League Play Heats Up In The Arizona Desert

The Toreros maintained their position atop the Southwestern Conference with a gutsy 39-12 win over the ASU Sun Devils on a sunny Saturday in Tempe. With this win, USD advanced to 3-0 in league play, meaning that they control their own destiny as teams begin jockeying for playoff positions.

2025 brought a new format to D1AA rugby in California, which has traditionally had kept its two leagues separate. Each club will now play two matches against clubs from the other California Conference, allowing for expanded opportunities and increased familiarity between the strongest collection of D1AA programs. For instance, USD opened their season against Fresno State, a team that prior to 2025, USD would not have played until regional playoffs. As such, there is more margin for error within your league schedule as a single loss no longer dashes your playoff hopes. Nevertheless, USD has ensured that they dictate their fate with wins over their first NorCal opponent and both Southwestern clubs. With three wins in hand and three matches ahead of them, the Toreros are halfway through their league play and show no signs of slowing down.

Next up for USD is a rematch against the Claremont Lions, this time at Parents Field on the Claremont-McKenna campus with kickoff at 1130 am.

Lucas Troughear kicks for touch after an ASU penalty.

Gavin Saville streaks upfield in the first half.

Josh Butler and Dustin Braun power over an ASU defender for a USD try.