The Martlet

Victoria will host the highest calibre of Canadian rugby during the Vikes 2008-09 season.

With all five of the Vancouver Island Elite League teams qualifying for the provincials last year, and a large number of national players training locally, the hits will be harder, the runs craftier and the intensity higher.

From Nov. 13 to 16, UVic will host the first CIS National University Championship Rugby Tournament, resurrected after a 10-year absence. Both previous tournaments, in 1997 and 1998, were won by the Vikes. You can bet that this year’s team will be keen to retain their title as the best university squad in Canada.

Though the Vikes got hammered 50-5 by James Bay AA on Sept. 13, the group playing on Friday for the 6 p.m. home opener against the Castaway Wanderers at Wallace Field will be a completely different squad. With over 20 players returning from last weekend’s national training camp, UVic will be stacked with some of the best players in Canada.

As a result of captain Pat Kearney’s departure, Team Canada veteran Dave Spicer will now lead the Vikes. Equipped with a vibrant attacking backline, the Vikes will be ready to play their fast-paced rugby against the older teams in their division.

Nathan Hirayama will return from a summer injury to kick his side to glory at the standoff position. Feeding him the ball will be a scrum half of the highest ability — four nationally-experienced players are currently competing for the crucial position.

The first string has yet to be finalized, as several players impressed the coaching staff during the pre-season.

“It’s not going to be an easy team to make,” said coach Doug Tate. “We have a real nice group of rugby players and quite a bit of depth.” 

But expect big hitters Neil Meechan and Adam Kleeberger to be back in his squad, as well as a number of new additions. Rookie Kyle Buckley who scored UVic’s only points through a penalty try last weekend will be a strong player to follow. Also joining the squad will be the U-20 Canada transfer from McGill Tony Wodziki and former university basketball player Mike Burke.

Friday’s match will feature an opposition weighted with national players that recently moved to Victoria. After the Castaway Wanderers ended the Vikes’ 2008 spring season with a convincing 18-9 win, UVic will be ready to avenge the loss in the season’s opener.

The match will be a clash of Team Canada’s best as several national division players will compete. Break out the yellow and blue and support Victoria’s finest as they go head to head with the Castaway Wanderers on Friday.