This August, the SMUS Overnight Rugby Camp took a step forward in its evolution, welcoming both boys and girls to a program unique for training not only athletes but coaches as well. Players came from across B.C., the rest of Canada, and even overseas to sharpen their skills in an environment that emphasized technical development, personal growth and a culture of mentorship.
Learning Through Play
Leading the coaching of the players was Scott Manning, head coach of the University of Victoria men’s rugby team, who brought experience from representing Canada at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels, coaching the national Under-18 team, and teaching in UVic’s Master’s program in Coach Education. Manning developed player skills through a games-based approach that encouraged creativity and problem solving on the field.
“The coaching is sort of a different style,” said 14-year-old Rheo, back for his second year at camp, who felt the difference was clear. “There’s more flow, less contact, and it’s more about getting the skills down. They don’t give you too much guidance, they let you brainstorm and problem solve as a group to find the best solution.” He also appreciated the fast-paced games and new styles of play that challenged him to think differently.
Expanding Opportunities
This year also brought a meaningful shift: seven female athletes joined the camp for the first time, supported by player-coach Chloe Hill-Huse ’20 and development coach Kelsey McKinnon.
Hill-Huse, now in her final season with the University of Victoria and already recognized as Breakout Player of the Year in New Zealand in 2023, highlighted the benefits of a camp that combines athlete and coach development. “The coach-to-player ratio is incredible,” she said. “Coaches encourage players to ask for feedback and get one-on-one attention — that kind of support is rare in a camp setting.”
For 16-year-old Ivy from Victoria, the experience was transformative. Pushing herself to join as an overnight camper, she discovered new independence along with technical skills. “I learned techniques for how to keep my space as a winger,” she said. “On the first day I was getting shoved out of bounds and now I know different ways to avoid that.” Her advice for anyone considering the camp: “Don’t let fear get in the way. Even if you haven’t tried rugby before, you’ll get a lot out of it. There are people here who never played before and they’re doing amazing.”
Mentorship and Reach
While Manning led the athletes, coach development was guided by Aaron Takel, a former SMUS teacher who has played in the Welsh Premier League, served as a performance analyst with Rugby Canada, and worked as technical director for both Rugby Alberta and BC Rugby. Together, Manning and Takel created a dual-focus camp unique in Canada — one that grows players and coaches side by side.
The mentorship extended well beyond the pitch. Canada Sevens player Morgan DiNardo, Paralympian Byron Green, and UK coach Russell Earnshaw were among those who joined the program this year, alongside virtual workshops with coaches from New Zealand, England, and the Premier League. Over just two years, the camp has already graduated five UVic students as player-coaches and advanced 12 coaches overall.
A highlight of the final day was a visit from Gareth Rees ‘85, one of Canada’s most celebrated rugby players and an inductee into the World Rugby Halls of Fame. His presence offered players and coaches a reminder of SMUS’s long-standing ties to the sport at its highest level.
Looking Ahead
The camp’s reputation as one of Canada’s premier rugby development experiences was evident in the strength and diversity of this year’s roster. Grounded in the philosophy of G.A.I.N — Growth, Awareness, Innovation, Nurture, the program continues to focus on shaping complete athletes and coaches. Many of the players left not only with stronger skills, but also with the inspiration to step into coaching roles themselves one day.
Looking forward, the camp aims to achieve a balanced roster of 30 boys and 30 girls by 2026. More than just a target, this vision reflects its broader mission to nurture rugby talent at every level while carrying forward the teamwork, mentorship, and resilience that have long defined rugby at SMUS.
Players at Rugby Overnight Camp 2025
Players at Rugby Overnight Camp 2025
Players and Coaches at Rugby Overnight Camp 2025
Players doing drills at Rugby Overnight Camp 2025
