BERKELEY – California rugby will make 17 additions to the Golden Bears' roster for the 2024-25 academic year. In the storied program's 143rd year, the group of newcomers is poised to bring impressive athletic and academic backgrounds to Berkeley.
"We believe this class has significant potential on the rugby field and, most importantly, they are a fit academically and from a character standpoint for our team," Cal head coach JackClark said. "Our University and team is fortunate to be joined by these young men."
Seven newcomers hail from California, with all but one coming from the surrounding Bay Area regions. Three players join the Bears from out of state while the balance of the crop comes from international backgrounds. Thirteen of the 17 newcomers have U.S. citizenship. Find out more about the Blue & Gold's latest additions below.
CALIFORNIA
Chris Biller
Chris Biller is a 6-foot, 205-pound center who comes from Concord. He attended De La Salle High School where he played rugby and football. Biller, a U.S. Citizen and two-time Cal Rugby Summer Camp attendee, was named MVP his senior year on his high school rugby team. Also accomplished on the gridiron, he earned Lineman of the Year and was named an All State Defensive Lineman his senior year.
Biller is the son of Cal rugby alumnus and All-American Chris Biller, who went on to play internationally for the USA Eagles. His mother, Morgan Mendez, is a digital merchandise manager. Biller intends to study political science at Cal. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys traveling, working out and playing basketball.
"I couldn't be happier to join Cal rugby," Biller said. "Having the opportunity to compete in the highest caliber rugby along with broadening my academic prowess is such an honor. I'm most looking forward to meeting a group of like-minded individuals and sharing a common goal."
Broc Daily
Broc Daily is a 6-foot, 205-pound hooker from Granite Bay. The U.S. citizen and Cal Rugby Summer camp attendee comes from Granite Bay High School where he earned the Academic Merit Award for his excellence in the classroom.
Daily played club rugby for the Granite Bay Grizzlies, who were the 2022 Boys Club National Champions and NorCal Champions in 2023. There, Daily was coached by former Cal All-American and USA Eagle, Chris Miller. Daily will rejoin former Grizzlies teammates Bryan Bogne, Jayden Flores, Jackson Launey and Talae Tuimaunei on Cal's roster, in addition to junior year teammate and fellow newcomer Masi Koi.
Daily's mother, Halee, is the VP of Production/Place at Envoy Mortgage while his father, Jim, is an athletic field manager for the San Juan school district. His major is currently undecided. In his free time, Daily enjoys golfing, hiking and refereeing youth rugby matches.
"Joining Cal rugby and pursuing my studies at this University is an honor," Daily said. "I will be a part of a storied athletic program that embodies success, discipline and teamwork, as well as attending a university that is committed to the highest standards in education. I'm looking forward to meeting and forming a close bond with my new teammates and to progress on the pitch, as well as in the classroom."
Seamus Deely
Seamus Deely is a lock who stands at 6-foot-5 and 225-pounds. He comes to Cal from Danville where he attended San Ramon Valley High School. There, he was an All-State Basketball player for the CIF Division 1 State runners-up team in 2024. Deely, a U.S. citizen and three-time Cal Rugby Summer Camp attendee, was twice named to the First Team All Bay Area for basketball in 2023 and '24.
Deely played club rugby for the Danville Oaks, coached by Cal Hall of Famer and former U.S. international Kort Schubert. He will rejoin fellow Danville Oaks alums Tyler Lenk and Nate Comiskey and fellow incoming freshman Talan Jones on the Cal roster.
Deely is the son of Mike, who is a retired San Francisco police officer, and Peg Deely, who is a teacher. The Deely family is deeply rooted at Cal, with Seamus being the fourth sibling to attend the University and the third to be a student-athlete. His older brother, Jack, was a two-time national champion and All-American water polo player who graduated from Cal in 2022. His brother Pat, class of 2024, was a starting member of the Cal rugby team and his sister, Claire, is a rising junior at Cal. Deely intends to pursue a degree in media studies at Cal.
