All community events will be offered free of charge. Rugby Canada, Rugby Alberta, and Rugby Manitoba remain committed to ensuring that anyone interested in rugby has the opportunity to participate without barriers. Whether individuals are picking up a rugby ball for the first time, reconnecting with the sport, or supporting Canada’s national teams, there will be opportunities for everyone to get involved.

RUGBY CANADA TO HOST FAN FEST ON JULY 5 ALONGSIDE MULTIPLE COMMUNITY EVENTS IN EDMONTON & WINNIPEG THIS JULY

Rugby Canada is pleased to announce the return of Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team to Edmonton and Winnipeg in July 2026 for three highly anticipated international test matches at Clarke Stadium and Princess Auto Stadium. The national team will face Spain on July 4 and Portugal on July 11 as part of the World Rugby Nations Cup that will also feature a Spain versus Tonga match on July 11. Following their time in Edmonton, Canada will travel to Winnipeg to take on Zimbabwe on July 18.

These international fixtures provide Canadian rugby fans with another opportunity to support the national team on home soil as Canada continues its journey toward the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. The matches also serve as a celebration of the continued growth and development of rugby across Alberta and Canada.

In partnership with Rugby Alberta, Rugby Manitoba, the Edmonton Rugby Union, and local rugby clubs, Rugby Canada has developed a comprehensive schedule of community events surrounding the Edmonton & Winnipeg test matches. These initiatives are designed to engage both new and existing participants through accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable rugby experiences on and off the field.

All community events will be offered free of charge. Rugby Canada, Rugby Alberta, and Rugby Manitoba remain committed to ensuring that anyone interested in rugby has the opportunity to participate without barriers. Whether individuals are picking up a rugby ball for the first time, reconnecting with the sport, or supporting Canada’s national teams, there will be opportunities for everyone to get involved.

The 2 week-long program of activities will include Rookie Rugby and T1 Rugby sessions for youth and families, player meet-and-greet opportunities with members of Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team, coaching and development workshops, fan engagement initiatives, and community celebrations throughout the Edmonton and Winnipeg regions.

These events are intended to showcase rugby’s unique culture while creating meaningful recruitment and retention opportunities for clubs, schools, coaches, officials, volunteers, and players across Alberta and Manitoba. Through this series of international matches and community programming, Rugby Canada aims to create a lasting legacy by introducing new participants to the sport and strengthening connections within the rugby community. 

EDMONTON
The community engagement schedule includes:  
 
Anthem Mascots 
Saturday, July 4 and 11 
Pre-Match at Clarke Stadium 
REGISTER HERE 
 
Rugby Canada is looking for local club players between the ages of 6-12 to walk out onto the field with their rugby heroes and stand with them as the national anthems ring out in Clarke Stadium. Eligible participants must have already purchased tickets. Registration for each game is limited to 46. Once registration is full, Rugby Canada will activate a waitlist. If a participant decides not to participate, waitlisted people will be contacted no less than 48 hours before each game. 
 
Halftime Let’s Play Rugby Showcase 
Saturday, July 4 and 11 
Halftime at Clarke Stadium 
 
During halftime of the Canada vs Spain game, local junior girls club players take the field at Clarke Stadium for a showcase game.  Playing T1, the exciting new flag rugby variation of rugby growing across Canada, the players will showcase Rugby Canada’s NFP Let’s Play Rugby program. This program prioritizes the growth of rugby for young girls ages 13-18.   
 
Rugby Canada Fan Fest 
Sunday, July 5 
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Clarke Stadium 
REGISTER HERE 
 
A special fan-focused event will take place at Clarke Stadium on July 5, bringing together rugby supporters, families, players, and community organizations for an afternoon of interactive activities. Fans can participate in Rookie Rugby and T1 Rugby, meet national team players, create content and memories in dedicated fan zones, and learn more about upcoming rugby opportunities in their community. 
 
Indigenous Community Try Rugby Event 
Monday, July 6 
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at Clarke Stadium 
 
Rugby Canada, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta (ISCA), will offer a Try Rugby event. This event is open to all ages and all experience levels.  Try Rugby Days are non-contact events with games-based learning. This exciting event will feature engaging drills, friendly matches, and skill-building activities designed for all skill levels. 
 
WINNIPEG
The Winnipeg community engagement schedule includes:  
 
Junior Coaches Program 
This program is for anyone aged 14-18 who is a member of a local rugby club or high school rugby program and is interested in starting their coaching pathway. Rugby Canada is looking for 20 individuals who want to complete their Rookie Rugby Coaching qualification and volunteer at the 2026 Nations Cup Winnipeg Community Activations. They will play a critical role in assisting with the delivery of the T1 event and Rookie Rugby Jamboree. 
 
*This is a 3-part program. Participants must be available for all 3 sessions. 
 
Rookie Rugby Course 
Monday, July 13 
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM at Maple Grove Rugby Park 
 
Rugby Canada LPR/T1 Rugby Event 
Wednesday, July 15 
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Maple Grove Rugby Park 
 
Rookie Rugby Festival 
Wednesday, July 15 
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Winnipeg Soccer Federation South 
 
REGISTER HERE 
 
Closing date for all applications is Friday, July 3rd. 
 
Coach and Match Official Professional Development 
Tuesday, July 14 
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Maple Grove Rugby Park 
REGISTER HERE 
 
This free professional development session will focus on coaching and officiating the scrum, providing valuable insights for coaches and match officials looking to enhance their technical knowledge and understanding of one of rugby’s most important phases of play. Led by Canada’s Men’s National Team Forwards Coach, Anthony Mathison,and international match officials, participants will gain practical expertise from leaders operating at the highest levels of the game. 
 
Winnipeg Women’s T1 Rugby Event 
Wednesday, July 15 
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Maple Grove Rugby Park 
REGISTER HERE 
 
Sponsored by NFP, Rugby Canada invites girls and women ages 14+ to a day of rugby skills and games.  Rugby Canada’s Let’s Play Rugby program prioritizes giving playing opportunities to girls. This event is intended to provide a welcoming space for women and girls to participate in a fun evening of T1 rugby. Whether you’re a current player, new to the game, or just looking for something fun to try, come out and join the fun! 
 
Rookie Rugby Roadshow  
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Winnipeg Soccer Federation South 
REGISTER HERE 
 
Rugby Canada’s premier Rookie Rugby festival. Perfect for kids aged 6-12 young rugby enthusiasts, this exciting event will feature engaging drills, friendly matches, and skill-building activities designed for all skill levels. 
 
Anthem Mascots 
Saturday, July 18 
Pre-Match at Princess Auto Stadium 
REGISTER HERE 
 
Rugby Canada is looking for local club players between the ages of 6-12 to walk out onto the field with their rugby heroes and stand with them as the national anthems ring out in Princess Auto Stadium. Eligible participants must have already purchased tickets. Registration for each game is limited to 46. Once registration is full, Rugby Canada will activate a waitlist. If a participant decides not to participate, waitlisted people will be contacted no less than 48 hours before each game. 
 
Halftime Rookie Rugby Showcase 
Saturday, July 18 
Halftime at Princess Auto Stadium 
 
During halftime of the Canada vs Zimbabwe and Portugal vs Tonga games, local minor club players take the field at Princess Auto Stadium for a showcase game.  Playing Rookie Rugby, the beginner-friendly, introductory rugby program, the players will put their skills to the test in front of the crowd in Winnipeg. 
 
More community events to be announced shortly.