City of Langford creating long-lasting contributions to Rugby Canada

October 13, 2022 (Langford, BC) – For Rugby Canada and the City of Langford, the date of December 5, 2016 was monumental for both with the announcement and start of construction on the Al Charron Rugby Canada National Training Centre, what is now the home of rugby in Canada.

Since its official opening in 2018, the 1,900 square-metre, two-story building has been the main health, fitness and training facility for Rugby Canada’s high-performance programs including both of Canada’s senior 15s team, both senior 7s teams, the Maple Leaf Training Academy and the Pacific Pride. The facility has provided the necessary infrastructure to keep all of Rugby Canada’s national and development teams competitive on the national and international level.

The Al Charron Training Centre was made possible through generous contributions from the City of Langford. The Langford region is the homebase to all of Canada’s Senior Men’s and Women’s national teams. The city is Rugby Canada’s home for centralized training environments and team camps, giving players access to the world-class training center and Starlight stadium year-round helps to ensure that players and Canadian teams stay prepared for competition year-round.

The Maple Leaf Academy, Rugby Canada’s development pathway for aspiring female rugby players, and the Pacific Pride, Rugby Canada’s high-performance men’s development program, both use the City of Langford, the Al Charron Training Centre and Starlight Stadium as their official home. Since 2018, the two programs have combined to provide more than 150 young rugby players the ability to pursue their rugby dreams.

“Langford is proud to be the home of Rugby Canada,” stated His Worship Stewart Young, Mayor of Langford, in a press release published by Rugby Canada on February 27, 2018. “Langford is committed to working with all levels of government and the development community to ensure that all high-performance athletes have the resources they need to train right here in Langford.”

Since the Al Charron Training Centre was officially opened in February of 2018, Rugby Canada has further cemented its roots in Langford by hosting several major international events at Starlight Stadium, located across the street from the training centre.

Over the years, the 6,000-seat stadium has played host to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, test matches for Canada’s Senior Men’s and Women’s teams, as well as, home games for the Pacific Pride, and future games are now in the planning process.

Rugby Canada’s economic footprint in the City of Langford has grown substantially over the years. As the by-product of hosting international events, Rugby Canada has consistently brought tourists from around the world to the region which has made a strong impact on the local economy. In addition, by working, playing and living in the area, Rugby Canada’s staff and players help support the economy in Langford.

Players are active in the Langford community and regularly give back to the region through numerous community initiatives and bring a high-level of passion to working with local community groups and Indigenous youth in the area.

Rugby Canada is proud to call Langford home and thank Mayor Stewart Young and his council for all their support over the years.