"It's an honor to be joining Cal rugby and to be a part of such a historic program, and to be able to do that at such an elite academic University like Cal only makes it better," Deely said. "I'm most looking forward to being around the team and getting to know everyone."
Talan Jones
Talan Jones is a flanker from Danville who attended Monte Vista High School, where he was the Presidential Award winner, a member of the honor roll and named a scholar-athlete. The 6-foot, 210-pound forward played for the Danville Oaks Rugby Club under the tutelage of alumnus Kort Schubert. Jones, a U.S. citizen, will rejoin fellow Danville Oaks alums Tyler Lenk and Nate Comiskey and fellow incoming freshman Seamus Deely on the Cal roster. He attended Cal Rugby Summer Camp twice.
Jones is the son of Troy, the owner of Pacific Printing, and Shawnel Jones. His family has a history in college athletics, with his grandfather, Bob Jones, and uncle, Steve Jones, Brigham Young football alumni and his uncle, Harold Jones, a USC basketball alum. Jones will pursue his studies in the College of Letters & Science at Cal; his major is undecided. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping and boating.
"It's an honor to play for such a great program that has had a lot of great players go through, and the opportunity to play for Coach Clark and Coach Billups," Jones said. "That's something not many people get to do, and getting a great education from Cal is a bonus, too. I'm looking forward to being able to play with old teammates and people I once played against all with the goal of winning together."
Thomas "Masi" Koi
Thomas "Masi" Koi is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound back who comes from Sacramento. Koi, a U.S. citizen, attended Elk Grove High School where he played football for two years and was a member of the Polynesian club. A Cal Rugby Summer Camp attendee, Koi also played for the Granite Bay Grizzlies rugby club and was instructed by alumnus Chris Miller. Koi also played club rugby for the Sacpal Islanders in his senior year.
Koi is the son of Wayne, a technician, and Tarrah Koi, an airport employee. His sister plays rugby at Sacramento State.
"It is an opportunity from the coaches and the Lord for me to be the best rugby player and student that I can be," Koi said. "To be educated at this school and play for this top competitive rugby team is a goal for many which I have reached. I am looking forward to developing into a new player as well as forming another family with brothers."
Jude Sheppard
Jude Sheppard is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound back who features primarily at outside center and wing. Sheppard, a U.S. citizen originally from Clovis, went to the Logos Christian Conservatory. A Cal Rugby Summer Camp attendee, Sheppard also played club rugby for the CenCal Rugby Club and was named both league MVP and Team MVP in the 2024 season.
Sheppard's mother, Niki, is a teacher and his father, Adam is a physical therapist who was a former two-sport student-athlete in swimming and running at Auburn. In his free time, Sheppard enjoys building and fixing cars and photography. He intends to study business at Cal.
"I am extremely excited and honored to have the opportunity to continue my athletic and academic career at Cal," Sheppard said. "I've always worked and dreamed of becoming a collegiate athlete, and now that I have this opportunity, I am stoked that I get to see my work and dreams come to life. I am looking forward to growing my rugby skills while being pushed by my teammates, coaches and opposition."
OUT-OF-STATE
Oliver Kirk
Oliver Kirk is a 6-foot, 230-pound front rower from Chicago. Kirk attended Walter Payton College Preparatory in Chicago and studied at Nelson College in Nelson, New Zealand. While at Nelson College, he was named to the school's First XV rugby side in 2023 and '24 and was a part of the Canterbury Region First XV runner-up squad in 2023. There, he was also the U.S. Rugby Foundation Nelson College Scholarship recipient in both 2023 and '24. Kirk, a U.S. citizen, was a dual-sport athlete, playing varsity soccer in addition to rugby in high school.
Kirk played club rugby for the Chicago Lions and was instructed by Cal alum Clayton Miller. Kirk was named the Lions' co-captain from 2022-24. The club was Illinois Division II state champion in 2023, earned first place at the Urban Rugby Championship in 2023 and tied for first in 2022.
Kirk is the son of Carolyn, a retired consultant, and Daniel Kirk, the CFO of BP Capital Management LLC. An excellent student, Kirk was an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and an Illinois State Scholar. He intends to study computer science at Cal. Outside the classroom, Kirk is a North Lawndale Athletic & Recreation Association volunteer and a Lions Rookie Rugby coach.
