Vikings Take Flight: WWU Rugby Heads South to Face D1A Powerhouse Cal Poly

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – The Western Washington University (WWU) Men’s Rugby team is not interested in staying in their comfort zone. This Sunday, the Vikings continue their aggressive campaign to test themselves against the nation's elite, traveling to the Central Coast of California for a high-stakes showdown with Cal Poly.

While both programs share a rich heritage—WWU founded in 1957 and Cal Poly in 1966—this weekend represents a significant "step up" in weight class. WWU currently competes in the CRAA D1AA division, where they have recently dominated, currently holding the No. 1 ranking in the nation. Cal Poly, meanwhile, resides in D1A, the highest tier of collegiate rugby competition in the United States.

A Clash of Tiers

The Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA), sanctioned by USA Rugby, maintains a clear hierarchy. D1A is considered the premier level, and Cal Poly is a staple of the California Conference, a gauntlet that includes ten other formidable California schools.

For WWU Head Coach Adam Roberts, this exhibition match is less about the scoreboard and more about the "measuring stick."

"Expecting their best," Cal Poly Head Coach Chris O’Brien—a former USA Eagle and Eagle coach—reportedly told Roberts.

That "best" was on full display last weekend when Cal Poly decimated San Diego State (SDSU) with a staggering 91-27 victory. The Mustangs are currently in the midst of a brutal double-header weekend; they face Santa Clara University in a conference match on Saturday before turning their attention to the Vikings on Sunday.

History in the Making

While WWU and Cal Poly met once in a 7s tournament before the pandemic—a match where the Vikings emerged victorious—this Sunday marks their first-ever meeting in the traditional 15s format.

The Vikings are coming off a season of immense growth and national recognition. Despite being the "smaller" school in this matchup (Cal Poly boasts an enrollment of 22,000 compared to WWU’s 15,000), Western has earned a reputation for technical precision and grit. A strong performance in San Luis Obispo would not only solidify their D1AA top ranking but also send a message to the D1A community that the Vikings belong on the same pitch.

How to Watch

Rugby fans in Bellingham and beyond can catch the action live from San Luis Obispo. Cal Poly Rugby maintains an active presence on YouTube, with high-quality streams that typically draw between 500 and 1,000 viewers.

• When: Sunday, February 1st
• Time: 1:00 PM PST
• Where to Watch: Cal Poly Rugby YouTube Channel
• Connect: Cal Poly Rugby Facebook Page

Let’s get the Viking faithful online and push those viewing numbers up as WWU takes on one of the biggest challenges in program history.