The California rugby team won the national championship on May 2, defeating the United States Naval Academy 36-22 at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis. This victory marks the Bears’ second consecutive national title and their 30th XVs championship overall.
The win is significant for head coach Jack Clark, who achieved his milestone 31st national title, with 26 of those in the traditional fifteen-a-side format. The match saw five different California players score six tries. “Our best wishes to Navy, they’re tough men and good players,” Clark said. “I hope this doesn’t sound arrogant, but I had great trust in our team today. I believed we would play for each other and expand into the moment. I was a little worried that I wasn’t my normal worried self.”
The game began with an early try from sophomore Oliver Teague after a Navy turnover, setting the tone for a competitive first half. Despite an equalizing try from Navy’s Jake Cornelius in the twelfth minute, California regained and extended their lead through strong plays by Cade Crist, Seamus Deely, Masi Koi, and others.
In the second half, both teams faced penalties resulting in yellow cards and changes in momentum. Cal’s Nate Comiskey scored twice to help secure the victory despite late pressure from Navy.
Captain Rand Santos acknowledged Navy’s performance after the match: “First off, all the respect to Navy,” Santos said. “They are a super tough team… I’m super proud of the boys for what we accomplished.” Vice captain Solomon Williams added: “This feeling, this group… it’s hard to put into words how much this means.”
California finished its season undefeated at 17-0—the first perfect season since 2010-2011—an achievement highlighted by vice captain Cade Crist: “A perfect season is what we set out for back in August… To accomplish that means the world.”
