Notre Dame Claims Cup in Snowy Showdown as Big Ten Championship Concludes
- bturugby
- Nov 9
- 3 min read
SOUTH BEND, IN – The 2025 Big Ten Universities Rugby Championship wrapped up Sunday at Stinson Rugby Field beneath a blanket of heavy lake-effect snow, adding a dramatic twist to an already action-packed day of high-stakes collegiate rugby. Despite the wintry conditions, fans were treated to a thrilling slate of matches that highlighted the depth and determination of the conference’s programs.
Shield Final: Purdue 24, Illinois 19
Purdue kicked off Championship Sunday with a hard-fought 24–19 victory over Illinois in the Shield Final. In a back-and-forth contest, the resilient Boilermakers held off a late Illini surge to close the match and their season on a high note
Bowl Final: Ohio State 73, Michigan State 19
Ohio State delivered the day’s most dominant performance in the Bowl Final, overwhelming Michigan State 73-19 with a relentless display of speed and precision. The Buckeyes’ backline carved through the Spartans’ defense, turning the contest into a showcase of attacking flair.
Plate Final: Wisconsin 22, Michigan 21
In perhaps the most dramatic finish of the day, Wisconsin edged Michigan 22–21 in the Plate Final to claim third place overall. The Badgers’ composure under pressure proved decisive as they held off the Wolverines over the final 20 minutes and thwarted a last-minute breakaway to secure the narrowest of victories.
Cup Final: Notre Dame 12, Indiana 0
In a rematch of last year’s semifinal, the Cup Final saw host Notre Dame shut out Indiana in a gritty 12–0 victory amid relentless snow. With visibility obscured and footing treacherous, the Irish relied on tactical discipline and unwavering defense to stifle the Hoosiers’ attack. Their ability to adapt to the harsh conditions and execute under pressure proved decisive, securing the conference title on home turf.
Notre Dame broke through in the 29th minute with a powerful lineout maul finished by loosehead prop Andrew Cansfield, giving the Irish a 5–0 lead that held through much of the match. As conditions worsened and scoring chances became scarce, it was 8-man Jack Waterhouse who delivered the dagger—blasting through the line for a long-range try in the 75th minute to seal the win.
Second Side Championship: Ohio State 28, Indiana 12
The Buckeyes captured their third straight JV Championship with a 28–12 win over Indiana, reaffirming their dominance in the Second Side division. In a rematch of last year’s final, both teams showcased impressive depth, but Ohio State’s execution and athleticism set the tone early. The Buckeyes surged to a 25–7 halftime lead before heavy snowfall slowed the pace and scoring in the second half. The result underscored Ohio State’s growing pipeline of talent and their ability to perform in challenging conditions.
Despite the frigid temperatures and swirling snow, the spirit of competition burned bright throughout the day. The 2025 Championship Weekend not only delivered memorable rugby but also reinforced the strength and parity across the Big Ten Universities Rugby Conference.
Full Schedule
Match | Team | Score | Team | Score |
Shield Final | Purdue | 24 | Illinois | 19 |
Bowl Final | Michigan State | 19 | Ohio State | 73 |
Plate Final | Wisconsin | 22 | Michigan | 21 |
Championship Final | Indiana | 0 | Notre Dame | 12 |
Second Side Competitions
Match | Team | Score | Team | Score |
Second Side Championship | Indiana | 12 | Ohio State | 28 |
Purdue | 10 | Illinois | 32 |
About Big Ten Universities Rugby Conference
Founded in 2012, the Big Ten Universities Rugby Conference is an intercollegiate rugby competition in the United States with member clubs representing some of the largest and best academic public institutions in the country. Member clubs include; Indiana University, Purdue University, Michigan State University, Ohio State University, University of Illinois, University of Michigan, University of Notre Dame, and University of Wisconsin.
For more information, visit www.BigTenRugby.com and follow @BigTenRugby on Facebook (facebook.com/BTURugby) and Instagram (instagram.com/BigTenRugby).