MENS RUGBY
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The UCSD Men’s Rugby Team is a campus sports club and a registered United States of America Rugby Football Union team. We play in the Men’s Collegiate League, Division II of the Southern California Rugby Football Union and play against LBSU, USD, Claremont Colleges, ASU, Loyola, UCI, and Pepperdine.
In addition to playing all those teams during our regular season, we have a rich preseason with several tournaments. Annually, UCSD hosts the “Kings of the City” tournament, where UCSD takes on USD, SDSU, and Point Loma for bragging rights as the best team in San Diego. Another preseason highlight is the annual alumni game, where the current UCSD starters take on the Triton greats of the past.
After realignment within SCRFU Men's College division has put UCSD Men's Rugby in a position to have one of their best seasons in the last decade. Under the leadership of coach and former All-American Brian Kennedy, the Tritons have high hopes for a successful season and competition in post-season play.
We’re always looking for fresh talent.
NEWS AND RESULTS
Stay tuned for updates about upcoming events!
2/21/26 UCSD Win Over CSUN
The UC San Diego rugby team took the field with intensity and focus, quickly establishing dominance early in the match. Within the first quarter alone, they secured multiple tries, setting a commanding tone that carried throughout the game. This performance was especially significant given that many players had been dealing with injuries in recent weeks, making this one of the first matches in some time where the men’s team competed at full strength. With renewed cohesion and energy, the team delivered an impressive showing, ultimately securing a decisive 59–10 victory.
1/24/26 - UCSD vs Cal State Long Beach
This was a challenging matchup for UCSD, as the team entered the game dealing with multiple injuries and was forced to play without any available bench players. Despite the lack of depth and mounting fatigue, UCSD continued to compete with resilience and determination throughout the game. The team showed particular grit in the second half, tightening up defensively and pushing the pace to generate scoring opportunities against a strong and well-rounded Long Beach squad. However, the early deficit proved difficult to overcome, and Long Beach was able to maintain control of the game by capitalizing on their depth and consistency. While UCSD’s effort never wavered, the size of the lead ultimately prevented a comeback, and the game concluded with a final score of UCSD 13, Long Beach 45.
10/26/25 - UCSD takes on USD and SDSU
UCSD Men’s Rugby competed in a hard-fought series of matches this weekend, facing off against SDSU and USD. Despite a strong effort and physical play throughout the match, UCSD ultimately came up short against SDSU in a competitive contest. The team regrouped and showed resilience in their next matchup, earning a solid win against USD through disciplined defense, strong ball movement, and consistent teamwork. Strong leadership on the field and high energy from the sidelines played a key role in maintaining momentum. Overall, the event showcased the team’s determination, growth, and ability to bounce back, setting a positive tone as the squad continues to prepare for upcoming matches.
3/1/25 - UCSD vs LMU 
Following a disappointing loss the previous week, the UC San Diego Tritons entered their matchup against Loyola Marymount University with determination and focus. Their hard work in training paid off, as they secured a commanding 32-17 victory over a disciplined LMU squad.
The match began with early challenges, as the Tritons struggled with discipline at the rucks, conceding repeated penalties that led to an unconverted LMU try. However, UCSD quickly adapted, tightening their play and implementing a structured game plan. Their efforts were rewarded with a precise 40-meter penalty kick by Sebastian Chilcott, putting the Tritons on the scoreboard. Shortly after, a well-executed forward phase play led to a wide pass to winger Jaan Andersons, who finished in the corner to give UCSD the lead. Gaining momentum, fullback Ruben Rodriguez sliced through the defense for a clean try, followed by a clinical team effort resulting in center Ming Chang crossing the line. Chilcott’s successful conversion closed the first half with the Tritons leading 20-5.
The second half saw UCSD maintain high intensity and physicality. LMU responded with a strong attacking sequence, breaking through for a try to narrow the gap to 20-10. However, the Tritons remained composed, with fast phase play and tactical organization by Chilcott and Sam Fisher setting up another try for Chang, extending the lead to 25-10. LMU fought back, scoring once more to stay in contention at 25-17 with 15 minutes remaining. To seal the victory, Micah Pratt showcased his speed, running the length of the field for the final try, securing the Tritons’ 32-17 triumph.
