VICTORIA - For the first time in nearly a decade, the University of Victoria Vikes men's rugby team is back on the brink of a provincial title.

The Vikes will play for the BC Rugby Men's Premier League championship on Saturday, May 9, facing defending champions the UBCOB Ravens at South Surrey Athletic Park. It marks UVic's first appearance in the final since the 2014–15 season, a milestone that reflects not just a strong year, but a team that has found its form at the right time.

After a disappointing semifinal exit at the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championships in the fall, the Vikes entered the second half of their campaign searching for consistency. Since the new year, they have posted a 7–4 record, winning five of their last six matches, including a commanding 37–21 victory over the University of British Columbia in the Premier League semifinal on May 2.

"I think as we got further into the season, our group found an identity that really suited us. As results started to come in, it strengthened buy-in from everyone. There is a belief in the group now that we can beat anyone, and that goes a long way when you have to put your body on the line each week," said head coach Scott Manning.

The last time the Vikes made a run at the title, current assistant coaches Doug Fraser, Mac Bos, and Dustin Dobravsky were on the field themselves. Now guiding the program from the sidelines, that experience has helped shape a group determined to return to the top of the podium.
 

This year's roster reflects both patience and progression. In recent seasons, the Vikes have leaned heavily on a young core while navigating the challenges of graduating talent and national team call-ups. The result has been flashes of brilliance but a lack of consistency.

A wave of emerging talent — now a year older and tested at the international level — has become a defining strength for the Vikes. Reece Thompson, Adam Doane, and Josh McIndoe have all represented Canada at the U20 level, bringing a blend of athleticism and experience that belies their age, while Canada West Rookie of the Year and CUMRC Second Team All-Star Michael Oughtred has added another dynamic layer to the group.

Leading that evolution is Morgan Di Nardo, one of the country's most dynamic young athletes. A member of Canada's senior sevens program and the Canada West Back of the Year, Di Nardo combines pace with composure and is capable of changing a match from anywhere on the field. Alongside him, Doane has already earned his first caps with Canada's senior 15s team, while Thompson recently made his international debut with the national sevens squad, adding even more firepower to an already dangerous attack. Yet for all the young talent fueling the Vikes rise, experience has proven just as important to their resurgence.

The addition of national team veteran Cooper Coates has provided a steadying presence. A mainstay with Canada's 15s and sevens programs, Coates brings international experience and leadership to a squad chasing its biggest result in years. Fresh off helping Canada secure qualification for the 2026 Rugby World Cup, and with professional experience in Major League Rugby, his influence has been immediate and noticeable.

Off the field, the program has also taken a meaningful step forward. With eight of nine coaches now alumni, the Vikes have significantly expanded their coaching capacity, creating more opportunities for individual development and position-specific growth.

The BC Rugby Men's Premier League is widely regarded as one of the toughest domestic competitions in the country, featuring veteran players with university, professional, and national team experience.

Against a battle-tested Ravens side, UVic won't just be chasing a title, but will be out to prove that they can compete with anyone.

"We spoke after the last game against the Ravens that we felt they didn't see our best as a team. We knew we had three weeks to continue to improve before we might see them again, and now we've got that opportunity, and I think we're going to show the Ravens the best version of us this weekend," said Manning.