California Golden Bears Secure Spot in D1A Rugby National Championship
The California Golden Bears rugby team has advanced to the D1A National Collegiate Championship final after a commanding 59-19 victory over Saint Mary’s in the West Region semifinal. The win, secured at Witter Rugby Field in Berkeley on Saturday, April 25, 2026, marks the second consecutive year Cal has reached the title match.
Playing before a capacity crowd, the top-ranked Bears dominated their East Bay rivals from the outset. Nate Comiskey led the offensive charge with three tries, extending his team-leading season total to 21. His performance sparked a scoring surge that saw Cal unleash 31 unanswered points after an early 7-7 tie.
The victory sets up a highly anticipated rematch in the national championship game, scheduled for next Saturday in Indianapolis. Cal will face No. 2-ranked Navy, who advanced by overcoming a 21-0 halftime deficit to defeat Life University 35-21 in the other semifinal. Navy, appearing in the title game for the third time in four years, previously defeated Cal in the 2023 championship match.
Cal’s postseason dominance has been evident throughout the playoffs, outscoring opponents by a combined margin of 243-36 across three games. The Bears have now surpassed the 50-point mark in eight consecutive matches, reflecting a sustained offensive efficiency that has overwhelmed postseason competition.
With the win, Cal earns the opportunity to defend its national title and avenge its only loss of the season—a 52-45 defeat to Navy on March 7 in Berkeley.
Key Takeaways
- California defeated Saint Mary’s 59-19 in the D1A National Collegiate Championship semifinal.
- Nate Comiskey scored three tries, bringing his season total to a team-leading 21.
- Cal will face Navy in the national championship game in Indianapolis next Saturday.
- The Bears have reached the title match for the second straight year.
- Cal has surpassed 50 points in eight consecutive games during its postseason run.