Pacific Pride was crowned 2022 McKechnie Cup champions after the Rugby Canada Development side defeated the South Vancouver Island Crimson Tide 54-25 at Starlight Stadium on Saturday.
It marks the second time that the Pride has won the famous BC Regional Cup competition in its history, having first lifted the title 20 years ago in 2002.
The Pride finished with two wins from its two matches following a 42-3 opening week win over the Fraser Valley Rugby Union on November 26. Pride’s fixture against the Vancouver Wave on December 3 was cancelled due to snow.
This year marked the return of Regional Cup Rugby to the BC Rugby calendar for the first time since 2019. The McKechnie Cup and Dunbar Keg competitions, supported by ONNI, took place as BC Rugby’s Senior Leagues broke for winter.
Dunbar Keg champions are still to be crowned, with one remaining fixture to be played. The Fraser Valley Rugby Union and South Vancouver Island Crimson Tide are set to reschedule their fixture for early 2023.
Earlier on Saturday, the Tide defeated the North Vancouver Island Tsunami 41-28 in their Dunbar Keg match in Langford in what was as a fascinating precursor in a thrilling double-header of Rugby.
Approximately 300 fans enjoyed two exciting games that showcased top Rugby talent from British Columbia and Vancouver Island.
Photo Galleries for each of Saturday’s matches can be found below:
McKechnie Cup – Pride vs. Tide – Photos by AllsportMedia
Dunbar Keg – Tide U20 vs. Tsunami U20 – Photos by Chris Wilson
ABOUT THE REGIONAL CUPS
The McKechnie Cup and Dunbar Keg – alongside the Ruth Hellerud-Brown Cup – are historic regional Rugby Cup competitions within British Columbia, pitting the top athletes from each region against one another.
Senior Men compete for the coveted McKechnie Cup, one of the oldest contested trophies throughout BC and Canada. Dating back to 1896, the trophy was donated by Nanaimo physician Dr. Robert McKechnie and was originally contested by Clubs from Vancouver, Nanaimo and UBC. U20 Men’s Teams face off for the Dunbar Keg, one of the highest accolades in regional Rugby.
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.
