Wildcats Welcome Bears to Sitton

TOP-TEN CLASH AWAITS AS ARIZONA WELCOMES CAL

#4 CAL VS #10 ARIZONA

Aiden Kemp and the Wildcats will look to defend home turf. (Photo credits: Tyler Horton)

Feb 13- Arizona has announced the side that will host #3 California Golden Bears rugby this weekend at Sitton Field in a Valentine’s Day clash between two top-ten programs.

Matteo Berenger leads the Wildcats from fullback, where Arizona’s back three will look to find space against last year’s national champions. Connor McIsaac and Saxon Gerstl continue their strong form in the halves, while Ethan Heim earns a start after an electric performance off the bench in the win over St. Thomas.

Up front, Isaac Morrill, Dalton Slaughter, and National Player of the Week Henry Langrish return to anchor the front row. Aiden Kemp headlines a dynamic back row unit after an impressive showing against the Bobcats two weeks ago.

“Aiden has really taken that next step, and he’s part of a back row group with Jacob, Braedon, and Will that can make a real impact all over the field,” said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy.

Impact off the bench will again be critical, with scrumhalf Lucas Smith, prop Jack Kerrigan, and wing Parker Beilke prepared to make their mark.

“Cal is a good side that we look forward to playing, and we know that on a weekly basis against a schedule as tough as ours it will take all 23,” said Duffy.

Cal enters the match 3–0 this spring, most recently defeating the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds rugby 38–7. The two sides last met in the national quarterfinal, a match the Wildcats have not forgotten.

Kickoff is set for 1 PM on Valentine’s Day at Sitton Field, with the Arizona 2nd XV following immediately after. Admission is free for all UA students and staff with a Catcard.

To watch the match live, click here.

Arizona's full schedule can be found here.

Arizona vs St. Thomas

6- Jacob Jaffe

8- Aiden Kemp