Winnipeg to host first international men’s rugby game since 1993 this summer

Rugby Canada’s Gareth Rees discusses the Nations Cup stop in Winnipeg, marking the city’s first international rugby match in 33 years.

Canada’s Men’s Rugby team is returning to Winnipeg for the first time since 1993.

Rugby Canada announced Friday that as part of the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup, Winnipeg will host the final games on July 18 at Princess Auto Stadium.

Canada’s team will battle Zimbabwe, and fans will also be treated to a match between Tonga and Portugal.

“We’re literally bringing four continents here to play,” said Gareth Rees, director of strategic partnerships with Rugby Canada.

Rees, the former captain of Canada’s men’s team, played in the last game in Winnipeg at Maple Grove Park in 1993, when Canada hosted the U.S. team.

“It was an awesome environment,” he recalled. “We loved coming to a community like this because we were well-received. They wanted to have the national team.

“All our guys were playing pro all over the world, and then we got to come to Winnipeg, so we had some fun.”

Rees said it’s remarkable to see how far rugby has grown in Canada, specifically noting the success the women’s team has had at international competitions. The women won the silver medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and also finished second at the Women’s World Cup last year.

The men’s team has qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Australia, and Rees said the team is looking forward to playing in Winnipeg on the tour.

Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.

With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagace