Rugby Canada confirm venue for 2 Tests against European opposition

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team will host two international matches at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton this July – Rugby Canada have confirmed.

The 4500-seat stadium, originally home to the CFL’s Edmonton Elks, will see Canada face Belgium on Saturday, July 12 at 5:00pm MT and Spain on Friday, July 18 at 7:00pm MT.

These fixtures mark the first international test rugby in Alberta since 2018.

The match against Belgium is Canada’s fourth-ever meeting with the 22nd-ranked European side. Canada last played Belgium in July 2022, winning 45-0 in Halifax. This will also be the first match for new Head Coach Steve Meehan.

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The two Edmonton games will help the Canadian squad prepare for the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup and the team’s attempt at direct qualification for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.

Spain, ranked 16th in the world, qualified for the Rugby World Cup by reaching the Rugby Europe Men’s Championship semi-finals in February.

Canada has faced Spain twice in the last four years, with matches in Villajoyosa in November 2023 and Ottawa in July 2022. The Canadians will be seeking their first win over Spain since 2017.

“We have a big challenge ahead of us this summer and I can’t wait to rip into it with the boys. I know guys are in their different team environments working hard so we can put our best foot forward when we get back together,” said Lucas Rumball, captain of Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team. “It’s great to have met Steve Meehan in person and over team calls. He is challenging the players to engage with each other on a technical, tactical side of rugby and help push each other on the physical side of the game. He’s put pressure on us to be our best self and player come the summer tests.

“This will help us be in a good space for the games in July and the upcoming Rugby World Cup qualification. Having had some of my earliest caps and provincial rugby experiences be in Alberta, I can’t wait to get back there. The fans are passionate and always give us a bit of extra push to get the job done. It’s a great rugby community and we definitely need their support for the upcoming games. Looking forward to playing in front of a packed house.”

The news was also welcomed by Rugby Alberta.

“Rugby Alberta is incredibly excited to be hosting not one, but two senior men’s national team fixtures this July in our province,” said Chris Cooke, President of Rugby Alberta. “The rugby community in Alberta is incredibly passionate and I can’t wait to see two sell-out crowds at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton cheering the squad on. Rugby Alberta looks forward to partnering with Rugby Canada, the Edmonton Rugby Union, the Calgary Rugby Union and all individual rugby clubs across our province to make these events a success. Let’s show the world how much noise an Alberta crowd can make on July 12 and 18!”

Tickets will start at $40 and go on sale in April. Rugby Canada has announced that Alberta-based clubs will have an opportunity to fundraise by purchasing group tickets, with details forthcoming.