The Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship proudly unveiled the 2025 Major Award Winners at the Pemberton Holmes Awards Banquet on November 13, 2025, recognizing the top players and coaching excellence from across all five participating regions.
Selections were made using the CUMRC’s national ranking system, with each nominee representing their region’s top performer.
🏆 2025 Major Award Winners
Forward of the Year
Cody Nhanala (UBC – BC)
One of the most impactful forwards in the country this season, Nhanala showcased exceptional physicality, athleticism, and work rate. A first-year Kinesiology student from Ottawa’s Glebe Collegiate Institute and a Canada Men’s 7s representative, he was central to UBC’s dominant forward play throughout the year.
Back of the Year
Morgan Di Nardo (UVic – BC)
A third-year Geomatics student and a dangerous attacking weapon, Di Nardo broke the line consistently and created scoring opportunities out of nothing. His electric running ability has put him firmly in contention for his first Senior Men’s XV cap.
Rookie of the Year
Jack Gore (Laurier – OUA)
A true first-year standout, Gore led the OUA in scoring with 86 points, including both tries and conversions, and played a major role in leading Laurier to an undefeated 6–0 regular season and second-place finish. His maturity and consistency separated him from a strong rookie class.
Player of the Year
Marcus D’Acre (Queen’s – OUA)
D’Acre is recognized as one of the top playmakers in Canadian university rugby, composed, creative, and influential on both attack and defense. A leader for Queen’s, he has earned a reputation as a selfless and ambitious athlete who elevates everyone around him.
Coach of the Year
Jean Baptiste Dargelos (ÉTS – RSEQ)
Dargelos delivered a remarkable season, guiding ÉTS to a perfect 6–0 record, earning offensive bonus points in every match, and finishing with decisive playoff victories (49–0 semifinal, 29–12 final). His leadership has been central to elevating the ÉTS program into a national force, building on consecutive RSEQ finals and a 2023 national championship.
Full Nominee Lists
Player of the Year Nominees
- Marcus D’Acre (Queen’s – OUA)
- Cody Nhanala (UBC – BC)
- Roman Layley (Carabins – RSEQ)
- Kevin Rothe (Calgary – PRA)
- Owen Wright (Dalhousie – ATL)
Rookie of the Year Nominees
- Curtis Driver (Bishop’s – RSEQ)
- Jack Gore (Laurier – OUA)
- Seamus MacDougal (UBCO – PRA)
- Michael Oughtred (UVic – BC)
- Bryan Rutledge (UNB – ATL)
Coach of the Year Nominees
- Adam Anshan (Dalhousie – ATL)
- Didier Banse (UBC – BC)
- Dan Haynes (UBCO – PRA)
- Cory Hector (Guelph – OUA)
- Jean Baptiste Dargelos (ÉTS – RSEQ)
A Celebration of Excellence
These awards highlight exceptional talent, leadership, and impact across Canadian university men’s rugby.
The CUMRC congratulates all winners and nominees for their contributions to a remarkable 2025 season.