UCLA Men's Rugby closed out their fall D1A slate in emphatic fashion on Saturday, overpowering San Diego State 60–12 at Westwood. While the scoreboard showed dominance, the real victory for the Bruins came in the form of development: all 23 rostered players logged meaningful minutes, allowing the coaching staff to test new combinations, expand depth in key positions, and challenge the squad to execute their evolving detail under genuine match pressure.
Despite the lopsided result, it wasn't a flawless 80-minute performance—nor was it intended to be. The Bruins approached the contest as an opportunity to reinforce standards and build habits that will matter when the season tightens later in the year. At times the rhythm wavered, but the overall outcomes from both intent and effort pleased the staff, who have emphasized growth over perfection during the early stages of the campaign.
The scoring load was shared across the lineup, with multiple first-years and emerging contributors stepping confidently into larger roles. Set-piece accuracy, refreshed attacking shapes, and defensive system adjustments were all given a live run, providing valuable analysis and clarity heading into winter preparations.
Following the D1A match, the B-side continued its impressive surge, securing another convincing win and showcasing the program's expanding depth. The energy, selflessness, and competitiveness within the group have become a hallmark of UCLA's top-to-bottom culture—pushing standards in training and giving the entire program a stronger platform for long-term success.
With both sides firing and internal competition heating up, the Bruins leave November with momentum, maturity, and a clearer picture of the squad they're building for the months ahead.
The Bruins now have the Thanksgiving break to refresh and reset ahead of a very special final match for the fall quarter when the Bruins host Belmont Shore RFC for the annual Stu Ledsam Cup on Thursday night, 4th December.
Next up: The Stu Ledsam Cup - UCLA hosts Belmont Shore RFC on Thursday 4th December.