"It is an incredible honor to be able to attend a school as well regarded as Cal," Kirk said. "Not only am I able to learn and grow at one of the most reputable universities in the country, but I am able to play on one of the most storied rugby teams in the country. I feel so grateful to be able to immerse myself in an environment designed to help me succeed in the classroom, on the pitch and out in the world. The Cal rugby team has some of the most experienced coaches and players in the nation, but they are still determined to keep pushing themselves to get better. I am most looking forward to playing on a team that is centered on continuous improvement."
Kimani Laumoli
Kimani Laumoli stands at 6-foot-4 and 269 pounds. The lock comes from Bowie, Maryland and attended Gonzaga College High School. The Gonzaga Eagles rugby team, instructed by Peter Baggetta, was back-to-back national champions in 2023 and '24, and Laumoli was named National Championship MVP in 2024. He will rejoin former Gonzaga Eagles teammates Miles Malone, J.P. Vinter and Emmett Cook on the Bears' roster. Laumoli, a U.S. citizen, attended the Cal Rugby Summer camp in 2023.
Laumoli is the son of Karen, a law firm administrator, and Maoa Laumoli, who works for DHL. In the classroom, he was an honor roll student, while outside of academics he was involved in the AAPI club and plays the euphonium. Laumoli intends to study business at Cal.
"I am excited to play under such a great coaching staff and to take my game to the next level," Laumoli said. "UC Berkeley is world-renowned, and I am eager to pursue my education there and am looking forward to befriending my new teammates."
William "Steele" Dombo
William "Steele" Dombo is a 6-foot-4, 225-pound center/backrower from Washington, D.C., Dombo, a U.S. citizen, attended Gonzaga College High School where he played rugby and football. Dombo was a part of the Gonzaga rugby team that most recently won back-to-back national championships.
Dombo is the son of Fred, a lawyer, and Michele Dombo, a construction manager. He intends to study economics at Cal.
"It means a lot to me to have the opportunity to join Cal rugby," Dombo said. "It is a great program backed by great education. I'm really looking forward to getting to know my teammates."
INTERNATIONAL
Thomas Archer
Thomas Archer is a 6-foot-4, 250-pound backrower from Johannesburg, South Africa. He attended St. John's College where he was a member of the school's First XV rugby side and on the team's leadership group as a match-day vice-captain and lineout leader. Archer was a two-sport athlete who also competed in cricket as the first team's vice-captain from 2022-23.
Outside of academics, Archer was heavily involved in his school's dramatic arts department as the stage manager of two award-winning shows. He also earned academic distinction, which led to his receipt of the John Airey Memorial Prize for extramural contribution in 2022, awarded for his contribution in excellence in rugby, cricket, drama, leadership and academics.
Archer is the son of Jake Archer, a fund manager at Rand Merchant Bank, and Michelle Roberts, a management consultant for The Strategists. His brother, Daniel, played rugby at Brown from 2019-2023. Archer intends to major in economics and pursue a minor in politics, philosophy and law at Cal.
"No other university offers the quality of a rugby program and the academic rigor that Cal offers, which is both an honor and a privilege to be a part of," Archer said. "The rugby club carries with it 140-odd years of history, so to represent the club is to represent a whole lot more than yourself, and I think that is a massive honor. I'm most looking forward to the team environment, friendships and memories created with the rugby team. With Cal being a big university, having this smaller community is exciting, and the memories created on and off the field will stick with me for life."
Filip Edstrom
Filip Edstrom is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound back who primarily plays at flyhalf and center. Originally from London, Edstrom attended Harrow School and was a First XV rugby player who served as the team's vice-captain in 2023 and '24. Edstrom was a part of the school's back-to-back national sevens squads in 2022 and '23, the 2024 national XV's championship side and the Daily Mail schools champions in 2022 and '23.
Edstrom, a Cal Rugby Summer Camp attendee, also played club rugby for the London Irish Academy, which was the U18 Premiership Academy champions in 2023.
