SOUTH BEND, Ind. — UCLA Men's Rugby made the most of its first trip to South Bend, delivering a resilient performance to defeat Notre Dame, 33–21, Friday night at Stinson Rugby Field.
Under the lights in cold, blustery conditions, the Bruins rose to the occasion in a matchup featured as the NCR Friday Night Rugby Game of the Week on NCR TV. With both programs coming off tightly contested games, the stage was set for a hard-fought battle between two determined sides.
Notre Dame capitalized on home-field advantage early, striking first to put the Bruins on the back foot. UCLA responded with urgency, however, finding its footing and turning the momentum in its favor. The Bruins took the lead in the 20th minute and never relinquished it, building on their early response to pull away for a 12-point victory.
The result marked another important step forward for a UCLA squad continuing to grow with each outing. Facing a favored opponent on the road in challenging conditions, the Bruins showed the composure and determination required to deliver a statement win away from Westwood.
While the performance on the field took center stage, the trip offered a memorable experience beyond the final whistle. From an outstanding campus tour to the intensity of Friday night's contest, the visit showcased the best of collegiate rugby.
UCLA extends its sincere thanks to Coach Hickey and the entire Notre Dame Rugby community for their exceptional hospitality throughout the visit. Following the match, players and coaches from both programs came together over a shared meal, trading stories and reflecting on the contest. The postgame gathering was a fitting conclusion to a tremendous evening and a testament to the culture and tradition of the Notre Dame program.
The Bruins now turn their attention to another road challenge, heading to Hanover, New Hampshire, to face Dartmouth in the final match of the Scholars Cup. With another first checked off and valuable experience gained in South Bend, UCLA will look to carry its momentum into the next test as the squad continues to build throughout the season.
Final Score: UCLA 33, Notre Dame 21
Up Next: UCLA travels to Hanover, N.H., to take on Dartmouth in the final match of the Scholars Cup.
