Vikes wings Larah Wright and Eden Kilgour prepare to bring national team standards and family culture to campus
Photo courtesy of Larah Wright.
University of Victoria wings Larah Wright, entering her final year, and rookie Eden Kilgour are returning to campus with a historic bronze medal, representing a far larger triumph for Canadian collegiate rugby.
On June 7, 2026, Canada’s national team captured the bronze medal at the HSBC SVNS World Championships in Bordeaux, France. After a devastating 19–17 loss against New Zealand in the semifinals, the team bounced back just hours later, defeating the United States 21–19 in the third-place playoff game.
The podium finish represents more than an international accolade, with the team showcasing a unique sense of unity. Wright and Kilgour played alongside athletes from their U SPORTS rivals from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Queen’s University, as a united force for Canada. The rivalry between the UVic Vikes and the UBC Thunderbirds is historically tense, often defining the national standings. Yet, in Bordeaux, these rivals shared the same jersey on the pitch.
“UBC, UVic, that is the biggest rivalry, but now we’re the best of friends,” said Wright, reflecting on her friendship with UBC nemesis Savannah Bauder. “Getting to play on the national team together, that’s brought us closer.”
The international experience has fueled Wright’s vision for leadership as she enters her final year of eligibility with the Vikes. Representing Canada has provided her profound perspective on the rising momentum of women’s sports in Canada. For Wright, wearing the Maple Leaf is about much more than athletic achievement — it is about inspiring future athletes, establishing positive leadership, and embracing hard work.
When Wright plays in the national jersey, she thinks of her younger sister.
“I think it’s the coolest thing that she is growing up in a world where women’s sports is dominating, especially in Canada,” said Wright. “I’m very privileged and fortunate to be a part of that movement.”
This deep sense of unity is stitched into the fabric of their game, with the phrase “one squad” embroidered on the collars of their jerseys, symbolizing a family where everyone has each other’s back. Wright explains that the Maple Leaves on the jersey represent a family tree, where every individual leaf is connected to a single, supportive stem of community.
As she returns to Victoria, Wright is hoping to grow this culture of community with the Vikes, ensuring the varsity team continues to operate as not just a squad, but as a family.