Edstrom is the son of Martin, the CFO of Paragon, and Maryam, a financial advisor at MME Advisory. He plans to pursue a degree in global studies at Cal. In his free time, Edstrom enjoys playing soccer and learning languages.
"It means a lot to be admitted to a university like Cal because of all the hard work, dedication and time that has gone into it," Edstrom said. "Playing rugby at Cal on top of all of that is a dream come true, and I just can't wait to get started now. I'm looking forward to meeting all of the other players. Making friendships and making memories are the best parts of rugby, so I can't wait to get involved."
Noa Grasse
Noa Grasse is a 5-foot-8, 176-pound back who comes from Tokyo. Grasse, a U.S. citizen, attended The American School in Japan where he was a multisport athlete in football and soccer. His accolades on the gridiron include Varsity American Football Captain, Most Valuable Player and KPASSP All Star in 2023 and Most Valuable Offensive Back in 2022. His football team were the league champions in 2023. Grasse also played soccer at his school and was a part of the back-to-back KPASSP Varsity Soccer championship team in 2023 and '24.
Grasse played club rugby with the Tokyo Gaijin. He attended Cal Rugby Summer Camp in 2023.
Grasse is the son of Peter Grasse, a film producer, and Kaori Yoshimura. He intends to pursue a degree in interdisciplinary studies at Cal, with a special interest in media studies. Grasse is heavily involved with his community, tutoring f*ckushima Tsunami survivors and participating in sustainability and environmental custodianship groups. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, art and film, among other activities.
"I am thoroughly thrilled to play collegiate rugby at the highest level with a team that has a rich history and strong sense of brotherhood," Grasse said. "Additionally, I am excited to study at an institution that offers a world-class education, which will help me reach my fullest potential. I am looking forward to meeting new people and creating relationships that will last a lifetime. I am committed to working hard every day to improve not only as an athlete, but also as a person."
Oliver Teague
Oliver Teague is a 6-foot-1, 185 pound forward from Hong Kong. Teague, a U.S. citizen, studied at Wellington College in England, where he was captain of the school's First XV, which was ranked No. 7 nationally in the United Kingdom. The team was the St. Joseph's Plate winner in 2023 and the Rosslyn Park Quarterfinalists in 2024. Teague received numerous accolades from his school, including the Senior Boys Rugby Prize and the Old Wellingtonian Rugby Prize in 2024 and the Junior Boys Rugby Prize in 2022.
Off the pitch, Teague was a member of the Combined Cadet Force from 2021-24, a Deputy Head of Boarding House and leader of the Psychology Society.
Teague is the son of Paul, a Senior Vice President of U.K. and Europe at Earlytrade, and Teresa Teague, Chairman of the Board and Co-Founder of TTB Partners & TTB Sport. Teague intends on studying psychology at Cal.
"Joining Cal fills me with excitement since it is a fantastic opportunity to grow my mind as well as my passion for rugby, along with a taste of what life and culture is like on the U.S. West Coast," Teague said. "Cal produces some of the most respected people in all fields, so being able to take part in and add to UC Berkeley's rich history also excites me."
Alexander Vieira
Alexander Vieira is a 5-foot-9, 205-pound prop who comes to Cal from Lisbon, Portugal. Vieira spent time at the Brave Generation Academy in Lisbon for the start of his high school career before studying on exchange at the South African College High School in Cape Town. There, he was the first-ever student to arrive in their final year of studies and earn a spot on the first team of the school's rugby program.
Vieira played club rugby with the Grupo Dramático e Sportivo Cascais and was a part of the national champion runner-up squad in 2023. He was also the club's recipient of the Award for International Excellence from the Municipality of Cascais in 2023, the Award for Example & Leadership in 2022 and the Players Player Award in 2021. Additionally, Vieira played for the Portugal U20 side in 2023 and U18 squad in 2022.
