BERKELEY – 656 days removed from its last 7s match, California rugby returned to Witter Rugby Field on Friday for its first training of the fall. The Golden Bears are tentatively set to compete in multiple tournaments in October and November.
 
"It feels almost normal," head coach Jack Clark said. "The students are back in the classroom and we are all back on campus. Our early goal is to just get organized and operational. We have the makings of good leadership and there were definitely a bunch of guys trying to get better today."
 
The Bears will feature an experienced team this year with 32 upperclassmen including 20 seniors on the 60 player roster. Furthermore, Cal has retained 73 percent (11/15) of its roster which won the PAC Rugby 7s Title in 2019. One of those returners is junior flyhalf Sam Walsh.
 
"It feels great to have the team back together," Walsh said. "It was good to meet some of the new guys today and I'm excited to get the year started. Everyone is looking sharp and ready to get back into it. After getting injured during the last 7s season, I am excited to be back in the Berkeley blue and gold."
 
Walsh was on the 2019 All-PAC Rugby Second Team and has 16 tries and 30 conversions in 29 7s matches.
 
Another starter during the Bears' last 7s season is senior wing Nick Bloom who expressed his gratitude for being back on the field.
 
"It's good to be back," Bloom said. "It's been a long wait to get back on the pitch with a lot of work by the University, coaches and staff to get us to this point. I am grateful to have one last year with all of the boys. We haven't had a full season in two years, so we are excited to be back with a chance to build momentum and fire on all cylinders throughout the season."
 
Bloom has scored 10 tries in 13 7s appearances.
 
The Bears' roster will be complemented by 13 freshmen who will look to make names for themselves this fall. For an introduction to Cal's newest players, click here.
 
After going 2-1 in last spring's shortened XV's schedule, the Bears are tentatively set to compete in three tournaments this fall with the first coming on October 9 at Cal Poly. Cal also hopes to compete at the Treasure Island 7s Tournament as well as the PAC Rugby 7s. Dates for both tournaments are not yet confirmed.
 
Cal has won five 7s collegiate national championships since the game's inaugural championship tournament at the collegiate level in 2011. The Bears won five straight from 2013-2017. Furthermore, since the commencement of the Pac 7s Championship, Cal has won seven of the eight conference titles.
 
To follow Cal rugby this season, be sure to visit calbears.com/sports/mens-rugby or follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.