KINGSTON – The UBC Thunderbirds men's rugby team has secured another national title for the program's display case after a convincing 39-7 victory over the UVic Vikes in the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship gold medal game early Sunday evening in snowy Kingston, Ont.
The meeting between western powers was a rematch of the dramatic 2019 national final that saw the Vikes edge the T-Birds 21-20 in Montreal. Even though there was a one year break in the tournament due to the pandemic there where plenty of players from both sides returning from the 2019 final with long memories and extra motivation built up over the last 24 months.
"Uvic got us last time, fair and square," said UBC head coach
Curry Hitchborn post game. "This year we are a different group. We're mature and there is the perfect blend of arrogance and humility. The group proved how they play within themselves and for the man next to them."
The Thunderbirds made an early statement with an
Owain Ruttan try three minutes into the game and never looked back on their way to a 32-point win in the championship game.
UBC was led by Ruttan and
Alfie Scopes, who finished the game with two tries each, and
Max Abercrombie, who finished with three converts and one penalty convert. Abercrombie finished the tournament as the second highest scorer with 31 points over three games.
Connor Sampson, and
Connor Byron also scored tries for the Thunderbirds.
Jonas Robinson scored the lone try for Victoria, converted by Chris Gamage, in the loss.
The 2021 crown is the T-Birds third title in the four year existence of the tournament after capturing gold at the inaugural championship in 2017 while following it up with another victory in 2018. After an uncertain last year and a half that has been difficult for everyone in all walks of life, it was especially satisfying for this group to focus on a common goal between the lines once again.
"We made positive assumptions about what we could do during the pandemic," added Hitchborn referring to his squad's commitment. "The guys bought into what was on offer and we all took the time to understand one another better. We're all people first and that's why this is a successful group."
Frank Carson was named Player of the Game for the Thunderbirds and Gamage was named Player of the Game for the Vikes.
UBC opened their tournament with a 66-0 win over the RMC Paladins in the quarterfinals before defeating the host Queen's Gaels 41-20 in the semifinals.
Victoria defeated Dalhousie Men's Rugby 72-0 in the quarterfinals and the Guelph Gryphons 29-22 in the semifinals.
The Thunderbirds will enjoy their most recent title and take pride in adding to the celebrated history of rugby excellence on the Point Grey campus.
"The people we coach believe in one another," commented Hitchborn in closing. "They understand that this is their team and no one is going to do it for them. We're at the midway point in our season so now it's time to look at what's around the bend and begin to prepare. Go 'Birds."
The Thunderbirds will look to defend their 2021 title next year at this time on home soil as they'll welcome the 2022 Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship to UBC.
