BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Bowling Green State University (BGSU) club men's rugby team is on the cusp of glory, preparing to face the f Kentucky in the Division I-AA National Championship. The match is set for 3 p.m. ET on Saturday at SaberCats Stadium in Houston, Texas. Fans can watch the action live via subscription on The Rugby Network.
 
The championship game features the top two teams in the NCR Division I-AA rankings: the undefeated No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats and the No. 2 Bowling Green Falcons. Both programs enter the match as conference champions, with Kentucky reigning in the Southern Collegiate Rugby Conference (SCRC) and BGSU reclaiming dominance in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
 
Kentucky, the defending national champion, has been strong this season, boasting an 11-0-2 record. The Wildcats captured their second consecutive SCRC title and are seeking back-to-back national championships, having won the 2023 crown in commanding fashion over Louisville. BGSU is looking for its second-ever national title and first since 2018.
 
The Falcons, meanwhile, bring a 12-1 record to the final, fueled by a season of physical play and clutch performances. The team's recent victories over Clemson (29-18) and Virginia Tech (20-18) in the Collegiate Rugby Championship Quarterfinal and Semifinal rounds demonstrated their ability to win under pressure.
 
A Battle of Styles
The matchup promises to be a fierce contest between two well-rounded teams. BGSU's forward pack, led by senior No. 8 Phil Tracey, is a key strength, with the Falcons excelling in the scrum and lineout. Kentucky's balanced attack and championship pedigree, however, present a formidable challenge.
 
For Bowling Green, the path to Houston has been paved with resilience and thrilling finishes. After overcoming a 20-point deficit to beat Louisville 34-33 for the MAC title, the Falcons edged Virginia Tech with a dramatic 20-18 victory to secure their spot in the championship game.
 
Kentucky, on the other hand, has cruised through its schedule, relying on a blend of skill and discipline. As reigning champions, they are no strangers to the pressure of high-stakes rugby.
 
A Legacy of Excellence
Both teams carry rich traditions into the championship. Kentucky's recent dominance underscores its rise as a national power, while Bowling Green boasts one of the longest championship-winning streaks in collegiate athletics, with 42 MAC titles since 1982 and a national championship in 2018.
Fans can expect 80 minutes of hard-hitting rugby as these top programs vie for the national title. Whether it's Kentucky seeking to repeat or Bowling Green aiming to reclaim the crown, this championship clash is set to deliver a memorable finish to the season.