2009 VIRU Elite Record: 4-2-2 (2nd)
2009 VIRU Playoffs: 0-1 (2nd)
Last VIRU Elite Title: 2008
VICTORIA – The reigning B.C. provincial champs UVic Vikes men's rugby team will have a rare shot at lifting two major trophies in 2010 when they attempt to secure the program's 11th Vancouver Island Elite title this Fall.
OVERVIEW
In his 17th season of patrolling the Wallace Field sidelines, Vikes head coach Doug Tate has bolstered his roster with a bevy of key recruits with national team experience. Tate's starting lineup will once again be in a state of flux with players selected for the Commonwealth Games, Americas Rugby Championship and numerous National Team camps.
2009-10 IN REVIEW
James Bay snatched the VIRU Elite crown in the dying minutes of the Barnard Cup final to close out the Island competition in 2009. But it was the Vikes who had the last laugh knocking the Bays off in the B.C. Premier League semifinals with a 36-32 win and then edging Meralomas 31-27 for the program's third B.C. Premier League title. After securing the coveted Rounsfell Cup, David Spicer, Pat Riordan, Ben Grant and Chris Thompson graduated from the Vikes program.
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS
A dominant tight-five returns fully intact for the fall season with Canadian internationals
Andrew Tiedemann,
Ryan Hamilton,
Toby Peyton,
Brett Beukeboom and
Toni Wodzicki each boasting at least another full season of eligibility. The back row features former Canada Under-20 forward
Struan Robertson as well as 6-8 national team prospect
Cam Pierce. Itching to crack the forwards starting line-up are Junior National Team players
Casey Cavers and
Liam Murray. There is plenty of depth in the backs and despite
Phil Mack,
Nathan Hirayama and
Sean Duke away on Sevens duty until mid-October, a bottomless pool of recruits will be battling for starting positions.
OFF-SEASON ADDITIONS
The contest to secure the no. 12 and 13 jerseys will be headlined by
Bryn Keys and
Tony LaCarte, two Senior National Team capped players that have taken up their studies at UVic. Also making their debuts will be Shawnigan Lake products
Tye Hamblin and
Dustin Dobravsky as well as former Canada Under-17 winger and Saint Michael's product Michael Fuailefeau.
COACH'S COMMENTS
“We have a lot of depth in this squad in each position and we're looking very strong,” Tate said. “We have a very good pack of returning guys like Tiedemann and Hamilton. They're a very skilled group and I'm really looking forward to working with them.”
2010 FALL SCHEDULE
