Aug. 13, 2012

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DUBLIN - California senior outside center Seamus Kelly is capping his third All-America selection following the 2012 spring season with the honor of serving as co-captain of the United States' collegiate All-Americans on their tour of Ireland, home of the sport's international governing body.

The All-Americans commenced their tour on Saturday with a 19-7, come-from-behind victory over a Connacht Academy development side. The U.S. team trailed 14-3 at the midway point before turning the tides on its host.

The tour continues on Tuesday, Aug. 14, with a match against Leinster Academy.

"It truly has been a tremendous honor to be named a co-captain of such an exceptional group of athletes representing the United States," Kelly said.

Two other Golden Bear seniors - Danny Barrett, who also received his third All-America honor in May, and Brendan Daly, who got his first full All-America recognition after his junior year - were also selected but unavailable to attend.

Kelly and his fellow All-Americans are continuing a tradition on the Emerald Isle that began over 100 years ago in the Southern Hemisphere. After making their first appearance overseas in 1910 with a ship voyage to New Zealand, the All-Americans were resurrected in 1987 under the leadership of Cal head coach Jack Clark, whose collegians defeated the Dutch Students.

Later, as general manager of the U.S. National Team, Clark led the All-Americans on tours to Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand. In 2001 Clark appointed fellow Cal coach Tom Billups as head coach for the All-Americans' short tour of Ireland, where the collegians defeated Trinity College, 21-5, and University College Dublin, 16-11.

Starting in both those 2001 victories was Bears flyhalf Matt Sherman, now the All -Americans head coach leading their current tour.

"Seamus has had a long season going straight into camp, with the national team this summer and now the All-American tour," said Clark. "As proud as we are of him, he's borderline playing too much. We'll be happy to get Seamus back and wrap him in cotton wool for a while."

The Bears reassemble at the end of the month to begin their 2012-13 academic year with a fall slate of 7s action followed by their traditional spring 15s schedule. Visit CalBears.com to stay up to date as both schedules become confirmed.

Founded in 1882, Cal rugby will be entering its 131st year.