UBC, Victoria lead the pack in 2026 Canada West Rugby Coaches Poll

Sept. 4, 2026 - The rivalry between the UBC Thunderbirds and Victoria Vikes reached incredible new heights last season.

Now, the two powerhouse programs are once again at the top of the Canada West women’s rugby preseason Coaches Poll.

The two-time defending national champion Thunderbirds claimed the No. 1 spot entering the 2026 season, earning four first-place votes and 16 points. The Vikes, who dethroned the T-Birds as conference champs, followed closely behind with one first-place vote and 13 points. Lethbridge, Alberta and Calgary rounded out the five-team poll.

UBC and Victoria’s rivalry reached a fever pitch in 2025, with all four meetings between the two powerhouse programs decided by four points or less. The Vikes defeated the Thunderbirds in the first three contests - twice during the regular season and again in the Canada West championship game.

But when the two rivals met on the biggest stage, it was UBC that had the final say.

Hosting the 2025 U SPORTS championship, the Thunderbirds authored a storybook ending to the season with a 15–13 victory over Victoria in the national final. With UBC trailing 13–10 in the dying seconds, Adia Pye raced up the left side and scored the championship-winning try, sending Thunderbird Stadium into a frenzy.

The victory delivered UBC its second straight U SPORTS championship.

Now, the Thunderbirds return in search of another piece of history.

After seeing a loaded graduating class - including multiple Canadian national team players - depart following last year's championship triumph, UBC enters 2026 with a younger roster and a new challenge: reclaiming the Canada West title.

“With a few graduating players in key positions, we need to focus on getting the basics right and easing our way into the season,” says UBC head coach Dean Murten. “The goal is to get better and better each game. We're very aware that some teams have some great returning players and some outstanding recruits, therefore competition will be tough.”

The Thunderbirds are looking to capture a sixth Canada West championship in seven seasons, while also chasing a third consecutive U SPORTS title - a feat that has not been accomplished since Lethbridge completed a three-peat in 2009.

Standing in their way once again will be the Vikes, who enter the season ranked No. 2 after a breakthrough 2025 campaign that saw them capture their first Canada West title since 2015. ​

Victoria returns a relatively young group with veteran players at key positions, while bolstering its roster with several university-level transfers.

“Coming off our best season to date in 2025, we’re excited to build on that success and the amazing culture we’ve created,” says Victoria head coach Brittany Waters. “This squad has a renewed energy and drive, with a strong mix of returning athletes and talented recruits. We’re looking forward to raising the standard again this year and showcasing incredible rugby.”

Just behind the two perennial powers are the Lethbridge Pronghorns, who enter 2026 ranked third after reaching the Canada West bronze medal match last season.

The Pronghorns graduated nine senior players but return with a group that has put in significant work throughout the offseason. Head coach Graeme Moffat believes that preparation, combined with opportunities for new and returning players to step into leadership roles, will allow Lethbridge to remain in the mix against the conference's best.

“We are excited to get the season underway. We graduated nine senior players last season which creates leadership opportunities for incoming and returning players,” says Moffat. “The players have worked hard over the off-season and we are developing a style of play that matches the profile of our team."

Millie Teskey, a versatile third-year wing/centre from Cochrane, Alta., will be one of the Pronghorns to watch as Lethbridge looks to take the next step.

The Alberta Pandas occupy the No. 4 spot in the preseason poll, bringing a strong veteran core together with an impressive recruiting class.

Canada West All-Star Mikayla Gibbon and team captain Anela Hebert anchor a talented forward pack, while fourth-year Kaitlyn Tetteh-Wayoe returns after leading Alberta with five tries last season. In the backline, reigning team MVP Emillee Randolph will look to build on her standout campaign a season ago.

The Calgary Dinos round out the poll in fifth, entering the season with one of the conference's youngest rosters. Calgary will have 22 first- and second-year athletes looking to make an immediate impact, supported by a group of experienced veterans and several impact starters returning from injury.

