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
Referee News – June 2026
CTV Article on Robin Kaluzniak: Edmonton Teacher Referees Major League Rugby Final
This was a story we missed from last weekend when the Chicago Hounds with three Canadians in the roster won the MLR title. The referee in the match was Edmonton teacher, Robin Kaluzniak. The article from CTV News is posted below. We took a quick look through our recent archives, 2023 he was in Nairobi, Kenya reffing the Junior World Rugby Trophy tournament. In 2024 he was announced as one of the referees in the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, then was assistant referee in two USA international tests against Romania and Scotland. Also in 2024 and 2025 he shows up in the archives reffing MLR matches. Going farther back we have an article from 2017 when he was assistant referee in the Americas Rugby Championship held in Langford. The CTV article mentions he’ll be AR at some USA test matches this summer. Congrats Robin!
Summer 7s Tournaments 2026
Sevens Tournaments This Summer in BC Starting in July
The following are a list of summer 7s tournaments in BC that we’re aware of. SFU’s Highland 7s kicks off July 18th, Bayside 7s is August 8th and Westshore 7s is August 22nd. Usually there’s a 7s tournament at Burnaby on the weekend in between, August 15th, but we haven’t seen that posted yet. If we missed one mention it in the comments section.
MLR Final 2026
Chicago Hounds Top Off Perfect Season with Championship Win Over California Legion, 35-17
Chicago dominated the game leading 32-3 through three quarters with California scoring two consolation tries in the last 20 minutes. Mason Flesch was one of the try scorers for Chicago. Chicago opened with a penalty by flyhalf Chris Hilsenbeck at 4′, hooker Theo Fourie added a try two minutes later, converted by Hilsenbeck for a 10-0 lead. California closed the gap with a penalty before Mason Flesch scored at 26′, again converted by Hilsenbeck and Chicago led 17-3 at the half. Hilsenbeck opened the second half with a penalty, 20-3. Chicago would score two more tries, the first by winger Peyton Wall at 47′ and the second by second row Nathan den Hoedt at 53′ and it was a commanding 32-3 lead. California would score two tries in the last quarter before Hilsenbeck ended the match with a penalty kick, final 35-17.
Rugby Premier League 7s 2026 – Round 5 Updates
Canadians Shine in HSBC Sponsored 7s League in India
Currently after 5 rounds the teams with the largest Canadian contingents are sitting top of the table. The Chennai Bulls women’s team with four Canadians top the table and Savannah Bauder is the top points scorer with 73 points, 23 points ahead of the next player. Savannah Bauder is 2nd in tries scored with 9, Adia Pye and Eden Kilgour are tied in 3rd place with 5 tries and Lara Wright is close behind with 4 tries. Carmen Izyk is top tackler in the women’s competition with 18 tackles. In the men’s competition the Mumbai Dreamers top the table and have two Canadian players, Demetri Patterson was selected player of the match in Round 5 as he scored 2 tries in Mumbai’s win.
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.
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.
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