The 2025 BC Bears Summer Campaign delivered one of the most successful seasons in program history, combining breakthrough on-field achievements with record-setting growth off the field.
From national titles and international exposure to unmatched digital reach, the BC Bears have established themselves as one of the most exciting platforms for rugby in Canada – and a powerful opportunity for new partners to engage with fans, athletes, and communities across British Columbia.
Over 200 athletes were involved in BC Bears Programming this summer, indicating a bright future for Canadian Rugby, and showcasing the dedicated and brilliant work going on within the BC Rugby community.
BEARS XVs: CHAMPIONSHIP GLORY AND RISING DEPTH
The BC Bears U19 Women’s XVs capped a stunning transformation under Head Coach, Jake Thiel, by winning the National Championship at the 2025 Canadian Rugby Championships. The program had not won a match in two years and, under the stewardship of Thiel, now stands as unbeaten national champions following a fantastic showing in Calgary.
This success story represents not only athletic excellence, but also the power of resilience and player development pathways in BC. Jake’s formidable coaching and recruitment skills were second to none, and have drastically turned the program around.
The U19 Men’s XVs built on their consistency by reaching the national final for the second straight year, earning silver against perennial rivals Ontario. In a tight final contest that could have gone either way, it was Ontario who clinched gold as they thwarted the Bears’ final attack to hold on.
Meanwhile, the BC Bears U17 Boys and Girls XVs Programs both lifted the inaugural 2025 O’Neills Challenge Cup in a three-match Series with Rugby Ontario.
The Bears won their opening two matches against combined regional sides from the Toronto Rugby Union, Eastern Ontario Rugby Union, South Western Rugby Union and the Niagara Rugby Union before dropping the third and final match against the Rugby Ontario All-Stars. However, Series Victory had already been achieved and our U17 Boys and Girls returned home with silverware.
The BC Bears U17 XVs Programs also benefited from intensive development camps at Shawnigan Lake School. Highlights included the Boys taking on Whitgift School, one of the UK’s top rugby academies, and the Girls securing back-to-back wins over a tough Rugby Alberta side.
At the grassroots level, over 80 U15 athletes attended our 2025 “Build a Bear” Camps at Shawnigan Lake School, guided by a roster of dedicated coaches, strengthening BC’s rugby pipeline for years to come.
The Camps featured Coaching sessions from the likes of former Canadian athletes Morgan Williams, Jeff Williams, Gary Dukelow, Laura Russell, and Jake Thiel, as well as highly-respected Coaches Darcy Patterson, Doug Tate, Dana Agar Newman, Jenna Elidoros, Adam Holloway and BC Rugby Technical Director, John Tait.
BEARS 7s: CANADA GAMES SUCCESS
The Bears, under the moniker of Team BC, excelled on the national stage at the 2025 Canada Summer Games. The U18 Girls 7s team secured a second consecutive gold medal, building on their Niagara 2022 triumph. It also marked a second successive Canada Summer Games Gold medal for Head Coach and BC Bears Girls 7s Program Lead, Darcy Patterson, whose legacy is further cemented in BC’s history books.
Meanwhile, the U20 Boys made history in men’s rugby’s long-awaited return to the Games since 2009. Under Head Coach Jake Thiel, the U20 Boys earned a silver medal following an intense final against Ontario which saw our Eastern rivals win gold with the last play of the game.
Off the Field: Record Growth and Exposure
Beyond results, 2025 marked a turning point for BC Rugby’s profile and reach:
- Two kit launches captured community attention, including the 7s Kit Launch at Britannia Boat Yards in Steveston, which drew significant local exposure.
- Jerseys designed by Maelle Cameron (Bayside Sharks RFC) and Sarah Martin (Capilano RFC) through Girls Can Rugby initiatives connected new audiences with the sport, reinforcing rugby’s inclusive and accessible values.
- Across July and August, BC Rugby achieved record-breaking digital engagement, with more than 2.4 million views in 30 days – the highest in organizational history.
These milestones underscore the growing commercial value of BC Rugby. With high-profile community activations, a strong digital footprint, and national-level success, the BC Bears represent a dynamic platform for partners looking to align with sport, youth development, diversity, and community impact.
The 2025 BC Bears Summer Campaign has set the stage for even greater impact. BC Rugby is now seeking new partners to join us in driving the sport forward, supporting athletes, and building unforgettable experiences for fans across the province.
From grassroots development to national championships, the BC Bears are growing the game – and creating unique opportunities for brands to grow with us.
For partnership opportunities, contact:
Rob Bartlett
BC Rugby Director of Marketing & Partnerships
rbartlett@bcrugby.com | 778-725-7476
BC Rugby
A: 2015 Main Street, Vancouver, BC | V5T 0J8
T: 604.737.3065
E: info@bcrugby.com
BC Rugby gratefully acknowledges that its offices reside on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
