Scott Manning enters his fifth season as the head coach of the Vikes men’s rugby program in 2025-26. Manning was appointed to his role June 28, 2021, taking over for longtime head coach Doug Tate.
Earning the program's fourth-straight berth to the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship under Manning in 2024-25, the Vikes dropped the quarterfinal contest to Queen's before posting wins against Ottawa and UBCO to take fifth place overall at the tournament. Jordy Auger, Morgan Di Nardo, Sion Griffiths, Brendan Kim, and Merlin M'Cloud were selected as part of the CUMRC's inaugural class All-Canadians.
Beginning the 2023-24 season with a 5-3 record during the fall, the Vikes defeated Queen's in the quarterfinals and Memorial in the semifinals to advance to their second appearance in the final of the Canadian University Men' Rugby Championships under Manning. Ultimately falling to UBC, the Vikes captured silver medallist honours for the second time in Manning's career. Four Vikes were named CUMRC All-Stars, with Owen Kokan and Morgan Di Nardo being selected to the first team, and Jordy Auger and Merlin M'Cloud earning second place recognition. The Vikes finished the 2023-24 campaign at 10-9 overall following a 3-5 spring season showing.
The 2022-23 season saw Manning's squad compile a 10-10 record, including a 2-1 showing at the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championships to capture fifth place.
The Vikes saw success on the national stage during Manning’s first season in 2021-22, qualifying for the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championships. Winning their quarterfinal and semifinal matchups, the Vikes ultimately claimed the silver medal after falling in the final.
Manning joined the Vikes after serving as the director of rugby and the senior men's head coach for the Castaway Wanderers RFC and assistant coach with Rugby Canada's U18 program. Also heavily involved with the provincial rugby scene, he worked with the BC U19s and spent time as an assistant coach with the BC Bears senior men's and women's programs.
Originally from Alberta, Manning played rugby for Canada at the U17 and U19 levels before playing for the Vikes from 2006-2010. When sidelined by an injury, Manning transitioned into coaching and has since built an impressive resume garnering experience at every level.
While playing for the Vikes, Manning graduated with a Bachelor of Education before later completing a Master of Education in coaching studies at the University of Victoria.
