The San Diego Toreros blew out the San Diego State Aztecs in the fourth annual meeting between the two San Diego colleges with their highest scoring match in head-to-head history.
San Diego scored seven tries in the first half and three more in the second half.
It was the fourth annual meeting between the Toreros and Aztecs since 2021, nicknamed the Founders Cup. The Toreros won 26-7 in 2021, 44-26 in 2022 and 29-23 in 2023.
The Toreros continually found gaps in the San Diego State defense throughout the match and scored wide open tries.
Josh Butler and Caleb Tomasin each scored two tries in the first half. Chase Basson scored twice in the second half.
Fly-half Lucas Troughear made each of his six conversions in the first half. He finished the day going 8-for-9 on conversions and scored a try of his own.
It was a good test for the Aztecs under first-year head coach and former San Diego Legion player Ryan Matyas against one of the top teams in college rugby, although they play in different divisions.
While the Aztecs compete in the D1A men’s division and the Toreros compete in the D1AA men’s division, the Toreros are the defending D1AA champions and one of the premier colleges for rugby.
The Founders Cup became a celebration of local rugby with the main event being the Aztecs and Toreros annual match. Four local high school clubs – Francis Parker, JSerra, Laguna Beach and Santa Fe Christian – competed in round robin-style matches in the morning and San Diego’s professional team, the San Diego Legion, had a tent with some members of their team at Torero Stadium.
The coaching staff on both teams were also filled with former and current Legion players. San Diego State had Matyas and former Legion player Nick Lupian as an assistant coach. San Diego had Legion’s current outside center Marcel Brache and tight head prop Oliver Kane, who also formerly played for the Toreros, as assistant coaches to Purdon’s staff.
The B-sides for both clubs played following the match beginning at 4:08 p.m.
Up next: The Toreros will continue their chase for another national title in 2025. The Aztecs’ next match is on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, when they visit Cal Poly SLO.