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\u2019s national teams, there will be opportunities for everyone to get involved.<\/p>\n
RUGBY CANADA TO HOST FAN FEST ON JULY 5 ALONGSIDE MULTIPLE COMMUNITY EVENTS IN EDMONTON & WINNIPEG THIS JULY <\/p>\n
Rugby Canada is pleased to announce the return of Canada\u2019s Men\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Rugby World Cup 2027. The matches also serve as a celebration of the continued growth and development of rugby across Alberta and Canada.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s national teams, there will be opportunities for everyone to get involved.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Men\u2019s Rugby Team, coaching and development workshops, fan engagement initiatives, and community celebrations throughout the Edmonton and Winnipeg regions.<\/p>\n
These events are intended to showcase rugby\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
EDMONTON
The community engagement schedule includes:\u00a0\u00a0
\u00a0
Anthem Mascots\u00a0
Saturday, July\u00a04\u00a0and 11\u00a0
Pre-Match\u00a0at Clarke Stadium\u00a0
REGISTER HERE<\/a>\u00a0
\u00a0
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\u00a0Clarke\u00a0Stadium. Eligible participants must have already\u00a0purchased\u00a0tickets. Registration for each game is limited to 46. Once registration is full, Rugby Canada will activate a waitlist. If a participant decides not to\u00a0participate, waitlisted people will be contacted no less than\u00a048 hours\u00a0before each game.\u00a0
\u00a0
Halftime\u00a0Let\u2019s\u00a0Play Rugby Showcase\u00a0
Saturday, July 4\u00a0and 11\u00a0
Halftime\u00a0at Clarke Stadium\u00a0
\u00a0
During halftime of the Canada vs Spain game, local junior girls club players take the field at Clarke Stadium for a showcase game.\u00a0\u00a0Playing T1, the exciting new flag rugby variation of rugby growing across Canada, the players will\u00a0showcase\u00a0Rugby Canada\u2019s NFP\u00a0Let\u2019s\u00a0Play Rugby program. This program prioritizes the growth of rugby for young girls ages 13-18.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\u00a0
Rugby Canada Fan Fest\u00a0
Sunday,\u00a0July 5\u00a0
1:00 PM\u00a0–\u00a03:00 PM\u00a0at\u00a0Clarke Stadium\u00a0
REGISTER HERE\u00a0<\/a>
\u00a0
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\u00a0participate\u00a0in 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.\u00a0
\u00a0
Indigenous Community Try Rugby Event\u00a0
Monday, July\u00a06\u00a0
6:30 PM\u00a0–\u00a08:00 PM at Clarke Stadium\u00a0
\u00a0
Rugby Canada, in partnership with the Indigenous Sport Council of Alberta\u00a0(ISCA),\u00a0will offer\u00a0a Try Rugby event. This event is open to all ages and all experience levels.\u00a0\u00a0Try 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.\u00a0
\u00a0
WINNIPEG
The Winnipeg community engagement schedule includes:\u00a0\u00a0
\u00a0
Junior Coaches Program\u00a0
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.\u00a0They will play a critical role in\u00a0assisting\u00a0with the delivery of the T1 event and Rookie Rugby Jamboree.\u00a0
\u00a0
*This is a 3-part program. Participants must be available for all 3 sessions.\u00a0
\u00a0
Rookie Rugby Course\u00a0
Monday, July 13\u00a0
5:30 PM\u00a0–\u00a08:30 PM at Maple Grove Rugby Park\u00a0
\u00a0
Rugby Canada LPR\/T1 Rugby Event\u00a0
Wednesday, July 15\u00a0
6:00 PM\u00a0–\u00a08:00 PM at Maple Grove Rugby Park\u00a0
\u00a0
Rookie Rugby Festival\u00a0
Wednesday, July 15\u00a0
10:00 AM\u00a0–\u00a012:00 PM at\u00a0Winnipeg Soccer Federation South\u00a0
\u00a0
REGISTER HERE\u00a0<\/a>
\u00a0
Closing\u00a0date for all applications is Friday, July 3rd.\u00a0
\u00a0
Coach and Match Official Professional Development\u00a0
Tuesday, July 14\u00a0
6:00 PM \u2013 8:00 PM\u00a0at Maple Grove Rugby Park\u00a0
REGISTER HERE\u00a0<\/a>
\u00a0
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,\u00a0Anthony Mathison,and\u00a0international match officials, participants will gain practical\u00a0expertise\u00a0from leaders\u00a0operating\u00a0at the highest levels of the game.\u00a0
\u00a0
Winnipeg Women\u2019s T1 Rugby Event\u00a0
Wednesday, July 15\u00a0
6:00 PM –\u00a08:00 PM at Maple Grove Rugby Park\u00a0
REGISTER HERE\u00a0<\/a>
\u00a0
Sponsored by NFP, Rugby Canada invites girls and women ages 14+ to a day of rugby skills and games.\u00a0\u00a0Rugby Canada\u2019s\u00a0Let\u2019s\u00a0Play Rugby program prioritizes giving playing opportunities to girls. This event is intended to provide a welcoming space for women and girls to\u00a0participate\u00a0in a fun evening of T1 rugby. Whether\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0a current player, new to the game, or just looking for something fun to try, come out and join the fun!\u00a0
\u00a0
Rookie Rugby Roadshow\u00a0\u00a0
10:00 AM –\u00a012:00 PM at Winnipeg Soccer Federation South\u00a0
REGISTER HERE\u00a0<\/a>
\u00a0
Rugby Canada\u2019s 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.\u00a0
\u00a0
Anthem Mascots\u00a0
Saturday, July 18\u00a0
Pre-Match at Princess Auto Stadium\u00a0
REGISTER HERE\u00a0<\/a>
\u00a0
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\u00a0Princess Auto\u00a0Stadium. Eligible participants must have already\u00a0purchased\u00a0tickets. Registration for each game is limited to 46. Once registration is full, Rugby Canada will activate a waitlist. If a participant decides not to\u00a0participate, waitlisted people will be contacted no less than\u00a048 hours\u00a0before each game.\u00a0
\u00a0
Halftime\u00a0Rookie\u00a0Rugby\u00a0Showcase\u00a0
Saturday, July\u00a018\u00a0
Halftime at\u00a0Princess Auto\u00a0Stadium\u00a0
\u00a0
During halftime of the Canada vs\u00a0Zimbabwe and Portugal vs Tonga\u00a0games, local\u00a0minor\u00a0club players take the field at\u00a0Princess Auto\u00a0Stadium for a showcase game.\u00a0\u00a0Playing\u00a0Rookie Rugby, the\u00a0beginner-friendly, introductory rugby program, the players will\u00a0put their skills to the test in front of the crowd in Winnipeg.\u00a0
\u00a0
More community events to be announced shortly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"All community events will be offered free of charge. Rugby Canada, Rugby Alberta, and Rugby Manitoba remain committed…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":736459,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[194296],"tags":[49,48,22073],"class_list":["post-736458","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-winnipeg","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-winnipeg"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/736458","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=736458"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/736458\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/736459"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=736458"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=736458"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=736458"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}