Among the unique storylines to watch will be the LaBelle family connection, with first-year props Austyn and Kayel LaBelle joining older siblings Jai and Danyka on the Dinos roster, alongside cousin Kiera Andasol Dubyk.

The Dinos will also welcome back fourth-year back row Kenzie McEachern-Shields, who spent the summer playing semi-professionally in Australia with the Hunter Wildfires. After leading Calgary in tries last season, her continued development will be key for a young Dinos squad looking to return to the playoffs.

The Road to the Canada West Final Four

The Canada West Rugby 15s playoffs will head to the west coast for the first time in recent memory, with the conference Final Four set for Oct. 22 and Oct. 25. The semifinals will take place Oct. 22, followed by the bronze and gold medal matches on Oct. 25.

The road to another national championship then leads to Guelph, Ont., which will host the 2026 U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship from Nov. 4–8.

Watch every game on Canada West TV - Powered by BioSteel

All Canada West Rugby 15s games will be available live and on demand this season on Canada West TV – Powered by BioSteel. Fans can purchase a Rugby 15s Sport Pass for one low price and follow all the action across the conference, or can grab an All-Access Pass to get access to every single game across all Canada West sports, as well as three complimentary game downloads to keep forever.

2026 CW RUGBY 15s COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

TEAM BY TEAM PREVIEW

UBC Thunderbirds

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Outlook: The Thunderbirds are coming off back-to-back national championships, the first two U SPORTS championships in program history, but looking to reclaim the Canada West crown after failing to win the conference for the first time this decade.

The team's rivalry with Victoria reached new heights last year, when the Vikes defeated the T-Birds twice in the regular season, then again in the CW championship game, but never by more than four points. UBC got sweet revenge in the national championship, scoring a walk-off try to win 15-13 and complete a quartet of incredibly close matches between the two powerhouse programs. After seeing a loaded graduating class leave on a high, including multiple Canadian national team players, this year's younger T-Birds team will be looking to take their sixth Canada West championship in seven season in 2026, and become the first three-peat national champion since Lethbridge completed the feat in 2009.

From the Coach: “With a few graduating players in key positions, we need to focus on getting the basics right and easing our way into the season. The goal is to get better and better each game. We're very aware that some teams have some great returning players and some outstanding recruits, therefore competition will be tough." - Dean Murten

Key Performer: Adia Pye
​Back Three | 4th Year | Victoria, B.C.

Adia Pye had the most iconic moment in program history last year, when she scored a walk-off national championship-winning try on home soil. With the T-Birds trailing 13-10 in the final seconds of the game, Pye made a run up the left side and touched the ball down in the far left corner of the try zone as time expired to send the Thunderbird Stadium crowd into a frenzy; a moment no one in attendance will soon forget. The Canada West tries and points leader is also serving as the President of the Thunderbird Athletes Council, further cementing herself as a pillar of UBC Athletics as she enters her fourth season starring on the wing.

Victoria Vikes

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Outlook: The Vikes' expectations for the 2026 Canada West season are as high as ever. Returning a relatively young group with veteran players at key positions, the Vikes see themselves as Canada West title contenders entering the year. National team player Carissa Norsten being sidelined is a large loss for the Vikes back row, but the Vikes' depth was evident throughout the 7s season and should be a factor they lean on during the gruelling Canada West regular season and postseason. Victoria had a big offseason in the transfer portal, adding several transfers with university-level experience.

From the Coach: “Coming off our best season to date in 2025, we’re excited to build on that success and the amazing culture we’ve created. This squad has a renewed energy and drive, with a strong mix of returning athletes and talented recruits. We’re looking forward to raising the standard again this year and showcasing incredible rugby.” - Brittany Waters

Key Performer: Olivia Newsome
​Back 3/Centre | 4th Year | Calgary, Alta.

Olivia came on strong at the end of last year and throughout the Canada West 7s Series. She has become a true offensive force, using her power and speed to shift games.

