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VICTORIA – Seven members of the University of Victoria Vikes men’s rugby program have been named to Canada’s U20 men’s rugby squad set to compete at the 2025 Oceania Rugby U20s Challenge in Fiji.

Adam Doane, Brighton Feldman, Josh McIndoe, Matthew Bennett, Morgan Di Nardo, Reece Thompson, and Spencer Cotie will represent Canada at the second edition of the tournament, which takes place May 28–June 7 in Nadi, Fiji. Canada is scheduled to face Samoa (May 28), Fiji (June 2), and Tonga (June 7) at King Charles Park.

“One of the core goals of our varsity rugby program is to create pathways for athletes to reach the highest levels of the sport, including national team selection,” said Vikes head coach Scott Manning. “

“We’re incredibly proud of these individuals for earning the opportunity to represent Canada’s U20s this summer. Their hard work, commitment, and character have brought them to this honor, and we know they’ll represent both their country and our program with pride. We look forward to seeing them bring that experience back into our environment and continue to raise the standard for everyone around them.”

All seven Vikes have previously represented Canada at the junior and senior levels, including last years incoming Vikes who represented Canada at the U18 level at the 2024 Corendon Rugby Summer Tour in Amsterdam.

Among the veteran returnees is Morgan Di Nardo, a second-year Vike and regular with the senior men’s national sevens team. Di Nardo, who is coming off a big Challenger Series event win in Poland this past week, will also join Canada’s U23 team during their tour of Fiji. A 2024 Canadian University Men’s Rugby All-Canadian, Di Nardo has proven himself at all levels and has become a prolific tri scorer for the young Canadian sevens squad. 

Ahead of their departure, the team will hold a two-week training camp on Vancouver Island in May, with sessions based in Langford and at Shawnigan Lake School.

Canada’s U20 selections were based on performances in university and club competition, the U19 Canadian Rugby Championship, previous age-grade experience, and input from provincial coaches. A four-day training and alignment camp held earlier this year at St. George’s School in Vancouver helped finalize selections.