Saratoga Cup – June Updates
Williams Lake Undefeated in Interior, Yeti/Vernon Battle for Top Spot in Okanagan, Rocky Mountain Rogues Dominant in Kootenays
The Saratoga Cup final tournament takes place August 8th/9th in Fernie with the top team from the three regions getting an invite with host Elk Valley automatically qualifying. The current standings for the three regions are listed below courtesy of the BCRU.
Summer Camps 2026
Summer Rugby Camps in BC from June to September
We’ve put together a list of summer rugby camps, we’ll keep updating the list throughout the summer. If you know of a summer rugby camp in BC, tag us on social media with the poster, Instagram is the best choice, @bcrugbynews – or add a link and description in the comment section.
BC vs Ontario: BC Win Game #1 36-14 Behind Solid Scrum, Jackals and Chip Kicks
BC Name Lineup for Match #1 vs Ontario Blues – Ontario Roster Added
Brock Gallagher's try sequence the step, the wave, the dive, 10 out of 10 on the landing. 1st half of Island Tide vs Ontario Blues, more photos at https://bcrugbynews.com/vancouver-island-vs-ontario-may-2026-photos/
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World Rugby Updates – Tackle Height in Community Rugby
World Rugby Issued Media Release Today on Tackle Height: Coaches Can Register for Zoom Session with Chris Assmus Tonight at 7pm – Also Included BC Rugby Education Video on Tackle Height and Head Contact Review
World Rugby issued a media release today (see below) stating they have, “approved adoption into full law a lower tackle height in community rugby, following positive trials over the last two years”. BC have been playing sternum height tackling so there shouldn’t be a lot of impact come July 1st. If you want further clarification, Chris Assmus is hosting a zoom session tonight for coaches at 7pm, you can register at this link. Also the video below featuring Chris on the BC Rugby Education channel covers the topic of tackle height and head contact review, it was posted four days ago so is up to date.
In Memory Of… June 2026
In Memory of Gudmund Gudmundseth – Cowichan Legend Passes Away at Age 81
It was sad news to hear of the passing of Gudy yesterday. Anyone who has visited Cowichan Rugby Club knows Gudy, always there with a smile and a welcome, getting things done behind the scenes from president to coach to barman when required. He was Canada cap #86 according to our records, earning his cap in 1973 against Wales in Toronto. Condolences to the family and club.
MLR Semi-Finals 2026
Seattle Fall to California: Chicago Defeat Old Glory with Flesch and Rumball Scoring Tries
Callum Botchar and Dewald Kotze saw their MLR season come to an end on Sunday when Seattle fell to California 43-34. They’ll no doubt figure in Canada’s matches in July. Chicago hosted Old Glory DC. Chicago have Mason Flesch playing blindside flanker, Lucas Rumball has been moved from his usual #8 to openside flanker and Brock Webster continues his role at fullback. Matt Oworu is not in the roster. Cali Martinez will be starting loosehead prop for Old Glory DC.
Chicago dominated the game leading 59-10 until the last 5 minutes when Old Glory scored two tries to make the game a bit closer at 59-22. Mason Flesch (52′) and Lucas Rumball (61′) scored second half tries as part of the rout. It will be Chicago hosting California in the final next Sunday.
Premier Women’s Rugby – June 2026 – Semi-Finals
PWR Semi-Finals: Fourteen Canadian Players in Action
Ealing Trailfinders Upset Last Season Champions Gloucester, Saracens Come From Behind to Edge Exeter
There were fourteen Canadian players in action in the PWR semi-finals on Sunday. Ealing Trailfinders upset last season’s champions Gloucester-Hartpury in one semi-final 29-26, the Trailfinders had four Canadians in the roster, Gloucester had none. In the other semi-final Saracens, with six Canadians, came from behind to edge Exeter (four Canadians) 40-38 with PWR Player of the Year, Olivia Apps, scoring two tries. The links to the match videos are below.
Rugby Premier League 7s 2026
Nine Canadian 7s Players in India for Rugby Premier League 7s June 16 to 28
Nine Canadian players in India will kick off their thirteen day 7s tournament on Tuesday, June 16th, in Hyderabad, a city of about 10 million in the state of Telangana. The weather forecast for Tuesday afternoon is a warm 34° C. The men will play 10 matches in that time period, plus playoffs, the women will play 6 matches plus playoffs. Last year it was just a men’s tournament but they’ve added four women’s teams to the existing six men’s teams. There are five Canadian women participating and four men according to our latest information. Of particular interest will be the Chennai Bulls woman’s team which has four well known Canadian players, Adia Pye, Savannah Bauder, Carmen Izyk, Larah Wright.
Players in the News – June 2026
Olivia Apps Named PWR Player of the Season and Only Canadian on PWR Team of the Season
Olivia Apps was named the PWR Player of the Season, quite an honour for a Canadian player playing in the top women’s league in England. Apps has become the top Canadian player this year leading both the national 7s and XVs team.
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