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In the most dramatic finish the U SPORTS Women’s Rugby National Championship has seen in years, UBC Women’s Rugby secured back-to-back national titles.
The Thunderbirds became only the second programme in 15 years to achieve consecutive championships, and the first in UBC’s storied history.
As proud long-standing partners, Kukri Sports were with them every step of the way, providing the high-performance kit that the team wore on their road to victory, inspiring every big tackle, important try and every crucial moment.
The team’s path to the trophy was anything but straightforward. After defeating Laval 32-10 in the quarter-final and edging past Queen’s 20-14 in a bruising semi-final, UBC entered the final against Victoria Vikes prepared for another battle.
In front of a home-crowd of 1,800 fans, the match swung back and forth with high intensity, before Adia Pye’s last-minute try sealed a historic victory.
Performing Under Pressure
“This one feels even more special than the first,” said Head Coach Dean Murten.
“We took the toughest route possible, facing the top three seeds in the country, and had to fight for every point and every inch of territory.
“It wasn’t always pretty, but it was full of heart and that’s what pushed us through.”
For standout player Lana Dueck, the pressure of defending a national title, and doing so on home soil, only made the victory more meaningful.
“Winning back-to-back national titles was a surreal feeling… actually doing what we set our goals to on our home field in front of a packed stadium felt like a dream.”
Even when the Vikes took the lead late in the match, the team refused to panic.
“In those final moments, it was very hard to stay present and not lose hope,” she admitted.
“But once we turned the ball over, it hit me that we could really do this. We just had to stay calm, and keep possession until the opportunity came – and when it did, it was the best moment ever.”
A Championship Built on Trust, Hard Work & Cohesion
Throughout the season, the Thunderbirds built a foundation that allowed them to thrive under the highest pressure.
“We reached a new playing level we’d been working towards all season,” Dueck said.
“We thrived under the pressure and leaned on the hard work we’d put in. I had full trust that #1 through to #25 had my back, and that gave me the confidence to play to the best of my ability.”
That unity was visible long before the Nationals final. In the semi-final against Queen’s, UBC defended on their try line for what felt like an eternity – a moment that Dueck believes set the tone for their championship triumph.
“The heart and resilience we showed in those last few minutes to not give up and keep on putting big hits gave us a new standard and confidence heading into the final.”
Confidence in Every Moment
Team identity and confidence played a major role in their success, with Dueck crediting the kit from Kukri as part of that feeling.
“Wearing Kukri kit and feeling good in what you’re wearing adds to the confidence you play with.
“Having uniformity adds to the cohesion we need on the field and the professional reputation we want to present as a team in all competitions.”
A Legacy Secured
With this historic run, UBC Women’s Rugby have cemented themselves among the elite in Canadian rugby.
A championship built on resilience. A title won under immense pressure. A legacy defined by unity, belief and a team determined to finish what it started.
Commenting on their success, Jamie Williams, Vice President at Kukri North America, said “We’re incredibly proud of UBC Women’s Rugby during such a historic moment for the programme.
“Their resilience, unity and commitment to excellence reflect everything we value as a partner. To see them achieve back-to-back national titles while wearing Kukri kit is a privilege, and we’re honoured to play a part in their continued success.”
Back-to-back champions – and history made.