Cal Clinches Men’s Rugby National Championship in Stunning Comeback Against Life University

Last Saturday, Cal clinched its 29th national title in 15-man rugby, marking their first win since 2017. They triumphed over Life University with a score of 55-38, making it the highest-scoring national title match in Division 1-A history.

Freshman flyhalf Filip Edstrom stood out as the Man of the Match, successfully completing six out of eight conversion kicks and starting with a penalty kick. Despite some back-and-forth scoring, Cal secured victory by finishing strong with three late tries.

Seven Bears contributed to the scoreboard, with Masi Koi shining by scoring twice. His first try came just 40 seconds into the second half. His second try in the 77th minute ensured Cal’s lead. After Life University took the lead briefly, Oliver Newall and Joe Kirsten both scored within minutes of each other to regain the advantage for the Bears.

Head coach Jack Clark reflected on the match, stating, “It was a very difficult game. Both teams showed a lot of resolve.” This victory added to Clark’s impressive total of 30 career titles in both 15s and sevens rugby. He also acknowledged senior captain Charlie Walsh for his outstanding leadership this season, calling him “one of the legendary Cal captains.”

Looking ahead, rugby is gaining momentum in college sports, with a 2022 survey showing that student interest in the sport has grown by 15% since 2019. This increasing popularity might inspire more schools to invest in their rugby programs, ultimately elevating the sport further in the collegiate athletics landscape.

For a deeper dive into the evolution of rugby in America, you can check out this insightful report by the National Collegiate Rugby Association https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqwFBVV95cUxPTWQ1eWNkNHNmZWVvaXVUemEzcXZBVG12SlRJd1RaSGxZR1ltX2poYlFPd0cwc1FmUGxJM0ZULXE2dFFRNDQ5a0ZFSDA1dno2ZXo2VXlOQXUyVmhYOFRlS3lYZFlxSkNZWmw3bkdhWmVoSEZoRVZ0VldNNGtDS2hIT1JGOURVbm9XS09ZOWxaSGMzTGRSMjdQVVRpRm9vZVNEWV8tS1RvR3BkQmfSAbABQVVfeXFMTzlLX2d4bHF6amtCQkx1bWxERThiaWs4bjVaR0R5OFdLRkF2ZktfRi1RbTYyd1dXeF9oYWhSM3p1VFhVQTlnbTBjU3lBbUI0ZmpFNFBvWXg2dllUSVJEWXdUbmtJRkVPdHFxU2syZmkwRk5wRHAwMUZLYzNzU2xsUFhZekphN2Z6TlBYNFgwdEVvMGdqNHZnVVRoUzFYaUMwNURfWGZLeV9UTjdYMGU0RE0?oc=5(https://www.ncrugby.org). It explores how the sport has transformed and gained traction in recent years.

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