The team should take pride in this well-earned victory, with standout performances from Ruben Rodriguez, Calvin Berkely, and Henry Bakeman, who were recognized as Back of the Match, Forward of the Match, and Man of the Match, respectively. This win reflects the Tritons’ resilience and growth as they continue to build momentum for the season ahead.
2/22/25 - Tritons vs USC
The UC San Diego Tritons encountered their first loss of the regular season in a hard-fought territorial battle against the University of Southern California Trojans. After 80 minutes of intense competition, the Tritons fell 17-5 to a well-prepared USC side.
The first half saw a fiercely contested matchup against the Trojans' fast-paced and dynamic lineup. Despite being under constant pressure and defending in their own 22 for much of the half, the Tritons held strong, conceding only one try. Demonstrating resilience, UCSD responded with an unconverted try in the corner by flanker Thomas Catterall, keeping them within striking distance as they headed into the second half.
After the break, the Tritons came out with renewed energy and spent a significant portion of the half in USC’s 22. Their forwards worked tirelessly, making powerful carries and controlling possession, yet they were unable to capitalize on key scoring opportunities. Late in the game, two quick breaks from the Trojans sealed the match, widening the gap and securing their victory.
Despite the setback, the Tritons view this match as a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. The game highlighted their ability to compete at a high level and provided valuable lessons to refine their attacking strategies moving forward.
2/8/25 - Tritons Rally for Comeback Win Against Point Loma
Tritons Rally for Comeback Win Against Point Loma The UCSD Tritons staged an impressive second-half comeback to defeat Point Loma 31-17 on Saturday. After trailing 17-0 at halftime, they turned the tide with a dominant performance to secure the victory. Point Loma’s fast-paced attack initially overwhelmed the Tritons, utilizing quick rucks and powerful runners to break through the defense. Their relentless pressure led to three first-half tries, leaving UCSD struggling to maintain possession and defensive structure. However, the Tritons responded with resilience. Led by experienced seniors and coaches, they took control of the game’s tempo in the second half. The comeback began with a try in the corner from the backline, followed by center Sam Fisher crossing the line. A pivotal moment came when Jaan Andersons returned a clearance kick with a stunning 70m sprint, beating three defenders to score under the posts. With momentum on their side, Ruben Rodriguez’s quick footwork led to another try, leveling the score at 17-17. UCSD then pulled ahead when Leo Jay finished off a pinpoint kick from Sebastian Chilcott, putting the Tritons up 24-17. Jay struck again with a powerful line break, sealing the win with Chilcott converting for the final 31-17 score. Sebastian Chilcott’s game management earned him Back of the Match honors, while Ansel Espinosa fought through a shoulder injury to be named Forward of the Match. Micah Pratt’s relentless work at the ruck and dominant tackling earned him Man of the Match. The Tritons’ grit and composure turned what seemed like a lost cause into a statement win, proving their ability to overcome adversity in spectacular fashion.
1/25/25 - UCSD Wins Against Mira Costa 
The Tritons kicked off their 2025 season with a thrilling match against local rivals Mira Costa on January 25th. Following an intense preseason of scrimmages and rigorous training on the field and in the weight room, the team was ready to showcase their hard work.
At 1 PM, with adrenaline coursing through their veins, the Tritons took the field at Warren Field, receiving the kick-off from Mira Costa. Fierce winds set the stage for a fast-paced, high-impact game, made even more intense by the added pressure of the UCSD Women’s Rugby team’s convincing victory over UC Santa Barbara earlier that day.
Mira Costa struck first, capitalizing on a strong forward push that led to a clean break and the opening try. The Tritons, however, quickly adapted, tightening their defense and focusing on the areas around the ruck to counter Mira Costa’s structured offense. This adjustment proved effective: the Triton forwards neutralized the heavy Mira Costa pack while the Triton backline’s relentless pressure forced knock-ons and turnovers. Captain Daniel Carrillo broke through for the Tritons’ first try, setting the tone for the match.
Maintaining their high-energy gameplay, the Tritons scored three additional first-half tries from Rookie Jaan Andersons, Sophomore Zach Schuler, and Senior Ming Chang. By halftime, the Tritons led decisively, holding Mira Costa to just one additional try.
Buoyed by confidence in their game plan, the Tritons carried their momentum into the second half. A swift chase following a deep kickoff saw Zach Schuler score again. However, as fatigue set in, the young Triton team grew overconfident, allowing Mira Costa to rally and close the gap to just four points.
