Jesuit High School Sacramento’s varsity rugby team is in the middle of a strong season, currently holding a 6-3 record. Over the years, Jesuit’s Rugby program has won nine national championships and sent numerous players to compete at the highest levels, including the Rugby World Cup. 

Head Varsity Rugby Coach Andrew Acosta attested to the program’s tradition of success.

“The greatest part of coaching Jesuit rugby [is] the legacy of this program and the strong brotherhood it has created,” Coach Acosta said. “We have seen our players go on to win national championships in college, become All Americans, and represent the U.S. national team on rugby’s biggest stage by playing in the Rugby World Cup.”

This year is no different from any other, and the team’s goal remains unchanged. 

“Our focus is the same every season – to be the best rugby team in the nation,” Coach Acosta said. 

Jack Patock ’25 and Tristan McLoughlin ’25, both four-year varsity players and senior leaders, have played key roles in leading a team filled with experience. Jack believes the team needs to prioritize consistent and fundamental team play.

“We have a solid mix of experienced players and younger guys stepping up,” Jack said. “There’s a lot of talent across the board, which gives us flexibility and keeps competition high within the team.”

Jack is optimistic about the team’s depth because experienced players and younger athletes are rising to the occasion. 

“We need to focus on consistency—both in practice and in games,” Jack said. “Our fundamentals are strong, but if we can improve our communication and discipline, we’ll be tough to beat.” 

Tristan emphasizes that conditioning will hold a crucial role in the rugby team’s success. 

“The thing we lack is the conditioning because we often spudder out at the ends or don’t go into games with peak performance,” Tristan said. “The past two weeks conditioning has been [emphasized] and it has already made a noticeable difference.” 

Team members have built strong bonds with each other as they’ve faced intense competition throughout the season.

“Rugby is a tough sport, but the bond we build through it is unmatched,” Jack said. “The friendships and memories we make on and off the field are what make it special.” 

With nationals in Indiana starting on Friday, May 16, the team is determined to compete at the highest level. After their final game of the regular season on Wednesday, April 16, the rugby team will start preparing for nationals, aiming to build on their rich tradition of success.