The Brandon University Bobcats are the 2026 PUWRC Rugby Champions!

The #2 seed Bobcats captured the banner on Sunday, defeating the top-seeded SAIT Trojans in a thrilling 15–12 final hosted at Mount Royal University.

Brandon punched their ticket to the championship match following a dominant performance in the semifinals, rolling past the University of Saskatchewan Huskies with a decisive 40–12 victory on Friday. SAIT advanced after defeating the University of Regina Cougars 97-5 in the other semifinal matchup.

The Bobcats played the SAIT Trojans in the final and the game didn't disappoint. Both teams competed hard in a very physical game, especially at the breakdown. BU scored first making it 5-0 for the Bobcats, but SAIT replied shortly to tie it up. The Trojans continued the pressure but the Bobcats scored again to make it 10-5. The Bobcats replied again to extend their lead to 15-5, but the Trojans scored and converted midway through the second half to bring the game within a three-point margin. Both teams continued back and forth but in the end, the Bobcats prevailed with a 15-12 victory, earning the Kukri Shield for 2026.

The championship banner wasn't the only hardware the Bobcats secured this weekend. Brandon's Kierstin Van de Kerckhove was officially named the 2026 PUWRC Rookie of the Year, capping off a stellar debut campaign. The league also recognized SAIT's Eve Shepherd as MVP and the University of Regina's Alyx Nurkowski as Coach of the Year. Congratulations to both teams on a great final and to the Bobcats on being crowned 2026 champions!

Celebrate the Champions at the HLC Bobcat Nation will have a chance to celebrate the title this weekend at the Healthy Living Centre. The women's rugby team will be officially honoured with a special presentation during the Bobcats Volleyball home games against MacEwan University on either Friday or Saturday night, details to be confirmed and updated here soon!