Cal Rugby Faces Off Against Army Black Knights at West Point

Date: March 12, 2026 | Time: 9:15 AM ET

Exciting Matchup Ahead

Following a heart-stopping 52-45 victory against the U.S. Naval Academy during homecoming weekend, the California Golden Bears rugby team will head to West Point for a highly-anticipated clash with the Army Black Knights on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 11 AM ET / 8 AM PT.

Recap of Last Weekend’s Thrilling Game

In their last outing, the Bears showcased their resilience by defeating a formidable Navy team, scoring eight tries through seven different players. The victory was especially notable as Cal played the last 24 minutes with one fewer player and the final 10 minutes with two fewer players. Additionally, Cal honored nine former national championship teams during a halftime celebration as part of its homecoming festivities.

Last Encounter and Previous Travel to West Point

The previous matchup between Cal and Army took place last season on March 15, resulting in a 24-19 win for the Bears. Key contributions came from players like Cade Crist and Masi Koi, with team captain Rand Santos adding two conversions. However, Cal endured a 27-14 defeat during their last visit to West Point on March 2, 2024.

Performance and Record of the Black Knights

Currently boasting an 8-2 record in the 2025-26 XV season, Army has enjoyed a strong start with victories over formidable opponents such as Guelph (38-28), Walsh (59-3), and Air Force (52-7). Their most recent triumph saw them overpower St. Thomas with a score of 57-14. The Black Knights’ only losses this season were against Life (35-7) and Navy (21-16).

Coach Insights

Head coach Jack Clark highlighted the challenges of playing at Warrior Field, emphasizing, “It is a difficult place to win, primarily because Army is an excellent team. The travel and potential foul weather only add to the challenge. We will need to operate at our highest level to secure a win.”

Expected Lineup for Cal Bears

The lineup for the Golden Bears is expected to have a few modifications but will remain largely consistent with the previous match. Captain Rand Santos is set to lead the team alongside fellow key players like Oliver Kirk, Cade Crist, and Brice Muller in the tight-five. Changes are expected in the back row, though Oliver Teague is likely to maintain his position. Solomon Williams will likely pair with Santos in the halfbacks, while Max Threlkeld will be critical in the centers, and Oliver Newall looks to secure the fullback position.

Stay Updated

For continuous updates and coverage on Cal rugby, follow the Bears on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Prepare for an exhilarating game as Cal takes on Army, promising a blend of passion, skill, and rugby tradition. Don’t miss a moment of this exciting matchup!