Canada to host Leinster on August 24 in Hamilton

The stadium is the home of the Hamilton TigerCats of the Canadian Football League and Forge FC of the Canadian Premier Soccer League, and played host to a 28-28 draw between Canada and USA in the 2017 Rugby World Cup qualifiers. The venue will be set to a capacity of 14,245 with an ability to expand if required, however fans are encouraged to buy their tickets early to avoid missing out.
 
“This fixture is crucially important for our preparation for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Leinster are one of the top clubs in all of Europe - they will bring a wealth of experience and provide high-quality opposition for us as we build towards facing Italy on September 26. The rugby community has continued to support our journey to the World Cup, and I look forward to a large home crowd for this match” said Kingsley Jones, Head Coach of Canada.
 
In addition to topping Conference B in the Pro-14 European League, Leinster is looking to defend their European Championship title this weekend when they face Saracens at St. James’ Park in Newcastle, England.

“As a club, this will be the first time we have travelled to Canada for our pre-season preparations,” said Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen.
 
“We are looking forward to the visit and the challenge of taking on a full international side which we haven’t done in quite some time. It will be an excellent opportunity for a number of our players to get some great experience ahead of the 2019/20 season.”

Members of the Ontario and Canadian Rugby community will also have the opportunity to mix-and-mingle with the team, and support Canada’s journey to Japan, at a fundraising “Suits and Scrums” event in Toronto on August 25that Steamwhistle Brewery in downtown Toronto.

“Rugby Canada is excited to bring international rugby back to Hamilton on the Road to the Rugby World Cup, giving fans an exciting opportunity to cheer on Canada’s Men’s Team in-action and support at our send-off event,” said Allen Vansen, Rugby Canada Chief Executive Officer.
 
“The Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle of our sport and it’s vitally important for us to properly send off our men’s team so that they know the entire Canadian Rugby and sporting community has their backs,” he added.
 
Tickets will go on-sale at 10:00am ET on May 29th via www.rugby.ca 
 
At the Rugby World Cup, Canada has been drawn into Pool B and will face Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and Namibia between September 26 to October 13 in various locations around Japan.
 
Canada Men’s Rugby Team upcoming schedule:
 
Pacific Nations Cup
 
Canada vs. USA
July 27
Infinity Park – Glendale, Colorado
Kick-off: TBC
Broadcast: TBC
 
Canada vs. Fiji
August 3
ANZ Stadium – Suva, Fiji
Kick-off: TBC
Broadcast: TBC
 
Canada vs. Tonga
August 9
Churchill Park – Lautoka, Fiji
Kick-off: TBC
Broadcast: TBC
 
Pre-Rugby World Cup:
 
Canada vs. Leinster
August 24
Tim Hortons Field – Hamilton, ON
Kick-off: TBC
Broadcast: TBC
 
Rugby World Cup
 
Canada vs. Italy
September 26
Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium
Fukuoka, Japan
Kick-off: 16:45pm local time (2:45am ET/*11:45pm PT on Sep. 25)
Broadcast: TBC
 
Canada vs. New Zealand
October 2
Oita Stadium
Oita, Japan
Kick-off: 19:15pm local time (5:15am ET/2:15am PT)
Broadcast: TBC
 
Canada vs. South Africa
October 8
Kobe Misaki
Kobe, Japan
Kick-off: 19:15pm local time (5:15am ET/2:15am PT)
Broadcast: TBC
 
Canada vs. Namibia
October 13
Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium
Kamaishi, Japan
Kick-off: 16:45pm local time (2:45am ET/*11:45pm PT on Oct. 12)
Broadcast: TBC
 
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For more information, please contact:
Bryan Kelly
Rugby Canada Media and Communications Manager
E: bkelly@rugby.ca
C: 250.216.5272