Ray Lehner, a member of the California Athletics Hall of Fame and former standout for the Golden Bears rugby team, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Craig Sweeney Award. The honor is presented by the US Rugby Foundation to a former United States National Team player who is respected within the rugby community and has contributed to the sport after his playing career.
During his time at Cal, Lehner served as team captain and led the Bears to three consecutive national championships from 1991 to 1993. He was also recognized as an All-American three times during his collegiate career.
After earning a degree in political science from Cal, Lehner attended Oxford University for graduate studies. While there, he played at Twickenham Stadium and earned four Blues between 1997 and 2001.
Lehner made his debut with the U.S. National Team in 1995 and was capped 37 times as a USA Eagle, including participation in the 1999 Rugby World Cup. His first appearance came during a narrow victory over Canada in Markham, Ontario.
Beyond his playing days, Lehner began coaching while still active internationally. He served as an assistant coach for Cal from 1994-96 and again from 2002-04. His coaching experience includes roles with USA U20s (2009-10), Collegiate All-American South Africa Tour (2003), San Francisco Olympic Club (2003-23), Oxford University women’s club (1998-2001), Lamorinda Rugby Club, and Bishop O’Dowd High School.
In addition to his rugby commitments, Lehner has taught Civics & Economics at Bishop O’Dowd High School since 2002. In 2010, he established both boys’ and girls’ rugby programs at the school.
Lehner becomes the fifth Cal rugby alumnus to receive this award; previous recipients include current head coach Jack Clark and associate head coach Tom Billups.
“Raymond continues to make such an outstanding contribution to U.S. rugby,” said Clark. “Our sport is fortunate to have an individual of his character and abilities.”
Lehner received recognition at the US Rugby Foundation Gala on July 18 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C., where fellow Cal Athletics Hall of Famer Kort Schubert was also honored as a 2025 inductee into the U.S. Rugby Hall of Fame.
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