2025 Vikes men’s rugby: Grit. Growth. Giving back. Fueled by you.
💛 Thank you for standing with us
Before we dive into the highlights, we want to say a heartfelt thank you. Your support made a real difference during a season that tested and strengthened us. Whether you gave to scholarships, cheered from the sidelines, donated blood, or shared words of encouragement—you were with us every step of the way, and our program is better for it.
⚡ Tough season, fierce response
The 2024 varsity season brought its share of challenges—but our response? Unshakable.
A young squad showed heart, grit, and hunger. And while the win column didn’t reflect our effort, the foundation for 2025 has never looked stronger.
🏆 Rising above the scoreboard
Even in a rebuilding year, our athletes made headlines:
- 5 Vikes named U SPORTS First Team All-Canadians
- 2 Tournament All-Stars, including Top Back Row Player: Ryder Heany-Corns
- 6 players selected for Team Canada U20, headed to Fiji for a major summer tour
- Morgan Di Nardo continues to shine with the Canadian 7s national squad
🔁 Norsemen on the rise
Our future stars are already turning heads.
The Norsemen team—our development squad—finished strong, playing their best rugby in the final stretch. Many are now poised to step into the varsity lineup and bring new depth and fire in 2025.
💪 Powered by you: Donor impact at work
Thanks to our most successful Vikes Championship Breakfast ever, we raised over $100,000 for scholarships, including matched funds from UVic—supporting around 60 rugby student-athletes.
You also showed up big for Vikes Giving Day:
- Over 50 units of blood donated through our student-led blood drive
- $15,000+ raised, with student-athletes leading the way
🗣 From the players
"Thank you for your support. Being part of this team has changed my life—and your donations make that possible for others, too."
- Merlin M’Cloud, sixth year
"It means so much to know people believe in us—and the causes we care about, like the blood drive. Your support helps us make a real impact on and off the field."
- Ian Smith, third year
🔭 Looking ahead
We’re setting our sights high:
- Return stronger in Fall 2025
- International tour in 2026
- Build the premier rugby program in Canada
Your continued support makes this possible. You’re not just backing a team—you’re investing in the growth of future national athletes and outstanding young leaders.
For more information please email Scott Manning, head coach at vikesmrug@uvic.ca.
📰 Headlines you helped create
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