GUELPH, Ont. – Just over two weeks removed from a second consecutive OUA title, the Guelph Gryphons men's rugby team has now made their way to Vancouver in search of a national title.
Back on November 13, the Gryphons picked up their 5th OUA title in program history and second in as many years in a 28-19 win over the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks.
Now, the Gryphons are headed west, with the University of British Columbia serving as hosts of the 2022 Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship presented by Lougheed Wealth Management Inc. and Raymond James Ltd. Eight universities from across the country will compete for national bragging rights, with the OUA champion Gryphons entering the tournament as the No. 2-seed. The Gryphons will open up play on Wednesday (Nov. 30) with a 5pm (ET) quarterfinal match against the Memorial Sea-Hawks.
Watch all games live, online (for free) at The Rugby Network
This marks the fourth year of existence for the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship, with the University of Guelph serving as the
inaugural hosts back in 2017. The Gryphons have finished 4th, 7th, 5th, and 4th in their first four appearances at the national championship tournament which was jointly created by Rugby Canada and the Canadian Rugby Foundation.
"The mindset of the squad is very positive heading into these national championships,"
says Gryphon head coach
Cory Hector, who has led the Gryphons to three OUA title in his seven seasons in charge of the U of G men's rugby program. "The two-week layoff after winning the OUA championship has given the players an opportunity to mentally prepare for what is always a grueling national tournament," adds Hector. "We are heading into these championships healthier than we have ever been and are determined to bring home some national hardware."
The Gryphons will take a 26-man roster with them to Vancouver, with hopes featuring in the medal round come Sunday's games. Of those 26 players on the travel roster, 10 have experience in this tournament dating back to the 2019 season. The Gryphons will now look to find their OUA Championship form again following a lengthy layoff. Throughout the tournament,
information will be housed on the UBC Thunderbirds website.
Live streaming of every game will be available on the
The Rugby Network.
Gryphon Roster - 2022 Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship
Seedings at the 2022 Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship (Nov. 30 - Dec. 4 - Vancouver, BC)
1. UVic
2. Guelph
3. UBC
4. Laurier
5. McGill
6. Calgary
7. Memorial
8. TWU
CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Nov. 30th - Quarterfinals
11am PST | 2pm ET --- 1v8 UVic vs TWU
2pm PST | 5pm ET --- 2v7 Guelph vs Memorial
5pm PST | 8pm ET --- 3v6 UBC vs. Calgary
7:30pm PST | 10:30pm ET --- 4v5 Laurier vs. McGill
Friday, Nov. 2nd - Semifinals
11am PST | 2pm ET --- Consolation Semi Final 1
2pm PST | 5pm ET --- Consolation Semi Final 2
5pm PST | 8pm ET --- Championship Semi Final 1
7:30pm PST | 10:30pm ET --- Championship Semi Final 2
Sunday, Nov. 4 - Championship Day
9am PST | 12pm ET --- Consolation Final (7v8)
11am PST | 2pm ET --- Consolation Final (5v6)
1pm PST | 4pm ET --- Bronze Medal Game
3:30pm PST | 6:30pm ET --- Gold Medal Game
