SHAWNIGAN LAKE, British Columbia – Playing their first exhibition match of the 2026-27 preseason, the Trinity Western Spartans men's rugby team lost 76-7 to the Canadian U20 national team Friday afternoon at the Shawnigan Lake School Field in Shawnigan Lake, B.C.
 
TWU's Santiago Acuna scored the lone try for the Spartans in the opening half, with Bernabé Sosa Ray having the conversion.
 
TWU trailed 31-7 at the half and are now 0-3 lifetime against the Canadian U20 national team.

QUOTABLE
Andrew Evans, TWU Head Coach 
"Wrapping up a week of training by testing ourselves against a strong Canada side was a solid start to the preseason. Canada were very fit and played a fast, aggressive brand of rugby. Their fitness level is well ahead of ours at the moment, and we will work hard to close that gap".
 
"Credit goes to all of our freshmen, who showed excellent attitude and a real desire to compete. Overall, a positive opening to the preseason."
 
UP NEXT
TWU will now head home to host the UBC Okanagan Heat on Friday, August 28. Match time at the LEC SE Field is set for 12 p.m. (PT).  

About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 13 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cross country and track & field, as well as women's rugby sevens. TWU also competes as an independent team in men's rugby and women's and men's disc golf. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 15 U SPORTS team championships and 35 Canada West team championships.

About Trinity Western University
Recognized for quality, TWU has received seven consecutive A+ rankings for Quality of Teaching and Learning, holds three Canada Research Chairs, and wins national championships in CIS sports. More importantly, lives are changed at TWU through its whole-person, Christ-centred approach to education. With a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree-completion programs, TWU equips leaders of character and competence to make a positive impact in the lives of others.  

-TW-