In partnership with Rugby Ontario, Rugby Canada has planned an extensive calendar of community activities in the Ottawa area ahead of Canada’s men’s rugby team matches against Scotland on July 6 and Romania on July 12 at the stadium from TD Place.
These community rugby activities are designed to provide unique opportunities for inexperienced players to discover rugby and for practicing rugby players to rediscover the game in an engaging way. Rugby Canada and Rugby Ontario aim to ensure that anyone who wants to participate in rugby can do so without barriers.
The community activities program includes:
Team Canada training open to the public
Wednesday July 3
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Twin Elm Rugby Park
Twin Elm Park will host Canada’s men’s rugby team for training open to the public. Fans will be able to watch the national team prepare for its upcoming test match against Scotland. After practice, Canada’s national team players and staff will sign autographs, pose for photos with fans and participate in passing drills on the field with the community.
Training open to the public of the Scotland team and Rookie Rugby activity
Wednesday July 3
From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rowan Field
Barrhaven Scottish RFC will host the Scotland team for training open to the public. Fans will watch the Scottish national team prepare for their upcoming test match against Canada. After training, Scotland national team players and staff will sign autographs, take photos with fans and participate in Rookie Rugby activities hosted by Rugby Canada Community Rugby staff.
Anthem mascots for the Ottawa International Summer Series
Saturday July 6 at 5 p.m. and Friday July 12 at 7 p.m.
TD Place, Ottawa
REGISTER HERE
Rugby Canada is looking for children aged 6 to 12 to be the anthem mascots for the Ottawa International Summer Series. Children will accompany the players onto the field at TD Place and stand in front of them during the national anthems.
Inclusive rugby activity at halftime
Saturday July 6
Halftime at TD Place Stadium
REGISTER HERE
Inclusive rugby clubs from across Ontario take to the field for a half-time demonstration. This inclusive event highlights players of various skill levels, including people with disabilities, demonstrating the unifying spirit of the sport. Participants, emphasizing their passion and teamwork, play a friendly match that highlights coping skills and creative play.
Eastern Ontario Rugby Union Junior Club Day
Sunday July 7
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Oakfield Rugby Park
REGISTER HERE
Lanark Highlanders RFC welcomes Canada’s men’s rugby team for an afternoon of drills and skills with members of the local club. This event is open to girls and boys aged 14 to 18. National team players will talk about their experiences as professionals, both on and off the field.
Rookie Rugby Tour and Open Public Q&A with Kingsley Jones
Tuesday July 9
From 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at TD Place stadium
REGISTER HERE
Rugby Canada’s first Rookie Rugby tournament. Perfect for children aged 6-12 who are young rugby fans, this exciting event will feature engaging drills, friendly matches and skill development activities designed for all skill levels. To add to the excitement, international rugby players will be in attendance, offering advice, telling their stories and inspiring the next generation of players.
Canada’s men’s head coach, Kingsley Jones, will also answer questions from the oval community while the children play. Coaching staff will take the time to interact with the community, answer questions and provide expert advice and tools for participant development.
Other Rugby Canada Community Events
Other Rugby Canada community events are listed below. If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Jonathon Taylor-Ebanks by email at [email protected].
Ottawa Wolves T1 Rugby Tournament
Tuesday July 2
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ken Steeles Park
The Ottawa Wolves RFC and Rugby Canada will host a T1 tournament, World Rugby’s new non-contact version of the game. Friends, family and work colleagues can come and experience our sport in an inclusive environment. The Wolves and other local clubs will form teams that will play against each other.
Indigenous community event organized by TD Place
Friday July 5
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at TD Place stadium
Rugby Canada welcomes young Indigenous people from Ottawa to TD Place for an experience on the rugby field. Rugby Canada coaches and staff will lead participants through drills, games and bonding moments with your local club. Immediately following the field experience, the Canadian men’s rugby team takes the field for captain’s training. Participants will stay on site and witness the team’s final preparation before the test match against Scotland.
Curtain raiser by clubs
Saturday July 6
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at TD Place stadium
Rugby Ontario and the Eastern Ontario Rugby Union will host the community rugby curtain-raiser at TD Place Stadium with the Lanark Highlanders and Brockville Privateers playing two matches. This will be an opportunity for club rugby to be highlighted on the big stage. The senior men’s teams will be first on the field, followed by the senior women’s teams.
Indigenous community event
Monday July 8
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Pikawakanagan, Ontario
Rugby Canada joins the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation for a day of community activities. Our community coaches will lead training with local youth, followed by a cultural exchange with the community.
