Rugby Canada announce major funding boost after back-to-back England wins

Rugby Canada had double reason to celebrate on Friday night. Not only did Kévin Rouet’s national women’s team beat the Red Roses for a second game running, but they also confirmed that they had received additional funding from the Government of Canada.

An extra $2,815,000 of federal funding via Sport Canada’s Sport Support Program will see Canada’s total funding for the 2026/27 raised to $4,975,000. In their Spring Economic Update, the Government of Canada confirmed their intention to invest $1 billion into sport in the country. Since 2005, funding had largely stayed at the same rate for sporting bodies in Canada.

It was at the halfway stage of Canada’s 31-22 win against the Red Roses at Ottawa’s TD Place stadium that the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), announced the increase of funding for Rugby Canada.

The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), said: “Sport has the power to shape lives and bring people together in a way few things can. Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team showed us exactly that with their historic victory over England in Toronto.

“We’re strengthening Canada’s sport system by making sure that much-needed resources get to Rugby Canada so they can put them in motion. This means increased support for athletes, coaches, and programs that help Canadians participate and excel in sport.

“As Canada takes on England again in Ottawa, we’re building on that incredible momentum, supporting the continued growth of rugby across the country, celebrating team Canada, and proving once again Canada is the best sport-hosting nation.”

Earlier this year the Government of Canada contributed $898,000 via Sport Canada’s Hosting Program to help Rugby Canada host Nations Cup and WXV Global Series fixtures in the country. It is estimated that the five fixtures have had a socio-economic impact of over $50 million.

Rugby Canada have stated that the additional funding will support Canadian pathways, player pathways, contribute to the growth of youth rugby and allow the nation to host more high-profile rugby fixtures.

Nathan Bombrys, Rugby Canada Chief Executive Officer, said: “This investment reinforces the momentum we are building in rugby across Canada. It aligns directly with our strategic priorities: supporting our teams to win, growing our financial capacity through partnerships and major events that deliver strong economic impact, and leading the growth of the game across the country.

“Showing resourcefulness was a key expectation of this funding, and we have. Through our commercial partnerships, philanthropic campaigns like Mission: Win the Rugby World Cup, and our major event hosting program, we are delivering on our mission to inspire the nation on the global stage and to lead, govern and support rugby across Canada.

“We would like to thank the Government of Canada and The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) for their continued support of rugby in Canada.”