California and Life University To Meet in National Championship
For the second time in two years, The Life University Running Eagles (Marietta, GA) and The California Golden Bears will meet in the D1A Rugby National Championship.
Cal and Life have been two of the most dominant programs in collegiate rugby history, with Cal laying claim to 26 National Championships, since 1980 when USA Rugby began awarding national championships, and Life have won three in six years. The Running Eagles and Bears, met in last year’s National Championship- a game that Life won, convincingly, 60-5.
- Life and California met in 2018 National Championship, Life won 60-5.
- Life beat Lindenwood to qualify as the Eastern Champions
- Cal beat Saint Mary’s, 28-24, to qualify as the Western Champions
The powerhouses will contest the National Championships at Stevens Stadium in Santa Clara, CA on May 4th.
California and Life University To Meet in Rugby National Championship at Stevens Stadium- Santa Clara, CA on May 4
The Bears were the first team to qualify for the National Championship, after defeating SMC’s Gaels, 28-24.
3 players scored a combined 48 tries on the season
Junior wing Sam Cusano scored a try after time expired to claim their spot.
Cal has gone undefeated against D1A opponents on the year (12-0). Over the season they’ve been led by captain Nic Mirhashem who has scored 12 tries, wings Sam Cusano and Marcus Shankland and Outside Center Christian Dyer.
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The Running Eagles were second to secure their spot with a tough fought 27-19 win over conference rivals, Lindenwood. They are also undefeated on the year (9-0) and have not lost a game since 2017.
A second half comeback led by inspirational captain, Mitch Wilson saw Life get to their 7th consecutive National Championship game.
The Eagles have been led by a strong backline including All-Americans, Duncan Van Schalkwyk, Mitch Wilson and Harley Wheeler.
Article courtesy USA Rugby. Images courtesy CalBears