the longest-running rugby organizations in Southern California.

Founding Era (1976-1985): The Birth of the Escondido Rugby Club

The club was founded in 1976 by Bill Matz, owner of the Escondido Athletic Club. The team adopted the Athletic Club’s blue and white colors-still proudly worn today.

The early years were defined by:

• Hard-hitting, physical rugby

• A tight-knit group of local athletes and expats

• Training on rough Escondido fields

• A reputation for toughness and hospitality

The Escondido Rugby Club quickly became known as a gritty, blue-collar side that played with heart and represented the growing North County region.

The Rise of the Gurkhas (1985-1995)

By the mid-1980s, the team had earned the nickname “The Gurkhas.” Inspired by the legendary Nepalese soldiers known for discipline and fearlessness, the name reflected the team’s identity.

During this era:

• The club solidified its reputation in SCRFU competition.

• Players came from Escondido, San Marcos, Vista, Carlsbad, and Rancho Bernardo.

• The team culture blended physicality with strong social traditions

• The Gurkhas name stuck-and eventually became the club’s official identity.

Youth Rugby Takes Root (1996-2007)

1996: RBHS Barbarians Founded

Youth rugby began with the creation of the Rancho Bernardo High School Barbarians in 1996. This team became the foundation of a true developmental pathway.

The Pipeline Era (1999-2004)

Youth players began feeding directly into the Gurkhas men’s side, strengthening the club’sdepth and culture.

2004: North County Barbarians

The U19 program rebranded as the North County Barbarians, aligning with the men’s team’s expanding regional identity.

North County Rugby Inc.

All youth programs merged into a single nonprofit organization, North County Rugby Inc., ensuring long-term stability and growth.

Becoming North County Rugby (2007-2015)

As the club grew beyond Escondido, the men’s team officially adopted the name: North County Gurkhas Rugby Club

This era included:

• Expansion of youth and middle-school teams

• Establishment of home fields in Carlsbad and San Marcos

• Increased competitiveness in SCRFU Division 2 and 3

• Stronger ties between youth, men’s, and alumni groups

The Modern Era (2015-2026)

The last decade has seen the Gurkhas continue to grow in size, competitiveness, and community presence.

Highlights include:

• Consistent competition in SCRFU Division 2

• Expansion of youth programs across North County

• Annual traditions such as the Scott Christie Memorial Cup

• Alumni involvement in coaching, refereeing, and club leadership

• A renewed focus on player development and community outreach

Today, the Gurkhas stand as one of the oldest continuously operating rugby clubs on the West Coast.

Board Members

President

Andre “Bo” Bosier

Bo is the President of the North County Gurkhas Rugby Club, where he is dedicated to growing the game of rugby while building a culture of leadership, accountability, and service. A commanding presence at Lock, Bo draws on decades of experience in both the military and professional sports to lead the Gurkhas on and off the field.

A retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant, Bo served from 1991 to 2013, including multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. His career in Marine Special Operations and reconnaissance units instilled the leadership principles that continue to guide his work today.

After retiring from the military, Bo transitioned into professional rugby, serving in leadership roles with the San Diego Legion before contributing to the National Rugby League. Across every role, he has remained passionate about developing athletes, strengthening organizations, and using rugby to build character, resilience, and lasting community connections.

Vice President

Secretary

Jim Marshall

Jim serves as Secretary of the North County Gurkhas Rugby Club, bringing a passion for service, organization, and community to the club's leadership. A lifelong North County San Diego resident and graduate of San Marcos High School, Jim is a husband, father, former engineer, and IT professional who discovered rugby later than most. Having never played the sport before joining the Gurkhas in November 2024, he was immediately welcomed into the club's family-oriented culture—a sense of camaraderie that quickly sparked a deep appreciation for both the game and the values it represents.

Now entering his third season as a lock, Jim has embraced rugby's physical and strategic challenges while dedicating himself to helping the club grow on and off the field. As Secretary, he supports the Gurkhas' mission of building a thriving rugby community where players of all ages and experience levels can find friendship, purpose, and a shared commitment to excellence. Jim's journey reflects the club's belief that rugby is more than a sport—it's a family, and there's always a place for those willing to give their best.

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