VICTORIA - The University of Victoria men's rugby team enters the 2026-27 season facing a new challenge in the race to the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship (CUMRC). The Vikes travel to Vancouver to face UBC on Sept. 12 at 2:30 p.m. PT, for the first leg of the Wightman Boot, before hosting the Thunderbirds at Wallace Field on Oct. 24. This year, there is more than just a boot-shaped trophy on the line.

With Trinity Western University hosting the national championship and receiving an automatic berth, only one of either UVic or UBC will qualify from B.C. for the eight-team tournament. The result means one of Canada's traditional university rugby powers will miss nationals for the first time in years. The battle for that spot is expected to come down to two marquee matchups between the provincial rivals, which begin this weekend.

Now in his sixth season, head coach Scott Manning leads a program that has moved beyond its rebuilding phase. For the first time since Manning arrived at UVic, the roster is made up entirely of players developed within the current era of the program, blending established veterans with a talented group of emerging contributors.

The Vikes will be tested by national team commitments throughout the season. Canada internationals Cooper Coats and Josh McIndoe are expected to spend time with the senior national program (currently on tour), while Morgan DiNardo remains a regular with Canada's sevens squad. Veteran forward Adam Doane is sidelined with injury.

Even with those absences, Manning believes depth is one of the team's greatest strengths. Competition for playing time has intensified across the roster, giving the Vikes confidence they can weather international call-ups and injuries while remaining among the conference's top teams.

After reaching the B.C, Rugby Men's Premier League final last spring, the Vikes enter the fall season with expectations of competing for both a conference title and a berth at nationals.

From the coach

"Tactically, the guys have discovered a style of play that suits them, and they're all bought in. Depth is definitely a strength of ours. We're comfortable playing whoever is available on any given weekend and confident anyone can step in. It's the most competitive group we've had as a whole." - Scott Manning

Key returners

Brendan Kim | Prop/lock | Fifth year
One of the leaders of the forward pack, Kim successfully transitioned to the front row last season after spending much of his career in the second row. His physicality and versatility make him a key piece of the Vikes scrum.

Alex Gamage | Back three | Fifth year
Gamage enjoyed a breakout season after moving to the wing, earning CUMRC tournament all-star honours. His speed, defensive awareness and rugby IQ make him one of UVic's most reliable weapons.

Jack Marshall | Hooker | Fifth year
Marshall has grown into a leadership role within the squad and delivered several standout performances last season, including a player-of-the-game showing at the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship.

Players to watch

Michael Oughtred | Forward | Second year
Last season's Canada West rookie of the year made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning CUMRC Second-Team All-Canadian recognition. His versatility and kicking ability give him the tools to become a go to player.

Ronin Smith | Back row | Second year
A former Canada U20 representative, Smith combines speed, athleticism and versatility. The Calgary native is expected to take on a larger role in his second season with the program.

Jack Driscoll | Flyhalf/fullback | Second year
The St. Michael's University School graduate gained valuable experience during his rookie campaign and continues to develop into a versatile option in the Vikes backline. Driscoll made his Vikes Premier League debut in last season's provincial final.