Recognizing the shift in momentum, Sam Fisher implemented effective kicking tactics to gain a territorial advantage. Fisher then scored a critical try off a set piece, securing points under the posts. Micah Pratt followed with a powerful breakthrough of the defensive line, helping the Tritons maintain their lead. Despite the strong winds, Sebastien Chilcott managed to convert three kicks, earning his team six crucial points. The game concluded dramatically as Fisher kicked to touch off a set piece, sealing the Tritons’ 41-36 victory over Mira Costa.
Special Recognitions:
Forward of the Match: Gerard Luzon, for his hard-hitting defense.
Back of the Match: Jaan Andersons showcased remarkable speed and strength.
Player of the Match: Micah Pratt, for his all-around exceptional performance.
11/23/24 - San Diego City Championships
On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the UCSD Tritons hosted the annual Rugby City Championship, San Diego’s premier rugby tournament. It was an action-packed day that showcased thrilling competition and the determination of the Tritons on their home turf.
Opening Match: UCSD vs. SDSU
The tournament started at 10 a.m. with UCSD taking on San Diego State University. With a strong starting 15, the Tritons dominated possessions early. Powerhouse forwards like Daniel Carrillo and Gauthier Bodet led the charge with hard-hitting carries, while the backline’s agility and precision set the stage for an explosive start. A brilliant sequence of play saw Henry Bakeman break through three SDSU defenders to score under the posts.
UCSD’s relentless pressure continued, creating opportunities for players like Luca Boccalato, who capitalized on an opening to score a try in the corner. Despite the Tritons’ commanding performance, SDSU managed a daring counterattack, breaking through the Triton defense to score a try of their own just before halftime.
The second half opened with UCSD under pressure, leading by only seven points. The front-row dominance of Gerard Luzon and Daniel Carrillo proved pivotal, as the Tritons consistently overpowered SDSU scrums to regain possession. However, minor errors allowed SDSU to score another try, narrowing the lead to only two points. Responding to the challenge, the Tritons turned up the intensity, maintaining territorial advantage. Sam Fisher’s decisive try off a penalty sealed a hard-fought 19–10 victory, with Sebastian Chilcott successfully converting two out of three tries.
The Championship Final: UCSD vs. USD
Fired up for the finals, the Tritons faced defending champions USD. A well-placed kickoff from Sebastian Chilcott allowed UCSD’s loose forwards to gain early possession deep in USD territory. Strong drives by the forwards brought the Tritons tantalizingly close to the try line, but USD’s disciplined defense held firm, forcing errors and turning them into scoring opportunities.
The defending champions displayed their experience, capitalizing on UCSD’s mistakes to score multiple tries. Despite the uphill battle, UCSD delivered standout individual performances. Chilcott’s dazzling footwork breached USD’s seemingly impenetrable defense, while Henry Bakeman’s relentless power consistently demanded multiple defenders. Gauthier Bodet showed remarkable resilience, delivering ferocious tackles and strong runs despite recovering from a recent injury. In the backfield, Ruben Rodrigues demonstrated excellent positional awareness, exploiting USD’s errant kicks. Ultimately, the Tritons fell to USD with a final score of 45–0. Despite the loss, the captains and coaching staff commended the team for their effort against the reigning National Champions.
The Final Matches: Development and Determination
To close the day, UCSD faced the second teams of USD and SDSU. These games provided valuable opportunities for new Tritons to gain experience. Many players, despite participating in their third match of the day, displayed unwavering commitment and leadership.
Among the rookies, Jaan Andersons stood out with his physicality in the centers, while Malcom consistently broke through defensive lines with explosive runs. Though the Tritons didn’t secure victories, the matches proved to be a significant developmental milestone for the team’s younger players, whose growth was evident with each passing minute.
Looking Ahead
The Tritons are proud of their performance and grateful for the incredible support, particularly from the UCSD Women’s Rugby team, who cheered them on through all four matches. With the lessons learned from this tournament, the Tritons are gearing up for the 2025 season, aiming to claim the League Championship and establish their dominance in Southern California rugby.
Go Tritons!
