The Cali Circuit

In a nod to the globe-trotting SVNS Series, this year’s West Coast 7s (WC7) tournament saw the Toreros compete across the Golden State against some of the nations top collegiate rugby programs. After nearly staging the upset of the year against the California Golden Bears in last year’s WC7 Grand Final, USD saw it’s ranks depleted as the majority of that side graduated in May. With stops in Los Angeles, the Bay Area and San Diego, Coach Charlie Purdon’s new-look Toreros were eager to return to rugby’s faster format and continue their winning ways.

Early Success

The Toreros got off to a hot start in L.A., where Dignity Health Sports Park played host to the series’ first stop. After putting the Southern California Trojans to the sword 36-5, USD ran out against a Golden Bears second side comprised of their younger and developing players. Both clubs showed their youth as penalties, knock-ons and turnovers plagued both side in the opening two minutes before USD was able to capitalize on a Cal error and jump to a 7-0 lead with a Nate Leff try. The match then settled into a cagey back and forth affair with neither team able to pull away, however, Cal found themselves ahead 19-17 with 90 seconds left to play. After a failed jackal attempt by the Golden Bears, USD took advantage of the opportunity and worked the ball to Senior Chase Basson, who froze multiple defenders with a pair of dummy passes before running 60 meters to score the match’s final try. Despite the 24-19 win, USD would fall to the UCLA Bruins in their final match of the day. Nevertheless, the young Toreros showed that they had the grit, skills and care to pick up where they left off.

A Double Dose of Reality

Lessons were learned at Stanford’s Steuber Rugby Stadium, where the tour’s second stop saw USD matched against both Cal sides and the Oregon Ducks. Eager to avenge their loss in Los Angeles and fueled by home cooking, the Golden Bears first side mauled the Toreros 47-7 in the opening match. With several capped USA Eagles and a roster oozing All Americans, Cal put forth the sort of disciplined, clinical performance that has become synonymous with their program. Despite the thrashing, the day was far from over as a very skilled Oregon Ducks squad was eager to make a splash in their inaugural WC7 tournament. Showing tremendous grit, USD was able refocus and jump out to a 21-5 halftime lead against The Flock. A quick try breathed some life into the Oregon side, however, a spectacular 90-meter run by Johnny Butler Jr. sealed the deal for USD, who went on to win 26-17. In the final match of the day, Cal’s second side was able to down a visibly depleted USD side 31-5. Despite the gritty win against Oregon, USD left the Bay Area unfulfilled and reeling as they had been unable to execute their gameplan against either Cal side. With one stop left, the Toreros had one final opportunity to show that they belong in the upper echelon of collegiate rugby.

Seaside Success

The 2025 West Coast 7s tour culminated in a two-day throwdown in San Diego at the SoCal Sports Complex, where USD found themselves in a pool with Grand Canyon University, the Claremont Colleges, and Mira Costa College. The Toreros got off to a slow start on a foggy Saturday morning as they narrowly escaped an eager Claremont side, eeking out a 19-7 win against the Foxes. Nerves settled and adjustments made, the Toreros erupted for eight tries against Mira Costa College and rose to the top of the pool with a 48-0 win. Needing a win to secure the second seed in Sunday’s knockout stage, USD was in control of their destiny as they squared off against the GCU Antelopes. Yet, no plan survives contact with the enemy and the Lopes staged an incredible second half comeback to knockoff the Toreros, who finished the day in fourth place across both pools. While this position earned USD a berth in Sunday’s semifinals, they were slated to take on the Cal Golden Bears, who had yet to lose a match.

The eventual champions, Cal continued their winning ways and pitched a shutout against the Toreros, sending USD to the third place match against GCU. In what proved to be the most exciting match of the weekend, USD and GCU went blow for blow in the thrilling quarter-hour contest. After jumping out to a 14-0 lead, USD conceded a try just before halftime, giving GCU a lifeline heading into the final seven minutes. The Antelopes defense stifled USD for most of the half while also generating ample scoring opportunities, which they eagerly capitalized on. The Toreros trailed 19-17 with less than a minute to play and in desperate need of a spark, which came from one of the team’s youngest members. Freshman Ronan O’Rourke stripped the ball from a GCU runner with seconds left in regulation, providing USD with much needed possession. In a demonstration of skill and hard-won discipline, the Toreros marched down the pitch, forcing several GCU penalties on their march towards the try-zone. Taking advantage of a retreating GCU defensive line after an offsides penalty, Johnny Butler Jr raced through a gap between defenders and dotted down the match-winning try.

Room to Grow

Over the three West Coast 7s tournaments, USD Rugby solidified itself as a top-tier program able to consistently compete and win against larger, more established, and better funded varsity programs. This 7s season also provided ample opportunities for several young freshman to face off against the best programs in the nation, earning valuable experience despite taking some lumps in the process. These lessons will serve them well as they progress in their careers at USD but there is no doubt that the future of Toreros Rugby is bright indeed.

The lads must now prepare for their inaugural season of D1A rugby as they play host to the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos on Saturday November 15th at Manchester Field.

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