Rugby Canada’s community events coming to Ottawa this July

Rugby Canada, in partnership with Rugby Ontario, has planned an extensive schedule of community events in the Ottawa region in the lead up to the matches between Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team against Scotland on July 6 and Romania on July 12 at TD Place Stadium.

These community rugby activations are designed to provide unique opportunities for inexperienced players to experience rugby for the first time and existing rugby players to experience the game in a new and exciting way. It is a goal of Rugby Canada and Rugby Ontario to ensure that anybody who wishes to participate in rugby can do so without barriers.

The community engagement schedule includes:

Canada Open Practice
Wednesday July 3rd
3:00PM – 6:00PM at Twin Elm Rugby Park

Twin Elm Park plays host to Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team for an open practice. Fans will watch as our national team prepares for their upcoming test vs Scotland. After practice, Canada national team players and staff will sign autographs, pose for pictures with fans, and engage in some rugby activities with the community.

Scotland Open Practice and Rookie Rugby Activation
Wednesday July 3rd
10:30AM – 12:30PM at Rowan’s Pitch

Barrhaven Scottish RFC play host to Scotland for an open practice. Fans will watch as the Scottish national team prepares for their upcoming test vs Canada. After their practice, Scottish national team players and staff will sign autographs, pose for pictures with fans and join in on the Rookie Rugby activities facilitated by Rugby Canada community rugby staff.

Anthem Player Mascots for the Ottawa International Summer Series
Saturday July 6, 5:00PM & Friday July 12, 7:00PM
TD Place, Ottawa
REGISTER HERE

Rugby Canada is looking for kids between 6-12 to be the anthem mascots for Ottawa International Summer Series. The children will walk out with the players onto the field at TD Place and stand in front of them during the national anthems.

Inclusive Rugby Halftime Activation
Saturday July 6th
Halftime at TD Place Stadium
REGISTER HERE

Ontario inclusive rugby clubs take the field for a halftime showcase. This inclusive event features players of varying skill levels, including individuals with disabilities, demonstrating the unifying spirit of the sport. The participants, highlighting their passion and teamwork, engage in a friendly match that highlights adaptive techniques and creative gameplay.

EORU Juniors Club Day with Canada's Men's Rugby Team
Sunday July 7th
1:00PM – 3:00PM at Oakfield Rugby Park
REGISTER HERE

Lanark Highlanders RFC host Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team for an afternoon of drills and skills with local club members. This event is open to boys and girls aged 14-18. National team players will share their experiences as professionals, both on and off the pitch.

EORU Minis Practice feat. Canada Women Under 20 
Monday July 8th  
5:00PM – 8:00PM at Oakfield Rugby Park 
REGISTER HERE
 
Canada Women Under 20 host local club minis for a fun practice at Oakfield Rugby Park. National team players are on hand to lead drills, skills, and games with Ottawa and surrounding participants aged 6-12.  

Rookie Rugby Roadshow & Open Q&A with Kingsley Jones
Tuesday July 9th
5:30PM – 7:00PM at TD Place Stadium
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. Adding to the excitement, international rugby players will be in attendance, offering tips, sharing their stories, and inspiring the next generation of players.

Canada Men’s Head Coach Kingsley Jones will also be taking questions from the rugby community while the kids play. The coaching staff will take time to interact with the community, take questions, and provide expert tips and tools for the trade.

Let’s Play Rugby Community Practice 
Wednesday July 10th  
7:00PM – 8:30PM at Privateers' Park Rugby Pitch 
REGISTER HERE

Supporting Brockville Privateers’ Let’s Play Rugby project, Rugby Canada community coaches travel to Brockville, ON where they will lead a practice for youth interested in playing in the girl’s game.  

Additional Rugby Canada Community Events

Additional Rugby Canada community events listed below. If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Jonathon Taylor-Ebanks at rookierugby@rugby.ca

Ottawa Wolves T1 Rugby Festival
Tuesday July 2nd
6:00PM – 8:00PM at Ken Steeles Park

Ottawa Wolves RFC alongside Rugby Canada will host a T1 festival, World Rugby’s new non-contact version of the game. Friends, family, and coworkers can come and experience our sport in an inclusive environment. The Wolves and other local clubs will form teams to play against each other

Indigenous Community Event hosted by TD Place
Friday July 5th
1:00PM – 3:00PM at TD Place Stadium

Rugby Canada hosts local Indigenous Ottawa youth at TD Place for an on-field experience. Coaches and Rugby Canada staff will lead participants in drills, games and a connect to your local club’s moment. Immediately following the on-field experience, Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team takes the pitch for their Captain’s Run. Participants will stay and watch the team’s final preparation before their test vs Scotland.

Club Curtain Raiser
Saturday July 6th
10:00AM – 2:00PM at TD Place Stadium

Rugby Ontario and EORU will host the Community Rugby Curtain Raiser at TD Place with Lanark Highlanders and the Brockville Privateers playing two matches; an opportunity for club rugby to be highlighted on the big stage. The Senior Men’s take the pitch first followed by the Senior Women’s.

Indigenous Community Event
Monday July 8th
9:00AM – 3:00PM at Pikawakanagan, ON

Rugby Canada join the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation for a day of community activities. Our community coaches lead a practice with local youth followed by a cultural exchange with the community.

Sessional Coaches Halftime Activation
Friday July 12th
Halftime at TD Place Stadium

In support of the Ottawa Ospreys coaching in schools’ program, members of the inaugural program take the field at TD Place to highlight their new rugby skills in a short game. New, young players will experience the excitement of playing in front of fans in a premier stadium.