Toreros Take It to The Wire

The University of San Diego Men’s Rugby Club capped off another exceptional season with a heart-stopping D1AA National Championship Final, falling just short in one of the most dramatic matches in recent memory. Despite the narrow 38-32 defeat to a determined University of St. Thomas squad, USD once again proved why it remains a powerhouse in collegiate rugby.

Coming into the weekend as four-time national champions over the past four years, the Toreros were determined to defend their legacy. They started strong in the semifinal against Iowa State, overcoming emotional swings and disciplined opposition to post a commanding 28-13 victory. Led by standout performances from scrumhalf Caleb Tomasin, flanker Sam Carlson, and center Paul Habeeb, USD showed the structure and maturity that has defined its recent dynasty.

The championship final was a clash of styles—USD’s relentless defensive structure and physical forward play against St. Thomas’s speed and kicking game. St. Thomas struck first with a clever chip-and-chase try, but USD responded with composure, calmly adding a penalty from Lucas Troughear before asserting their dominance with forward-driven phases. Carlson powered over for the first USD try, and Tomasin finished another after a slick midfield move from Habeeb.

The Toreros extended their lead to 24-10 after wing Jackson Short ripped through the defense just before the break. Even as St. Thomas closed the gap, USD refused to flinch. Super sub Josh Butler muscled over to briefly reclaim the lead at 29-24, and Troughear continued to be a steady hand with the boot.

But the game’s final moments were electric. After USD edged ahead with a clutch penalty to lead 32-31, the Torero defense stood tall, absorbing wave after wave of St. Thomas pressure. In the final seconds, a bounce of the ball on a grubber kick decided the match—a fingertip try by St. Thomas fullback Taonaishe Mapani flipped the outcome, 38-32, in the final moments.

While the final score may not have favored USD, the performance only strengthened the program’s reputation as a national rugby leader. With multiple All-Americans on the roster, a 3.30 team GPA, and a deep tradition of excellence in both 15s and 7s, USD continues to set the standard for what it means to be a student-athlete.

This final marked the end of an era for several key Torero players, who now leave behind a championship legacy that has transformed the program into a national brand. The game-worn jerseys from this incredible season are now being auctioned off to fund the next generation of Toreros—an opportunity for supporters to own a piece of USD history and help sustain its winning tradition.

In the end, both teams delivered a final worthy of the title. For USD, it was another chapter in a legacy defined by resilience, skill, and championship character. As the Toreros reload for the seasons to come, the standard remains unchanged: excellence in competition, in the classroom, and in the culture of collegiate rugby.