Off the pitch, Vieira is heavily involved in his school and local community. He volunteers with his church as a Sunday school teacher and youth pastor, in addition to coaching rugby at a charity program for individuals with disabilities. Vieira also hones his musical talents in guitar, drums, piano and harmonica with his school band and produces his own music in his free time.
Vieira is the son of Timothy and Lidia Vieira, who are the founders of Brave Generation Academy. He hopes to pursue a degree in global studies at Cal with special interest in politics, philosophy and law.
"My admission to Cal has been an answer to many of my family's and my prayers," Vieira said. "I aim to take advantage of every opportunity at Cal, making all the sacrifices my family and loved ones made worth it. I am motivated to make an impact and make my four years at Cal special for my coaches, my teammates and myself. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to travel the country, make lifelong friends and pursue my love for rugby alongside like-minded and motivated people, and for the opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge of the game to help me achieve my lofty goals in rugby."
Vieira will be joining the team for spring term in January.
Cal will add a transfer for the 2024-25 academic year in Jack Byszio, who will join the rising sophom*ore class.
Jack Byszio
Jack Byszio is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound wing/fullback who most recently attended Babson. Originally from Frankfurt, Germany, he attended the Begemann Schule in Germany and spent time at Grey High School in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Byszio played for the SC Frankfurt 1880 club rugby team. There, he earned a recognition for excellent performance by the city of Frankfurt in 2016, '17, '18 and '22. His team was crowned back-to-back D1 German National Champions in 2021 and '22.
Byszio is the son of Annette, a lawyer, and Dr. Ulrich Byszio, an entrepreneur and former professional rugby player who made appearances in international competition for Team Germany in both XV's and sevens. Byszio intends on studying business at Cal. Outside of academics and athletics, he is a part of the "Byszio for Ukraine" organization, which provides shelter and assists with social integration for Ukranian refugee families.
"I am highly honored and thankful to be able to get the opportunity to represent such a historical and successful program as Cal rugby and to profit from the academic opportunities that Cal offers to its students," Byszio said. "I am looking forward to making a positive impact on the Cal rugby community, on and off the field, and to learn from experienced coaches and players to help the team succeed."
Also joining the Bears following their independent acceptances to the University are local Bay Area players, Charlie Vantress and Tomaaso Visentin.
Charlie Vantress
Charlie Vantress is a 5-foot-9, 160-pound scrumhalf from San Rafael. The U.S. citizen attended San Rafael High School, where he earned the President's Award for academic excellence.
Vantress, a two-time Cal Rugby Summer Camp attendee, played club rugby for the Marin Highlanders and captained the squad from 2023-24. He will rejoin former Highlanders teammates Ryan Marshall and Byron Finley on Cal's roster.
Vantress and the Marin Highlanders are coached by his father, John, who is a San Diego State rugby alumnus. His mother, Heather, and father are the owners of a Stinson Beach hotel, Sandpiper Lodging at the Beach. Vantress intends to study film at Cal.
"It has been a dream of mine since I was a child to play rugby for the California Golden Bears," Vantress said. "I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity to be a part of this historic rugby program while also receiving a world-class education. I am looking forward to getting to work with a great group of players and coaches, and creating lasting friendships."
Tommaso Visentin
Tommaso Visentin is a 6-foot, 185-pound backrower from Tiburon. U.S. citizen and a dual passport holder for Italy, Visentin most recently attended Redwood High School in Larkspur.
Visentin, a two-time Cal Rugby Summer Camp attendee, played for the Marin Highlanders. There, he was named the Highlanders' forward of the year in his senior season. Visentin also spent time with the Villorba Rugby Club in Italy in 2022 and '23, where he was team co-captain.
Visentin is the son of Patricia Fredal, a marketing manager, and Gianluigi Visentin, a sales manager. Off the pitch, Visentin spends time doing community service as a tutor for special needs students and enjoys snowboarding. He intends to study neuroscience at Cal.
"It's an honor to be part of this incredible community that will allow me to continue pursuing my great passion for the sport of rugby at a high level, and the pride of following an excellent academic path that will help me grow as a person and as a student," Visentin said. "I believe that this experience at Cal will shape my future and leave an indelible mark."
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