February 28, 2026
Steuber Rugby Stadium
Stanford, CA
Stanford 26 – Fresno State 78
Stanford Men's Rugby hosted Fresno State over Family Weekend in their final XVs match of the season. The Cardinal played with energy and excitement in front of friends and family who had traveled from across the country and around the world to watch them compete.
The first half was what many of the players described as the best half of rugby they had played all season. It was competitive, exciting, and full of crowd-pleasing moments. From the opening kickoff, Cardinal flyhalf Jacob Bethell '29 pinned Fresno deep in their 22 meters. Bethell, from London, UK, has been a welcome addition to the program, bringing experience and creativity to the pitch after growing up playing rugby from a young age.
The Cardinal held possession for the first three minutes of the match. Lock Liam Boyd '29 added to the pressure when he stole a Fresno lineout just meters from the try line. Three phases later, Bethell spotted an unmarked short side and crossed for a converted try.
Fresno answered with a converted try of their own to level the score at 7–7 early in the match. In the 9th minute, another mishandled kickoff by the Bulldogs handed possession to the Cardinal inside the attacking 22. Five phases later, quick ball from scrumhalf Ihsaan Doola '26 found Bethell with 15 meters of space and winger Dylan McAdams '29 outside him. Bethell drew the defender and passed to McAdams, who still had work to do along the sideline. McAdams offloaded back inside to Bethell, who crossed for his second converted try of the match to give the Cardinal a 14–7 lead.
Fresno responded with four tries through their speedy and powerful backs. The Cardinal worked tirelessly to keep the Bulldogs out of their half. Bethell sent clearance kicks to relieve pressure, the forwards stole possession at lineouts, and the pack worked hard to secure ball at the ruck. With just three minutes remaining in the half, Fresno penalties put the Cardinal in scoring position just meters from the try line. The Cardinal forwards rose to the challenge, and hooker Jaime Cano '29 dove over for the try. Bethell slotted the conversion from close to the five-meter channel, demonstrating his precision and poise under pressure. The Cardinal went into halftime trailing 21–31.
Stanford carried that first-half momentum into the second half and scored early. A strong carry from captain Nolan Pierce '27 set the attacking platform, allowing Doola to connect with Bethell once more. Bethell dove over for his third try of the match, narrowing the margin to 26–31. Despite the early second-half effort and the Cardinals' grit, the lack of depth on the roster began to show as fatigue set in for the 17-player squad.
The team continued to fight until the final whistle, maintaining admirable work ethic, sportsmanship, and resilience despite the scoreline. Players and fans alike commented on the promising first half performance that demonstrated the continued progress of this young Cardinal team.
Special recognition goes to Anders Luffman '26, the team's lone graduating senior. Luffman has played nearly every position for the Cardinal during his time with the program and is widely regarded as one of the most versatile utility players to don the jersey. His work is not finished, as he will remain a steady force for the team during the upcoming rugby sevens season.
A shout-out as well to Carter Kling, who made his first appearance for the Cardinal. He will undoubtedly continue to make an impact as the team transitions from XVs to 7s this month, a variation of rugby union that will showcase the speed and athleticism of the Cardinal backs.
If you are unable to make it to the Farm, watch the matches live or on replay via the @StanfordClubSports YouTube channel. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @stanford_rugby for updates and match photos.
Tries: Jacob Bethell (3), Jaime Cano
Conversions: Jacob Bethell (3)
Stanford Men's Roster vs. Fresno State
Harris Layson • Jaime Cano • Terry Guo • Liam Boyd • Nolan Pierce • Ryan Mago • Nigel Willacy • Rohan Hartigan • Ihsaan Doola • Jacob Bethell • Dylan McAdams • Andrew Yang • Anders Luffman • Boyang Deng • Su Reh • Kyle Sisitsky • Carter Kling
