women
international women
Rugby Canada had a double reason to celebrate on Friday night. Not only did Kévin Rouet’s women’s national team beat the Red Roses for the second game in a row, but they also confirmed that they have received additional funding from the Government of Canada.
An additional $2,815,000 in federal funding through Canada’s Sport Support Program will increase Canada’s total funding for the 2026/27 season. at $4,975,000. In its spring economic update, the Government of Canada confirmed its intention to invest $1 billion in sports in the country. Since 2005, funding has remained largely flat for sports bodies in Canada.
It was halfway through Canada’s 31-22 win against the Red Roses at Ottawa’s TD Place Stadium when the Honorable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), announced the increase in funding for Rugby Canada.
The Honorable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), said: “Sport has the power to shape lives and bring people together in a way that few things can. The Canadian women’s rugby team showed us just that with their historic victory over England in Toronto.
“We’re strengthening Canada’s sport system by ensuring much-needed resources get to Rugby Canada to get them off the ground. That means increased support for athletes, coaches and programs that help Canadians participate and excel in sport.”
“As Canada takes on England again in Ottawa, we’re building on that incredible momentum, supporting the continued growth of rugby across the country, celebrating the Canadian national team and proving once again that Canada is the best host nation for the sport.”
Earlier this year, the Government of Canada contributed $898,000 through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program to help Rugby Canada host the Nations Cup and WXV Global Series layouts in the country. The five games are estimated to have had a socio-economic impact of over $50 million.
Rugby Canada said the additional funding will support Canadian pathways, player pathways, contribute to the growth of youth rugby and allow the nation to host more high-profile rugby matches.
Nathan Bombrys, CEO of Rugby Canada, said: “This investment reinforces the momentum we’re building in rugby across Canada. It aligns directly with our strategic priorities: supporting our teams to win, increasing our financial capacity through partnerships and major events that deliver strong economic impact and leading the growth of the game across the country.
“Demonstrating resourcefulness was a key expectation of this funding, and we have that. Through our commercial partnerships, philanthropic campaigns like Mission: Win the Rugby World Cup and our flagship event host program, we are fulfilling our mission to inspire the nation on the global stage and to lead, manage and support rugby across Canada.
“We would like to thank the Government of Canada and the Honorable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) for their continued support of rugby in Canada.”