UBC Thunderbirds claim their second straight U SPORTS women’s rugby national title after stunning wins over Canada’s top three unbeaten teams.
Thunderbirds Make History Again
They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but the UBC Thunderbirds have just proved it can. In a thrilling finale to the U SPORTS Women’s Rugby 15s Championship in Vancouver, the Thunderbirds battled their way to a second straight national title, edging out the top-ranked University of Victoria Vikes, 15–13, in a heart-stopping finish.
Beating the Best to Be the Best
Winning once is impressive. Winning twice against every undefeated team in the country is legendary. The Thunderbirds, featuring Coldstream’s own Mya Koleba, entered the national tournament as underdogs, seeded sixth after finishing second in the Canada West conference. But rankings didn’t matter. With grit, teamwork, and a fearless game plan, UBC went on a tear through the top three seeds, earning the right to lift the Monilex Trophy for the second consecutive year.
From Underdogs to Unstoppable
Their journey began against the powerful Laval Rouge et Or, the defending RSEQ champions from Quebec and three-time national titleholders. UBC had fallen to Laval in the quarterfinals two years earlier, but this time, they flipped the script dominating 32–10 to punch their ticket to the semifinals.
Next came the Queen’s Golden Gaels, a 9-0 powerhouse fresh off another Ontario championship. In a bruising semifinal, the Thunderbirds struck early and never let go of the lead. Even as Queen’s mounted a desperate final push, UBC’s rock-solid defense held firm, clinching a narrow 20–14 victory that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
The All-B.C. Showdown
That set up a championship clash worthy of the spotlight UBC vs. UVic, a rivalry that had seen the Vikes take three straight wins earlier in the season, including a one-point victory in the Canada West final. But the Thunderbirds had learned from those losses, and when it mattered most, they were unstoppable.
Down by three points with less than a minute on the clock, UBC’s captain Piper Logan drew the Vikes’ defense before firing a perfect skip pass to Adia Pye, who sprinted untouched into the try zone to seal the win. The stadium erupted as teammates and fans celebrated a comeback for the ages.
A Legacy in the Making
Head coach Dean Murten praised UVic for their skill and intensity but couldn’t hide his pride in his squad’s resilience. “I knew it would come down to the wire,” Murten said. “But the way these women handled the pressure it was something special.”
With that final try, UBC joined Laval as the only programs in the past 15 years to win back-to-back national titles. For Koleba and her teammates, this wasn’t just another victor it was a statement of dominance, unity, and unshakable belief.
In the end, the Thunderbirds didn’t just defend their crown—they defined an era.
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