MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's rugby team will compete in the D1A Championship next weekend, facing Cal to set up a repeat of the championship matchups from 2018 and 2019.

The Running Eagles will travel to Indianapolis for the neutral-site championship with hopes of claiming the D1A title for the first time since the 2019 season. 

Entering the title game, the Running Eagles have an impressive 14-1 record after a flawless 8-0 record at home. The team's only loss came back in the Fall Season when the Running Eagles fell on the road to the Queens from Charlotte.

Since that loss, the men's program has been on a tear, outscoring opponents 532-103 over their last nine games. 

Most recently, Life University punched its ticket to the D1A final with a commanding win over Lindenwood in the semifinals.

The match started evenly, with both teams locked at 7-7 after the opening half. The Running Eagles struck first from a scrum inside Lindenwood's 22, as scrumhalf Bautista Araujo darted over for the try, converted by Bradley Crane. Lindenwood answered with gritty defense, scooping a turnover and sprinting down the sideline to level the score.

The game remained tightly contested through halftime, but after the break, Life U began to assert control. Crisp passing found wing Jordan Vassel for a try in the corner, and a well-placed kick set up a lineout that the Running Eagles mauled over for another score.

The Running Eagles' defense held strong throughout the entire second half. A final try sealed the result at 31-7.

With dominant second-half play and territorial control, the Running Eagles are back in the D1A final for the first time since their 2019 championship.

The Running Eagles' opponent, Cal, reached the final in 2018, losing to Life by a wide margin. The two teams then rematched again in 2019, with the Running Eagles again coming out on top in a 29-26 nail-biter. The Bears last made the championship in 2023 where they lost to Lindenwood. 

This will be the first meeting between Life U and Cal since the 2019 championship 

Kickoff on May 3rd at Kuntz Memorial Stadium is slated for 6:30 PM ET. 

Over the course of the entire weekend some of the best collegiate rugby talent will meet at the stadium for an unforgettable weekend of elite competition. 

Fans looking to attend the can purchase tickets, HERE.

Each hotel listed below is approximately 10 minutes from the stadium: 

• Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Indianapolis Hotel
• Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Downtown Indianapolis 
• Omni Severin Hotel
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Downtown Indianapolis

Fans can watch the match live by tuning in to the Rugby Network.