VANCOUVER – One of the great rivalries in North American collegiate sports resumes today as the UBC Thunderbirds men's rugby team faces the California Golden Bears in the opener of the two-game "World Cup" rugby series at Ray Sheeran Field in Treasure Island, Calif.

The opening kick of the total point series will take place at 3 p.m.

The "World Cup" dates back to 1921 and was donated by publisher John Nelson of the now-defunct Vancouver Daily World newspaper.

"To come down and beat California, as a coach it's my biggest goal," said UBC head coach Spence McTavish. "This series has faced the test of time and is probably the highlight of the season."

In the spring portion of the rugby season, UBC has shutout Central Washington 36-0 on the road and dropped a close 42-36 decision to Old Puget Bay Sound of the Rugby Super League.

California is undefeated in nine matches this season, scoring 650 points, while giving up just 23.

In last year's World Cup competition, the Thunderbirds lost 21-13 at Cal before falling 58-14 at home.

"As I have mentioned before, the long histories of Cal and UBC rugby are intertwined," said Cal head coach Jack Clark. "It isn't really possible to tell our story without reference to the Thunderbirds."

- with files from California Sports Information