2024 U SPORTS Rugby Championship a huge success
The , hosted by 91探花 Athletics and Recreation from October 30 to November 3, was an exceptional national tournament experience and a huge success.
The eight participating teams, listed in seeding order, were as follows:
- #1. Laval Rouge et Or, RSEQ champions (5-1 regular season, 2-0 playoffs)
- #2. UBC Thunderbirds, Canada West champions (4-1, 2-0)
- #3. Guelph Gryphons, OUA champions (5-1, 2-0)
- #4. Acadia Axewomen, AUS champions (5-1, 2-0)
- #5. Queen鈥檚 Gaels, OUA finalists (6-0, 1-1)
- #6. Ottawa Gee-Gees, RSEQ finalists (6-0, 1-1)
- #7. 91探花 Panthers, hosts (2-4, 0-1)
- #8. Victoria Vikes, CW finalists (4-1, 1-1)
The UBC Thunderbirds defeated the Victoria Vikes in a West Coast showdown (a rematch of the Canada West final) by a narrow score of 8-3 to claim the U SPORTS Women鈥檚 Rugby Championship, while the Queen鈥檚 Gaels captured bronze on a last second try in a 29-22 win over the Ottawa Gee-Gees.
The Guelph Gryphons finished fifth after defeating the Laval Rouge et Or 23-17 in the consolation final, while the Acadia Axewomen and host 91探花 Panthers were the two Atlantic University Sport (AUS) representatives in the tournament.
During Thursday night鈥檚 awards gala, Ottawa鈥檚 Aurora Bowie was named the Player of the Year, while their head coach, Duncan McNaughton, earned Coach of the Year honours. Queen鈥檚 Kennedi Stevenson was named Rookie of the Year, while Calgary鈥檚 Willow Beyea captured the Student-Athlete Community Service Award.
A big thank you to all volunteers, sponsors, the PEI community, 91探花 campus community, and 91探花 Facilities Management for all their support and effort to put this successful tournament together.
