September 12, 2026

Stanford Men's Rugby vs Banbridge RFC
Rifle Park
Arderys Lane
Banbridge, United Kingdom

Stanford 29 - Banbridge 36
 

BANBRIDGE, Northern Ireland — Stanford Men's Rugby opened its first international tour in nine years with a spirited 36–29 loss to Banbridge RFC on Saturday, September 12, at Rifle Park.

Hosted by Banbridge during the Irish club's centennial year, Stanford took part in a high-level, back-and-forth contest that remained full of excitement from start to finish. The Cardinal, who had been training in Belfast since arriving Thursday, met a strong and respectful Banbridge side in a match defined by physical play, attacking intent, and repeated momentum shifts.

Stanford crossed for four tries on the day, with Taki Rifai scoring twice and Max Burns and Nolan Pierce each adding a try. Rohan Hartigan contributed 9 points from the boot, converting three tries and adding a penalty kick.

While Banbridge ultimately edged the result, Stanford created several additional near-scoring opportunities and continued to compete throughout the full 80 minutes. The collective effort, quality of play, and mutual respect between the teams made the match a memorable occasion for the touring side.

Several Stanford players described the contest as the best match they had ever played and the most fun they had experienced in a game. The atmosphere at Rifle Park, combined with the strength of the opposition and Stanford's own attacking performance, made the fixture a fitting opening test for the Cardinal's long-awaited return to international touring.

Stanford will travel to Dublin on Monday to train at Sport Ireland in preparation for their match against Trinity College at College Park in Dublin.
 

Final Score: Banbridge RFC 36, Stanford Men's Rugby 29

Tries: Taki Rifai (2), Max Burns, Nolan Pierce
Conversions: Rohan Hartigan (3)
Penalty Kick: Rohan Hartigan