RUGBY: UBC, Victoria top coaches poll

Aug. 29, 2024 - As a new Canada West Rugby 15s season gets underway tomorrow evening, the pair of powerhouse programs on the west coast are expected to lead the way once again this fall.

The conference has unveiled the results of its annual coaches poll, with UBC and Victoria once again claiming the top two spots. UBC finished on top with three first place nods, with Victoria close behind in second. Lethbridge came in third, followed by Alberta and Calgary.

The T-Birds enter 2024 as four-time defending Canada West champions, a run of dominance stretching back to 2019. The return of fifth year Savannah Bauder will be a key boost for a team with national championship aspirations. Bauder was named Canada West Player of the Year for the second time last season, and was also honoured as the 2023 U SPORTS Player of the Year. The North Vancouver product led the conference in points during both the regular season and playoffs, tallying a dominant seven tries and 70 points.

While the T-Birds narrowly downed rival Victoria in last year's CW Gold Medal Game, it was the Vikes who made program history at nationals by qualifying for their first ever U SPORTS championship final. Despite falling to a strong Laval side in that game, the U SPORTS silver medalists will use the experience as a launching point for a strong 2024 campaign.

Look for third year centre Maggie Mackinnon to once again be a key driver for the Vikes. The pride of Sooke, B.C. tallied 45 points in CW action last season, earning Canada West All-Star and U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian recognition.

On the prairies, all three Alberta based programs sport relatively young rosters and will strive to take another step forward in 2024. Keep an eye on an Alberta Pandas side looking to build off last year's CW bronze medal performance, led by fourth year captain Maria Sawiak.

The Pandas and Dinos will renew their rivalry to open the CW schedule tomorrow night in Edmonton. The action kicks into high gear the following week, with the Vikes hosting UBC and Lethbridge welcoming Alberta on Sept. 7.

The 2024 CW regular season features 14 total games and runs through Oct. 12.

The Calgary Dinos will host the 2024 Canada West Rugby 15s playoffs, with semifinals scheduled for Oct. 17 and the bronze/gold medal games set for Oct. 20. ​

Select rugby 15s games will be available live and on demand this season on Canada West TV, the official streaming home of the conference.

2024 CW RUGBY 15s PRESEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

TEAM BY TEAM PREVIEW

UBC Thunderbirds

2024 Coaches Poll Rank: #1

From the coach: “The key to our success for the 2024 season will be connecting returning and new athletes as one. On field we need to have the ability to play in the right areas off the field and, make sure we play what we see from the defence.” – Head Coach Dean Murten

Key Performer: Savannah Bauder
​Fly Half
​5th Year
​Hometown: North Vancouver, B.C.

Named Canada West Player of the Year for the second time in 2023, Bauder was also honoured as the 2023 U SPORTS Player of the Year. Now entering her final season, the North Vancouver native led Canada West in points during both the regular season and playoffs, guiding the T-Birds to a fourth straight conference title. Her 2023 Rugby 15s stat line was simply jaw-dropping, scoring seven tries, 16 converts, 1 penalty goal and 70 total points.

Victoria Vikes

2024 Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Key Performer: Maggie MacKinnon
​Centre
​3rd Year
​Hometown: Sooke, BC

The Vikes' leading point-scorer (45) in 2023 returns for the 2024 season, coming off the Vikes' best-ever finish at the U SPORTS Championships, a second-place finish after making their first appearance in the championship final match. Mackinnon garnered Canada West All-Star and U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian recognition in 2023. SHe scored three tries and added 15 converts during the Rugby 15s season, totalling 45 points. Whether she's powering through defenders to advance the ball or using her boot to score points, Mackinnon is a force to be reckoned with for the Vikes and looks to continue to do so in 2024.

Lethbridge Pronghorns

2024 Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Key Performer: Charli Helland
​Backrow
​2nd Year
​Hometown: Vulcan, Alta.

Helland was named Canada West Player of the Week in her debut game. A hard nosed aggressive player, she scored 10 points (two tries) for the Horns last season.

Alberta Pandas

2024 Coaches Poll Rank: #4

From the coach: “Graduated a dozen players - over half the squad are rookie players. Returning players will have to step up. Recruits are talented, including five players at the Rugby Canada U18 West Camp.” – Head Coach Matthew Parrish

Key Performer: Maria Sawiak
​Centre
​4th Year
​Hometown: Ardrossan, Alta.

With over half of their rosters being first-year student-athletes, the Pandas will need strong seasons from their veterans. Top among them is fourth-year captain Maria Sawiak. A star on the rugby pitch and wrestling mat for the Pandas, Sawiak scored five tries for Alberta in 15s and 7s in 2023. She was also a Canada West gold medal-winning wrestler.

Calgary Dinos

2024 Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Key Performer: Willow Beyea
​Back Row
​2nd Year
​Hometown: New Westminster, B.C.

Willow was an instant leader on the Dinos young team a season ago. The rookie stepped up big in a number of key spots and will be leaned upon in her second season.