INTERNATIONAL RUGBY RETURNS TO WINNIPEG AFTER 33 YEARS AS CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM COMPLETES JULY SCHEDULE OF THE NATIONS CUP

April 10, 2026 (Langford, BC) — Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team will finish off the summer schedule of the Nations Cup with an appearance on July 18 at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg, the first international rugby match in 33 years to be played in the city.

The final weekend of the World Rugby Nations Cup 2026 tour will wrap up with a thrilling double header of Tonga versus Portugal followed by Canada’s Men's Rugby Team taking on 24th ranked Zimbabwe who are joining the final stop of the Canadian-hosted 2026 Nations Cup matches.

1993 was the last time Canada played in Winnipeg, securing a comfortable 20-9 win against the USA. Rugby Canada’s Gareth Rees, former Canada Men’s Rugby Team captain and World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, reflects on his experience during that match.

“Having had the privilege of wearing the national jersey, you are acutely aware you are representing all of Canada from coast-to-coast-to-coast. When I played in Winnipeg, we met supporters and fans who participated in the unique rugby experience of a test match,” said Rees. “I’m thrilled for current players and fans in Manitoba (and beyond) that will engage in the Nations Cup this July. We’re also happy to receive the support of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers community, who have a reputation for selling out their stadium, and now have the opportunity to show their support for Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team.”

The inaugural biennial global competition features teams from both hemispheres in July and November windows. The competition sees the 12 unions who qualified for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 compete in a structured environment designed to accelerate unprecedented levels of competitive international rugby and create certainty of meaningful annual test fixtures with revenue opportunities.

“We are grateful to the City of Winnipeg and Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism for such a warm welcome as we make a long-awaited return to the city,” said Nathan Bombrys, CEO of Rugby Canada. “We are excited to bring an international tournament to Winnipeg and look forward to seeing the support behind this team for match day and the work we’ll be doing with the community during our stay.”

The Winnipeg matches on July 18 will be played at Princess Auto Stadium, home to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

"Hosting the World Rugby Nations Cup in 2026 is a proud moment for Winnipeg. Attracting a tournament of this calibre reflects our strong track record of securing world-class sporting events and creating exceptional experiences for athletes and fans,” said Natalie Thiesen, Vice President of Tourism, Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism. “The Nations Cup is estimated to generate over $3.1 million in total economic impact — that means hotel rooms filled, restaurants buzzing, venues activated and visitors exploring our neighbourhoods while putting our city on the global stage. It’ll also create lasting momentum for a beloved sport, energizing our rugby community and inspiring the next generation of players. We’re excited to welcome the world to Winnipeg and showcase the Prairie hospitality that defines our city."

“Bringing Rugby Canada to Winnipeg is a really exciting moment for us,” said Wade Miller, President and CEO of the Winnipeg Football Club. “We’re proud to welcome the sport to Princess Auto Stadium and showcase the incredible atmosphere our fans create. It’s a great opportunity to introduce rugby to new audiences while hosting a world-class event right here in our city.”

"It’s an honour to host the World Rugby Nations Cup and welcome athletes and fans from around the world to Winnipeg this summer,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. "This is a huge win for our city, and another great opportunity to show that Winnipeg is a premier hosting city for major events. I look forward to joining the crowd this summer to cheer on Canada.”

“Rugby Manitoba and our members are incredibly excited to welcome international rugby to Winnipeg. We extend our sincere thanks to Rugby Canada, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism for their collaboration in making this event possible,” said Christian Taylor, Board President of Rugby Manitoba. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our community—not only to showcase the sport across our province, but also to inspire the next generation of players and fans. We see this as an important step in continuing to grow rugby at the grassroots level throughout Manitoba. We’re looking forward to an outstanding Nations Cup and an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”

Rugby Canada would like to thank the City of Winnipeg for their support in bringing international rugby to Manitoba.

Canada’s Nations Cup pre-tournament camp squad will be announced in June. All Nations Cup matches will be televised live by TSN.

Further details, including TSN broadcast specifics, and media accreditation applications, will be announced shortly.

TICKETS FOR TONGA V PORTUGAL AND CANADA VS ZIMBABWE JULY 18

Tickets start at $50 and provide access to both matches. Purchase now at ticketmaster.ca.

2026 NATIONS CUP SCHEDULE

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team vs Spain

Saturday July 4, 2026

7:00 pm MDT / 6:00pm PDT / 9:00pm ET

Clarke Stadium, Edmonton

Tonga vs Spain

Saturday July 11, 2026

3:45pm MDT / 2:45pm PDT / 5:45pm ET

Clarke Stadium, Edmonton

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team vs Portugal

Saturday July 11, 2026

7:00pm MDT / 6:00pm PDT / 9:00pm ET

Clarke Stadium, Edmonton

Tonga vs Portugal

Saturday July 18, 2026

3:45pm CDT / 1:45pm PDT / 4:45pm ET

Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg

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