VICTORIA - The University of Victoria women's rugby team is set for another exciting 2026 campaign following the best season in program history that saw the Vikes capture their first Canada West championship and earn a U SPORTS silver medal. Entering the season ranked No. 2 in the U SPORTS preseason rankings, UVic will look to build on last year's success and remain among the nation's top programs.

The Vikes open their 2026 season on Sept. 5 at Wallace Field at 1:00 p.m. against the University of British Columbia in a rematch of both the Canada West and U SPORTS championship finals, renewing one of the fiercest rivalries in Canadian university rugby.
 

Head coach Brittany Waters enters her 12th season at the program's helm after being named both Canada West and U SPORTS Coach of the Year in 2025. Under Waters' leadership, UVic has medalled at every Canada West Championship.

While the Vikes will be without national player of the year, Carissa Norsten, whose absence leaves a significant gap in the back row, the program remains in good hands with a mix of national team athletes and emerging talent. With a relatively young core returning, experienced leadership in key positions, and several impactful transfers joining the roster, the Vikes enter the season as legitimate title contenders.

The women's rugby team will host just two regular-season home matches, beginning with UBC on Sept. 5, followed by the University of Lethbridge on Sept. 12. UVic will also welcome the conference's best teams back to Wallace Field in October as hosts of the 2026 Canada West Championship, with semifinals scheduled for Oct. 22 and medal matches on Oct. 25.

From the coach

"Coming off our best season to date in 2025, we're excited to build on that success and the amazing culture we've created. This squad has a renewed energy and drive, with a strong mix of returning athletes and talented recruits. We're looking forward to raising the standard again this year and showcasing incredible rugby. " – Brittany Waters

Key returners

Maggie Mackinnon | Fly Half/Centre | Fourth Year
Mackinnon returns as the lone All-Canadian from last year's squad after earning U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian honours and Canada West All-Star recognition in 2025. A dynamic playmaker capable of controlling a match with both her vision and attacking instincts, she was also named to the Canada West Sevens Dream Team and recently earned her first senior women's 15s cap with Team Canada.

Olivia Newsome | Back 3 /Centre | Fourth Year  
Newsome emerged as one of UVic's most complete players last season and enters 2026 poised for an even bigger role. A powerful runner with elite speed and defensive instincts, she earned U SPORTS Championship Tournament All-Star honours and was twice named Canada West Sevens BioSteel Player of the Week. Her ability to shut down opponents in open space while also creating game-breaking moments in attack makes her one of the conference's most impactful two-way players.

Maddy Grant | Back | Fourth Year
After taking last season off, Grant returns to add experience, composure, and one of the most dangerous kicking games in Canadian university rugby. A former leader of UVic's 2024 U SPORTS silver-medal squad, Grant has represented Canada's senior national team and competed at the delayed 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Her ability to control field position, make smart decisions under pressure, and contribute offensively and defensively gives the Vikes another high-level veteran presence in the backline.

Additions to watch

Emilie Nicholl | Back 5 | Fifth Year
Nicholl arrives in Victoria with extensive U SPORTS and international experience after spending four seasons at the University of Guelph. A physically imposing athlete with size, strength, and athleticism, she brings valuable leadership to the Vikes forward pack. Having represented Canada's senior women's national team, Nicholl's experience competing at the highest levels of the sport should provide an immediate boost.

Kendra Cousineau | Hook | Fourth Year
Another University of Guelph alumna, Cousineau is expected to make an immediate impact. Most recently, she competed professionally with Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club in England, adding another experienced voice to the roster. Known for her technical precision and physicality, Cousineau brings rugby IQ that should help strengthen an already talented UVic pack.

Amber Vallance | Wing/Centre| First Year
Claudia Vallance |Back | First Year
The Vallance sisters arrive from Abbotsford and Yale Secondary School as two of the program's most exciting young additions. Both athletes represented British Columbia at the 2025 Canada Summer Games, helping Team BC win a gold medal, and gained high-level experience through the Global Youth Sevens circuit and the Next Generation Canada West Camp.