Lethbridge Pronghorns

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Outlook: The Pronghorns head into the season with the experience of last year’s run to the Canada West bronze medal match behind them. The team has put in the work all offseason and that preparation is showing in the way they play, with physicality, pace and confidence. There is a lot of fight within the group, with players pushing each other every day and refusing to let up when things get tough. Canada West is one of the toughest university rugby conferences in the country, giving the Pronghorns the chance to compete against some of the best teams in the country every week.

From the Coach: “We are excited to get the season underway. We graduated nine senior players last season which creates leadership opportunities for incoming and returning players. The players have worked hard over the off-season and we are developing a style of play that matches the profile of our team. Canada West is a highly competitive competition which creates opportunities to go head-to-head with the top teams in the country." - Graeme Moffat

Key Performer: Millie Teskey
​Wing/Centre | 3rd Year | Cochrane, Alta.

Millie is a well-rounded and versatile player who brings skill, experience and a strong work ethic to the Pronghorns. Her ability to contribute across the field and consistently support her teammates makes her an important part of the team as the Horns continue to grow and compete at a high level.

Alberta Pandas

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Outlook: Guided by a strong veteran core, the Pandas carry high expectations into the new campaign alongside a deep, talented recruiting class. Canada West All-Star Mikayla Gibbon, U20 national standout Kaitlyn Tetteh-Wayoe, and captain Anela Hebert solidify a dominant forward pack, while reigning MVP Emillee Randolph pulls the strings in the backline. Blending proven star power with dynamic fresh talent, Alberta is primed to make a major push up the conference standings.

From the Coach: “The Pandas are excited for the coming season. They will be led by a core group of third and fourth year players. While the squad welcomes a full team of 15 first-year student-athletes, there are actually no fifth year players on the roster this season. Those players will be lead from the front by Hooker & Team Captain, Anela Hebert. The Front Row will also include 2025-26 CW All-Star Mikayla Gibbon. The forward pack also has returning Kaitlyn Tetteh- Wayoe who represented Rugby Canada U20's this past spring in a tour to the UK. In the backline, the team will be looking to 2025-26 Team MVP, Emillee Randolph, to continue her excellent play from last season.” - Matthew Parrish

Key Performer: Kaitlin Tetteh-Wayoe
​Back Row | 4th Year | Edmonton, Alta.

Tetteh-Wayoe returns for her second season after pacing the Pandas with a team-high five tries in 2025. Her offensive firepower and strong leadership will anchor the squad week in and week out.

Calgary Dinos

2026 Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Outlook: The Dinos are set to field a young roster in 2026, but a core group of familiar names will provide valuable experience as Calgary looks to return to the playoffs. Among the most intriguing storylines is the addition of first-year props Austyn and Kayel LaBelle. The pair will play alongside their older siblings, Jai and Danyka, while also sharing the pitch with their cousin Kiera Andasol Dubyk, making Calgary’s women’s rugby team a true family affair.

From the Coach: “The Dinos enter the 2026 season with an exciting roster balance, with 22 young, dynamic first- and second-year athletes ready to make an immediate impact. The team will rely heavily on the leadership and experience of several key senior veterans to set the standard on and off the pitch. In addition, the squad is bolstered by the return of several impact starters who are back from injuries and highly motivated to reclaim their form. With a deep hunger across the depth chart and multiple breakout players primed to step into bigger roles, the Dinos are well-positioned to turn this blend of youth and veteran grit into a highly competitive campaign." - Simon Chi

Key Performer: Kenzie McEachern-Shields
​Back Row | 4th Year | St. Albert, Alta.

Coming off a summer playing for the Hunter Wildfires, a semi-professional club in Australia, Kenzie McEachern-Shields returns to the Dinos with valuable experience under her belt. McEachern-Shields has spent the past two summers with the Wildfires and led Calgary in tries a season ago. Her continued development will be key as she brings that experience back to a young Dinos squad looking to take the next step.