10/26/24 - First Touch Rugby Social
On a bright sunny Sunday morning, the women’s and mens rugby teams got together at Warren to play a little social touch pi
ckup game style tournament. Despite the men coming off from a tough game the previous day, they still showed up and showed out. The purpose of this event was to give many of the rookie players a chance to run around and experience gameplay without the anxiety of being in a real match or being bull-dozed by a massive tackle. The vets would also get a chance to warm up their hands and get themselves in a competitive mindset for their first scrimmage against Miracosta and USD the week later. But at the end of the day, the main objective was to just get outside with the full UCSD rugby community and have some fun.
With the numbers, 4 teams were composed. The Neon Pumas, Bipolar Bengals, Orange Orangutang’s and Shirts. The tournament would be a round robin style, with each team playing each other before the points would be tallied to see who would play in a final. The Bipolar Bengals fell short with 1 loss and 2 draws, following the Shirts in 3rd place with 3 draws. In the final, we would see the Orange Orangutang’s with 1 win, 1 loss and 1 draw, against the undefeated Neon Pumas. In a shocking turn of events, the Orange Orangutang’s best the Neon Pumas in the final minutes with multiple tries by Luca Boccalato. An honourable mention to the lead try scorer Sebastien Chilcott from the Neon Pumas who put on a class display of athletic prowess.
With the final whistle, the day ended and the Orangutang’s were victorious. A solid turnout for the first touch social in a long time, and the first of many in the future. There’s nothing the rugby team loves more than a cheeky game of footy on a beautiful Sunday morning.
3/2/24 - Tritons lose league title in dramatic fashion
In an intense showdown, the USC Trojans snatched the league title from the UCSD Tritons in a game filled with turnovers, strategic plays, and a dramatic finish. The match kicked off with an electrifying start as UCSD's captain, Jackson Burchard, showcased his hard running and game sense. Within the first five minutes, Burchard capitalized on a quick tap penalty from Sam Fisher to score, setting an aggressive tone for the Tritons. This early lead, however, was just the beginning. Throughout the game, both teams faced challenges in maintaining possession, largely due to instability in the rucks. This resulted in numerous turnovers. Despite these obstacles, the Tritons managed to maintain a slender lead for the majority of the match. The Trojans scored just before the half, leaving the score at 7-8 at halftime. The score held for most of the match but it was in the last five minutes that the Trojans truly made their mark. Scoring twice in quick succession, the Trojans overturned the deficit and secured a 17-8 victory. These decisive moments not only clinched the win but also snatched the league title out of the Triton's hands. The loss is undoubtedly a bitter pill for the UCSD Tritons, who had led for the majority of the game and the season. However, the match highlighted the team's strengths and areas for improvement, setting the stage for future encounters between these two rugby powerhouses in the Gold Coast Conference Division 1AA.
2/17/24 - Dominant first half leads Tritons over Norco College
The triton's men's rugby team came out swinging on an early morning game in Norco, California vs the Norco College Mustangs. After pinning the Mustangs deep on the kickoff, Stuart Boynton was able to get an excellent chase down on their return kick and tap it down in the try zone for our first five points. From there, it was a very back-and-forth game field-position wise, as the tritons struggled with penalties but put up a lot of great goal-line defense to keep Norco's scoring low in the first half. Freshman Sam Fisher capped off an excellent performance with three tries and the tritons went into the final 15 minutes leading 36-10. After putting on some late subs, the Mustangs stormed back with two quick tries but it was not enough as the tritons capped off a stellar offensive performance for a win and a bonus point 36-24. Sam Fisher was named man of the match, while Seb Chilcott and Calvin Berkley were named back and forward of the match respectively.
2/10/24 - Tritons rugby improves to 2-0 in league, go top of division
In a formidable showcase of rugby, the UCSD Tritons delivered a masterclass in defense and offensive ingenuity, blanking the MiraCosta College Spartans 24-0. The highlight of the game was the Tritons' stout defense, especially in their half of the pitch, where they repelled every Spartan attempt to breach their lines with a combination of tactical intelligence and sheer physical resilience. The defensive effort was complemented by the offensive brilliance of senior outside center Kody Chuang, who scored two spectacular breakaway tries. Chuang's speed and agility were on full display as he sliced through the Spartan defense, turning well-executed counter-attacks into critical points for the Tritons. These moments of individual brilliance, coupled with a disciplined team effort, underscored a game where UCSD not only shut out their opponents but also showcased the depth of their tactical and athletic capabilities, solidifying their spot as the team to beat in the Division 1 Gold Coast Conference.
