VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds will look to set the table in securing a familiar piece of hardware as they host the rival UVic Vikes for the first-leg of the Wightman Boot series Saturday, September 17^th with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff at the Gerald McGavin Rugby Centre.
 
Saturday's matchup with the rival Vikes marks the T-Birds 2022-23 home opener and they'll want to take necessary first steps to ensure they maintain their strangle hold on the 'Boot trophy they've hoisted for nine consecutive seasons. It won't take long to crown this year's winner with the second-leg of the home and home series just two weeks away on Saturday, October 1^st in Victoria.


 
"One of our goals as a program is to never lose this, ever," said UBC head coach Curry Hitchborn referencing the program's reverence for the Wightman Boot. "With that, saying it isn't enough. We have to be sharp every time. We always get up for this one."
 
The 'Birds have enjoyed a good run of form against the Vikes of late having won the last three meetings between the teams which includes a 39-7 victory that saw UBC claim their third Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship in the last four seasons last November in Kingston, Ont.


 
The 'Birds will do their best to replicate an impressive 2021-22 season in which they raised three total trophies culminating with the Rounsfell Cup following a 48-34 defeat of Castaway Wanderers RFC in the B.C. Premier League Championship last May.


 
After some inevitable turnover on their roster during the off-season UBC is excited to welcome some standout recruits to help fuel the winning tradition for the blue and gold. Among the newcomers to watch include James Biss, Talon McMullin and Caden Wilson.
 
Biss, a Fly-Half is described by coach Hitchborn as a very capable back with loads of skill and eye for opportunities. A solid all-around player across the board who plans to study Geography.
 
McMullin, is an Inside Centre described as a smooth running, highly skilled center who brings a direct approach on the field and in the classroom where he'll study Arts.
 
Wilson, rounds out the trio. The UBC Sauder School of Business student is an imposing presence and emerging athlete who has begun to use his 6-foot 8-inch frame in some very encouraging ways at the Lock position.


 
UBC and the new additions are still trying to gel and knock off some rust in the early days of the season. The hosts come in looking to avenge a rare setback suffered last weekend on Vancouver Island where they dropped a 56-28 decision to a cohesive Pacific Pride team.
 
"The Pride are always a very prepared and determined group," added Hitchborn. "They were vastly better in some crucial areas. We got beat. We know where and we know why. It will be better this weekend. 
 
The visiting Vikes, who laid claim to the 2019 CUMRC title come into the weekend battle tested and feeling pretty good about the start to their season as they took part in a back-and-forth affair before edging the Trinity Western University Spartans 42-39 in their home opener, last weekend in Victoria.
 
The rivalry is set to be renewed and it promises to be a superb afternoon for rugby in front of the campus community Saturday, September 17^th at the Gerald McGavin Rugby Centre.