BOYDS, Md. -- Kutztown University men's rugby brought home a third place finish at the Collegiate Rugby Championship National 7s, Saturday, after defeating Notre Dame, 24-12, at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

The Golden Bears bid for a national championship came to a close with a 17-10 setback against Wheeling in the semifinals. Kutztown battled the defending champs to the final whistle but it was the Cardinals prevailing in a rematch of the 2024 national championship match. Wheeling would go on to defeat Dartmouth, 14-12, for its third straight national title.

KU rebounded nicely to finish off a successful 4-1 weekend with a 24-12 victory over Notre Dame in the third place match.

The Golden Bears have produced top three finishes at the CRC National 7s five times in the last six seasons (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026). Kutztown concluded the spring with a 22-8-1 record in 7s play.