Inspired by Canada’s impressive performances at the 2025 Rugby World Cup, the next generation of rugby talent made their mark this past week as the BC Bears U17 Boys’ and Girls’ XVs squads were crowned the inaugural O’Neills Challenge Cup winners, edging Rugby Ontario in a tightly contested three-match Series.
New for 2025, the O’Neills Challenge Cup saw the BC Bears U17 XVs Programs tour Ontario for a set of showcase fixtures highlighting the country’s rising stars. The Bears opened the Series in style, defeating combined Toronto Rugby Union (TRU) and Eastern Ontario Rugby Union (EORU) sides on August 26, followed by a second win against South Western Rugby Union (SWRU) and Niagara Rugby Union (NRU) combined squads on August 28.
The final match on August 30 saw the Bears fall to Rugby Ontario All-Stars – a selection of the province’s top regional athletes – but with two wins from three, BC sealed the overall Series victory and lifted the inaugural trophy at Brampton Rugby Club.
Tour results:
BC BEARS U17 BOYS XVs
Match 1: BC Bears U17 Boys 32-15 TRU/EORU
Match 2: BC Bears U17 Boys 36-12 SWRU/NRU
Match 3: BC Bears U17 Boys 12-41 Ontario All-Stars
BC BEARS U17 GIRLS XVs
Match 1: BC Bears U17 Girls 25-12 TRU/EORU
Match 2: BC Bears U17 Girls 31-22 SWRU/NRU
Match 3: BC Bears U17 Girls 22-27 Ontario All-Stars
Our BC Bears teams proudly wear playing and training kit manufactured by our partner, O’Neills. Founded in 1918, O’Neills is renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation across the globe.
Full squad lists and match videos can be found here.
More information about BC Rugby
The British Columbia Rugby Union, commonly known as BC Rugby, is the governing body for Rugby in British Columbia and is a Provincial Union of Rugby Canada, the national governing body. Representing over 7,500 individuals registered through around 60 Member Clubs and Associations across the Province, BC Rugby leads and manages the sport with the aim to grow participation and develop excellence in all games of Rugby and in all facets of the sport.
Web: www.bcrugby.com
Social: @bcrugbyunion
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Media Contact
BC Rugby
Rob Bartlett, Director of Marketing and Partnerships
Tel: +1 778-725-7476
rbartlett@bcrugby.com