WESTWOOD, Calif. — The field has felt different this past week. You can hear it in the contact sessions, see it in the urgency of the warm-ups, and feel it in the way the team huddles tightly before walking off training.

That edge isn't accidental.

UCLA Men's Rugby opens their 2025/26 D1A Conference season this Saturday, November 8, at the Intramural Rugby Field when they host Long Beach State in their first conference match of the year. The day begins with a B-side curtain raiser at 9:00 a.m., followed by the main event at 11:00 a.m.

Two matches.
One opponent.
A chance to set the tone for the season.

A New Voice in the Pack

The offseason brought a big addition to the coaching staff: Todd Thornley, stepping in as the new Forwards Coach.

And his impact has been immediate.

Thornley brings a high-performance background and a reputation for demanding detail and physical standards. In just a short time, he has reshaped how the forwards train — the urgency at the breakdown, the commitment in contact, and the confidence at set piece.

Players have been joking that every ruck feels like an exam, but they've bought in big time — and it shows.

"Todd's experience and technical detail has been great for our pack," said Head Coach Harry Bennett. "The boys are picking it up and are pushing themselves with the new detail. Early days, but Todd has already elevated our mindset and approach to player development."

With Thornley leading the forwards and Bennett driving the attack and identity, the Bruins feel much more balanced than even a few weeks ago.

The Opponent: Long Beach State

Long Beach State arrives with their usual punch: physical, creative, and ready to disrupt momentum. They prefer expansive, physical phase play and will try to make UCLA play the game on their terms.

UCLA, on the other hand?

They want speed.
They want discipline.
They want accuracy.

This one is going to come down to who controls tempo — and whether the Bruins' new systems are executed well.

A Squad With Something to Prove

Preseason hinted at what this group can be — faster ball movement, better decision-making, and a new level of internal competition. Leaders are stepping up. Young players are pushing through. And with Thornley sharpening the forwards, UCLA looks confident and hungry.

Saturday isn't just another game.
It's the opening chapter.

Match Day Schedule

Location: Intramural Rugby Field, UCLA (Westwood)

Admission: Free — supporters encouraged to arrive early

Live Stream: UCLA Rugby YouTube Channel

Here We Go

A new season.
A sharper focus.
A team ready to announce who they are.

Saturday morning, the Bruins write the first lines of their D1A conference season story.

Kickoff is at 11.
Be loud. Be early. Be there.