Rugby Canada’s community events coming to Calgary this August

Rugby Canada’s community events coming to Calgary this August

Rugby Canada, in partnership with Rugby Alberta, has planned a schedule of community events in the Calgary region in the lead up to the match between Canada’s Men's Rugby Team and the USA on August 22 at McMahon Stadium.  

These community rugby activations are designed to provide unique opportunities to inexperienced players and experienced players alike. It is a goal of Rugby Canada and Rugby Alberta to ensure that anybody who wishes to participate in rugby can do so without barriers. 

The community engagement schedule includes:  

Monday August 18 

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team Open Practice 
2:45 PM – 4:30 PM 
Calgary Rugby Park 

Rugby Canada invites the rugby community for an open practice. Fans will watch as Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team prepares for their upcoming test vs USA. Canada’s Men's Rugby Team will stay after practice to sign autographs and take pictures with the community.  

Rookie Rugby Roadshow 
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM 
Calgary Rugby Park 
REGISTER HERE 

Rugby Canada and Rugby Alberta are hosting a free Rookie Rugby event for minor athletes (u5-u13) to come play at Calgary Rugby Park on August 18 from 5:30-6:30pm. Canada's Men's Rugby Team will be there to join in the fun and sign autographs during a meet & greet portion at the end. 

This event is open to all minor athletes regardless of prior experience. 

Coach PD Session with Canada Men’s Rugby Team Head Coach Stephen Meehan 
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM 
Calgary Rugby Park 
REGISTER HERE 

Topic: Coach Development (tailored to group needs) 
Facilitator: Stephen Meehan | Canada Men's Rugby Team Head Coach 
Session will be outdoors, with some players providing demos. Input and questions encouraged! 

Tuesday August 19 

Match Official PD Session with World Rugby Referees Luke Pearce, Adam Leal, Anthony Woodthorpe & Eric Gauzins 
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Calgary Saints Rugby Fields
REGISTER HERE

Topic: Breakdown Pictures & Referee Development (tailored to group needs)  
Facilitators: Luke Pearce, Adam Leal, Anthony Woodthorpe (England) & Eric Gauzins (France) 

Friday August 22 

Anthem Mascots at Canada vs. USA Game 
7:00 PM 
REGISTER HERE 

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 McMahon Stadium. Eligible participants must have already purchased tickets. Registration for each game is limited to 46. Once registration is full, Rugby Canada will activate a waitlist. If a participant decides not to participate, waitlisted people will be contacted no less than 48 hoursbefore each game.   

Halftime Let’s Play Rugby Showcase 

During halftime of the Canada vs USA game, 20 girls take the McMahon Stadium field for a showcase game.  Playing T1, the exciting new flag rugby variation of rugby growing across Canada, the players will showcase Rugby Canada’s NFP Let’s Play Rugby program.  This program prioritizes the growth of rugby for young girls ages 13-18.  

More events will be announced soon.