Meehan Names Match 23 for Japan Clash on Saturday (Friday Evening in BC)
New CUMRC Format Means UVic or UBC Will Be Omitted from Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship for First Time - two most successful men's university programs in Canada but only one place at the tournament
Meehan Names 32 Player Squad for September Tests in Japan - 6 starters missing from Zimbabwe match, new skills coach
Canada v Zimbabwe – July 2026
Canada Defeat Zimbabwe 23-19: Peter Nelson Scores 13 from the Boot
It was a game that saw both teams score off opposition mistakes, Zimbabwe outscored Canada three tries to two but Peter Nelson’s boot was the difference for Canada. He was selected as player of the match. It was the first win under Meehan without Tyler Ardron in the roster but it was far from convincing. Canada led at the half 16-0 with three penalty kicks and a converted try. The try came at the half time whistle, Zimbabwe overthrew their lineout and Noah Flesch whipped the loose ball out to Cooper Coats on the outside who booted it down field. The Canadian chase caught up with the Zimbabwe defender and Canada won a penalty, a quick tap and chip kick by Nelson out to Mason Flesch on the wing saw the big man score the first try. The other Canadian try came at the 58′ mark when a Zimbabwe pass inside their 22 went to ground, Izzak Kelly picked it up and drove to the line, next phase saw Cali Martinez dive over. It was 23-7 for Canada with 20 minutes left and it appeared that Canada would finally impose themselves and drive the score up. That didn’t happen, Rumball went off with a HIA, subs came on and Zimbabwe scored two tries to make it a nail biting finish.
World Rugby Rankings – Weekend of July 18th 2026
World Rugby Publishes Ranking Permutations for 3rd Round of Nations Cup and Championship
It’s always interesting to preview the ranking permutations for the upcoming weekend. For Canada, the objective is clear, defeat Zimbabwe or they’ll fall below Zimbabwe in the rankings. If Canada win and Romania lose to Samoa then Canada could bypass Romania, depending on the point differential. If Hong Kong defeat Uruguay, highly unlikely, then they’ll jump up several spots depending on other results. Another interesting note, the referee for the Canada v Zimbabwe match is Argentine Tomás Bertazza who officiated the Canada v Spain match.
BC Bears U19 and U17 Teams – Summer 2026
BC Rugby Announce U19 and U17 Teams Travelling to Ontario for National Championships
Canada may not have a senior national championship representing all regions anymore but the annual U19 national championships continue with teams from BC, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic. That championship takes place in Guelph starting next Monday. Below are the BC rosters for U19 men and women, BC are also sending U17 boys and girls teams to challenge Ontario directly in a three game head to head series, the winner claims the O’Neills Challenge Cup. Those rosters are also included below in the BCRU media release.
Canada v Portugal – July 2026
Canada Leak Four Tries in Thirteen Minutes in 38-14 Loss to Portugal
Canada scored first and last but Portugal scored 38 unanswered points in between. Canada were in the game at the half, down 12-7 but they fell asleep in the 3rd quarter as Portugal scored four tries between 42′ and 55′ and the game went from 12-7 to 38-7, from a competitive match to a blowout in 13 minutes. For the second week in a row the Canadian backline was a defensive liability, all Portugal’s tries were scored by the backs, two from the inside centre, two from the wing, one from the outside centre and one from the scrum half. Canada were missing their two top players Tyler Ardron and Lucas Rumball and it showed, coach Meehan’s record is now 1-1-9 and without Tyler Ardron in the lineup it’s 0-9.
Battle of the Border 2026
Seattle Rugby Challenges UBCOB Ravens to Battle of the Border on September 12th : $5000 Prize Money
This is an interesting way to start off the season for both Seattle and the UBCOB Ravens. Seattle, who used to play in the BC Premier, made it to the USA national club finals in the spring, just losing to New York in the final match. The Ravens are defending BC Premier champions. Seattle laid down the challenge and there’s even a $5,000 prize award for the winner, we assume that’s in USD. The match takes place in the US but just across the border at the Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club. It’s only 10 km across the border as the crow flies, or should I say as the raven flies. It’s about a 30 minute drive, depending on border conditions, from the nearest Canadian club which would by Bayside.
Pacific Nations Cup 2026
Canada Men’s XVs Add Two September Tests in Japan Against Fiji and Either USA or Japan
The Pacific Nations Cup will run as an abbreviated tournament in 2026. Only four teams will participate Canada, USA, Fiji, Japan. In 2025 it was part of the World Cup qualifying and included Tonga and Samoa as well. Canada will play Fiji on September 12th then either Japan or USA on September 19th. Based on previous results it will probably be a Canada v USA match on the 19th. The sponsor is a Japanese beer company so it makes sense they’re hosting the tournament and after Fiji won the last two titles, it will likely be a Fiji v Japan final that the hosts are anticipating with the potential of a Japanese upset victory over Fiji. Currently the world rankings of the four countries are Fiji 9th, Japan 12th, USA 14th, Canada 23rd.
Provincial Regional Championships (PRCs) 2026
Vancouver Island Tide Win U19 Men’s and Women’s Titles, U17 Girls and Overall Title; Valley Claim U17 Boys and U15 Girls Titles; Vancouver Win U15 Boys Title
The Island Tide won both the men’s and women’s U19 titles at the Provincial Regional Championships. The women defeated Fraser Valley 23-17, the match was 18-17 in the Tide’s favour at the half and they added one more try in the second half. It was another Island vs Valley final in the men’s competition. The Island led 14-7 at the half and ran out 33-12 winners in the end. The Island claimed the overall PRC title with three 1st place finishes and three second place finishes. Valley were 2nd overall, Vancouver 3rd, Interior 4th.
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