ANTHONY SHARKEY / ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

JOSHUA FEINGOLD / CONTRIBUTOR

The USD men’s rugby team experienced immense success this season. The Toreros went undefeated and won all seven of their  matchups. On Saturday, March 22, the Toreros faced off against the Arizona  State Sun Devils.

The team was originally created in 1980 by Tim Klier and Johnny Purcell, but has seen its most success in recent years. The team won back-to-back championships in 2022 & 2023 in the 7-on-7 competition. In 2023 and 2024, the team went back-to-back again, this time in the 15-on-15 championship. 

The Torero Stadium had a lively crowd attending the team’s final regular season game. The team was opening for the San Diego Legion, San Diego’s own Major League Rugby (MLR) team, who has also experienced success this season, going 5-0 thus far. Food trucks were parked  outside the   stadium entrance, a live match commentator spoke over the microphone and crowds cheered. 

The collaboration between the Legion and USD rugby has been a pattern  thanks to Head   Coach Charlie Purdon. With his efforts, as well as through the drafting of USD players like Oliver Kane and Michael Ramos into the MLR, USD has made tight connections at the professional level. 

“I think it’s a very special opportunity for the players to be able to play on an MLR level surface and stadium,” Purdon stated. “Being able to connect all levels of rugby has a massive impact on the growth of the sport; the sharing of the knowledge of professional players, being able to share their experience and knowledge with younger players in community through my connections with all of them.”

The Toreros got off to a strong start during this unique game. They made multiple tries and conversions to take the lead with a score of 34-0 in the first half.  A “try” is when a team grounds the ball past the opponents’ goal line, earning five points, and a “conversion” is when a team kicks the ball through the uprights of the goalpost, earning two points. The Toreros took care of business in the second half as well, shutting out the Sun Devils with a final score of 53-0.

USD graduate student Jackson Short, who plays as a wing on the rugby team, recognized the accomplishments already achieved along with the possibilities of success in the future. 

“I’m most proud of the way we’ve thrived through adversity this regular season and how it’s helped us grow as a team,” Short reflected. “For the postseason, I’m excited for another opportunity to represent the club on a national stage. Also, there are many new contributors on our team this season, and I’m excited to watch them reach their full potential throughout these next competitions.”

In addition to Saturday’s big win, the Toreros went undefeated in the regular season. USD senior Dustin Braun, who plays as a lock, said that the team is aware of their reputation.

“We know we have a target on our backs,” Braun said. “Other teams see us as the alpha and want to take us down. That excites us.”

According to USD senior  Micky O’Leary, who plays as a scrum half, the best of the rugby team may be yet to come. 

“So far  I  think  we  are  still trying to put  forward our best performance,” O’Leary said. “But we are improving week on week. I am looking forward to the playoffs, which are just around the corner, and hopefully repeating our success from last season.” 

Purdon also highlighted that the culture of the team is something that is integral to their success. 

“Bloody hard work, emptying the tank for each other and holding each other accountable,” Purdon listed as core parts of the team’s mindset. “It’s about enjoying  the process of building something bigger than ourselves.”

The players shared similar sentiments on the team’s genuine connection.

“Our culture is very tight-knit,” O’Leary said. “We try to come to training together with a Blue Collar Mindset. A no-excuses mindset where you put on your boots and give it your all each and every day.” 

“When  things  get  tough, I look to my left  and right,” Braun said. “Seeing my teammates suffering alongside me is all the motivation I need.”

It is safe to say their mentality has certainly paid off this season. The USD men’s rugby team is marching off to the playoffs. They play at home on April 5th, seeking yet another title.

The USD rugby team in a group ruck— a human pile during a game. Photo courtesy of @cvaikonaphoto/Instagram