The Martlet

With the Rugby World Cup officially underway, excitement for the sport is growing around the globe. And with the Vikes men’s and women’s rugby season starting up in a few days, excitement is building across the UVic campus, too. And just as the World Cup teams rely on the international experience of their players for success, so do the Vikes.

Both the men’s and women’s teams feature a number of players who have represented Canada at some level. Struan Robertson, a fourth-year back row with the men, has experience with the Canadian under-20 team.

“Any time you have an opportunity to play at that high a level, playing against some of the best guys in the world, it’s a huge confidence boost,” he says. “The experience you get from playing in those games and the pressure situations that arise in those games is invaluable.”

Last season, the men’s roster boasted 17 players who’d had time with a national side.

“The more guys we have playing at that level and being exposed to those opportunities, the better,” says Robertson. “It’s great for the program.”

Bruce Howe, new head coach for the women, says his forwards include players from both the U23 and U19 national levels.

“We have a very solid forward pack,” he says. “If we’re going to have a favoured area, it’s the forwards that I want.”

But if experience is the engine that drives success, effective coaching is the grease that ensures it runs smoothly.

Although it’s only his first year as head coach, Howe has been around UVic rugby for two decades. He spent the last number of years with the women’s program as assistant coach to Brad Skene. Before that, he was involved with the men’s team. When Skene stepped away at the end of last season for personal reasons, Howe filled the role.

Jesse Olynyk, fourth-year number eight with the women, is pleased to have Howe on board.

“He’s got more experience than I can ever dream of having, so he’s a great asset,” she says.

New, unfamiliar coaches often cause ripples when they come into a program. In this regard, the lady Vikes lucked out.

“It’s been great to have him stick around just to keep continuity,” says Olynyk. “We don’t have to rock the boat too much.”

On the men’s side, Robertson tips his hat to head coach Doug Tate, as well. “He’s done an amazing job of building a program. You look at the World Cup roster right now and see the number of guys that have either gone through UVic a few years ago or guys that are currently going through UVic.”

With a solid combination of coaching and player talent on these teams, both are aiming for post-season success.

“For CIS we want to qualify for Canada West [playoffs],” says Olynyk. “Our goals are to beat Calgary and UBC.”

Says Robertson, “I think every year the goal is to win the Provincial Championships. I don’t think there’s any point in aiming for anything less than that.”

The women kick off their club season against the Velox Senior Women on Sept.17, and their CIS season at home against Alberta on Sept. 23. The men, who only play club, open their season against the Castaways Wanderers on Sept. 17.