VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds will go in search of their first win on the young season when they host the Trinity Western Spartans in their home opener Saturday September 9, with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff at the Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre.
 
Saturday marks the first home game where newly introduced interim Men's Rugby head coach Didier Banse will be patrolling the sidelines, taking over a decorated Thunderbirds program that enjoyed tremendous success under outgoing head coach Curry Hitchborn who was with the team for a decade. Banse is no stranger to the team having spent the last five years alongside Hitchborn, beginning in 2018 in charge of the backs before eventually taking over as attack coach. The former professional league and union player in New Zealand, holds nearly a dozen coaching certifications and is eager to put his stamp on the squad.
 
"I'm very excited, the home opener is one our guys always get up for," said Banse. "The team this year has a good mix of experienced players and some exciting new talent. We'll be looking to play some fast rugby this year."
 
After opening the season with a 42-19 setback to Pacific Pride, to open the season last weekend on Vancouver Island, the 'Birds trust they'll find their usual form and build upon an impressive 2022-23 season that saw them capture two separate titles. This included defending their Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship in December and repeating as Rounsfell Cup B.C. Premier League Champions in late April of this year.


 
"We've worked on small details around our game this week and simply getting more time together as a team," added Banse, when asked what areas of the game he wanted to see improved in week two. "The setback has motivated the guys to elevate their performance, it's a good challenge and the guys are ready to bounce back after that loss."
 
The T-Birds won both of their meetings against the Spartans last season but the relatively new program has made tremendous strides in a relatively short time on the Men's Rugby circuit.


 
"TWU made a name for themselves at the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship last year and I'm sure their focus will be to build on those outings," concluded Banse. "They're a talented team, they kick well and can play exciting rugby. Our guys are ready for the challenge."

Adding even more importance, Saturday's meeting is also the opening qualifying match for the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship that will be hosted by TWU in Langley later this fall.