Sports

A bald man wear a navy blue rugby jersey kit with an Indigenous-designed Thunderbird shirt faces the camera with his face turned slightly to the right. He has a cream-coloured mug that has a "D" on it and he is wearing a watch. The man is standing outside, on the sidelines of a green rugby field with trees in the background.

How Dean Murten is making a rugby dynasty at UBC

In 2014, the women's rugby team was almost cut by UBC due to poor performance and a lack of support. Ten years later, here's how the team and head coach Dean Murten turned things around.

Lauren Kasowski October 29

A group of women rugby players in navy blue jersey kits, red hats and gold medals with red lanyards are posed for a photo on a football field at night. They are crowded around a white banner that says "2024-25 Canada West Champions" and a trophy is held above everyone's heads.

Women's rugby earns fifth consecutive Canada West championship

Over the weekend, UBC's women's rugby team became five-time Canada West champions after dominant wins over the University of Calgary Dinos and University of Victoria Vikes.

Lauren Kasowski October 21

A women's rugby player in a white jersey and pink cleats is hugged by a taller teammate during a break in a game. Two other teammates are standing around and two players in green jersey kits are standing away from the hug. In the background is bleacher stands full of fans.

UBC alumni shine in second weekend of WXV1

The Langley Events Centre was the backdrop for the second week of the WXV1 rugby tournament. Three UBC alumni played, representing Canada and England.

Lauren Kasowski, Photos by Mackenzie Burley, Saumya Kamra and Zoe Wagner October 8

A female rugby player with blonde hair is carrying the ball in a navy blue jersey kit. She is trying to break through a tackle made by another rugby player, wearing a light blue and yellow jersey kit. Three other players in navy blue jerseys are in the frame, facing away from the camera. The background is a lush green outdoor rugby pitch, with the goalposts in the centre of the photo.

T-Birds take down Vikes in last regular season game

On Saturday, the UBC women's rugby team earned a 17–8 win over the University of Victoria Vikes.

Maia Cesario, Photos by Tiana Khandelwal October 8

A rugby player wearing #7 catches the ball in the air, being lifted in a rugby lineout. She is held up alone, with the lineout not being contested.

Pye leads women's rugby to 85–7 win over Pandas

The T-Birds won by a landslide against the University of Alberta Pandas on Sunday afternoon at the UBC Gerald McGavin Rugby Centre.

Luiza Teixeira, Photos by Mackenzie Burley September 25

A rugby player in a navy blue jersey and shorts with their hair in a bun is getting tackled by a player in a white jersey and blue shorts. There are many other players in the navy blue kit behind.

Thunderbirds beat Pronghorns in home opener

On Sunday, UBC women's rugby team won 46–14 against the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns at the UBC Gerald McGavin Rugby Centre.

Danielle Simon, Photos by Lauren Kasowski September 17

Five T-Birds showcased at Vancouver HSBC Rugby Sevens

Most people spent their reading break traveling, studying or catching up on sleep. Thunderbirds Piper Logan, Florence Symonds, Phil Berna, Jack Carson and Matthew Percillier spent it playing professional rugby in front of 67,753 fans at BC Place.

Lauren Kasowski, Photos by Isa S. You March 8

Women's rugby claims fourth straight Canada West Championship

With a final score of 10–0, the Thunderbirds officially started their winning rugby dynasty, claiming their fourth CW championship banner in four years.

Stella Griffin October 27, 2023

UBC battles in Bordeaux rugby tournament, preps for nationals

From September 21–28, men's rugby attended the World University Rugby Invitational Tournament in France. Although they lost, UBC head coach Didier Banse said the team is walking away with many lessons from the other teams.

Jade Quinn-McDonald October 20, 2023

'Birds beat Vikes for perfect rugby season

The women's rugby team defeated the University of Victoria Vikes 29–7 on Saturday in their last regular season game, securing a perfect 5–0 record.

Lauren Kasowski October 17, 2023

Women’s rugby takes down Pronghorns to stay undefeated

The Thunderbirds took on the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns on Thursday evening at the Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre, winning by a score of 60–0.

Lauren Kasowski October 3, 2023

T-Birds dominate Pandas in women's rugby home opener

On Thursday, the T-Birds defeated University of Alberta Pandas at the Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre 74–0, earning their second win and first home victory of the season.

Regina Hipolito September 21, 2023

Season preview: Rugby teams set for success with fresh energy

Coming into a new season, UBC's rugby teams are looking to repeat, and improve on, last year's success.

Jade Quinn-McDonald September 12, 2023

UBC wins over Spartans 61–22 in men’s rugby home opener

Over the weekend, men’s rugby defeated the Trinity Western University Spartans in front of a packed crowd at the Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre.

Lauren Kasowski September 12, 2023

Family footsteps: The Seumanutafa siblings rule rugby at UBC

Rugby has brought the Seumanutafa siblings closer together – both on and off the pitch.

Lauren Kasowski July 14, 2023