California
Western Washington University
11/6/2026 8:30 AM | Rugby
Reigning National Champions Open XVs Play
BERKELEY – The California rugby team will play its first 15-a-side contest of the 2026-27 campaign Saturday afternoon against Western Washington University. The reigning national XVs champion Golden Bears will welcome the Vikings to Witter Rugby Field, with kickoff slated for 1 p.m. PT.
Cal is coming off a sweep of the West Coast Sevens circuit, where its top side went undefeated and claimed all three tournament titles in Los Angeles, Palo Alto and San Diego. The Bears spent most of the fall semester training in the Olympic version of the game before turning their focus to XVs play over the last three weeks.
The Bears and Vikings last met in 2025 at the WC7s tournament in Los Angeles, where Cal earned a 27-0 shutout victory. Returning players Nate Comiskey and John Warren each scored a try in the match, while Oliver Teague recorded two. Saturday's match will mark the first XVs competition between the two programs.
This will be the Vikings first season competing in the College Rugby Association of America's (CRAA) D1A division. Western Washington's move comes following a historic 2025-26 campaign in which the Vikings captured the CRAA D1AA National Championship. Western Washington defeated Iowa State 19-13 just one day after Cal captured the D1A title.
Western Washington did not compete in the WC7s tournament this year, instead focusing on XVs competition this fall. The Vikings' top side faced the University of Arizona on Oct.17, falling 52-7.
The Bears are projected to start nine frosh-soph providing an opportunity for players across the roster to gain valuable experience as Cal transitions back to 15-a-side competition. Starting wing Comiskey will play outside center and captain the side. Starting flanker Brice Muller will move to second row, providing injury cover for sophomore Arthur Braxton.
"Western Washington have requested to play our reserve side and we are materially honoring that request," said head coach Jack Clark. "We want the contest to be good for both teams. The boys we field will be excited for the opportunity."
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