LOS ANGELES – The UCLA Men's Rugby team returns home this Saturday to face longtime rival Cal Berkeley in a highly anticipated D1A League matchup at Wallis Annenberg Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 12:00PM PST. This contest marks a significant test for the Bruins as they continue to assert themselves in Division 1-A rugby.
Bruins Look to Build Momentum
UCLA enters the game off a strong season-opening victory, showcasing a fast, physical, and disciplined style of play. The Bruins have emphasized execution, game management, and off-the-ball work, areas Coach Harry Bennett identifies as key against top-tier opponents. "Cal is an experienced and well-structured side," Bennett said. "Our focus will be on disciplined execution, maintaining intensity, and backing each other up across every phase of the game."
Key Storylines
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Rivalry and History – UCLA-Cal matchups have a storied tradition, and while Cal consistently ranks among the nation's elite, the Bruins are aiming to showcase their rapid program growth and competitive edge at home.
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Set-Piece and Breakdown Battle – Success in scrums, lineouts, and rucks will be critical. UCLA has focused on improving these fundamentals during pre-season training.
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Home-Field Advantage – Wallis Annenberg Stadium will serve as a key factor, with Bruins fans, alumni, and families providing the energy behind the team.
Season Context
Saturday's match represents an early litmus test in UCLA's D1A League campaign. With the program emphasizing high work rate, discipline, and smart rugby, the Bruins are eager to measure themselves against one of the country's top college programs. The game will also be a good measure for UCLA's depth, which has been a huge priority for the coaches thus far.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and join the Bruins in supporting the team as they aim to build a foundation for a successful season.
Match Information
📍 Wallis Annenberg Stadium – Los Angeles, Calif.
🗓 Saturday, January 31, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM PT
📺 Live Stream: UCLA Rugby YouTube Channel
🏉 UCLA vs. UC Berkeley