Mark your calendars, rugby fans. Winnipeg will host international rugby for the first time in more than three decades this summer.
Canada’s men’s team will take the field at Princess Auto Stadium on July 18 as part of the 2026 World Rugby Nations Cup. A doubleheader will feature Tonga versus Portugal, followed by Canada taking on 24th-ranked Zimbabwe.
It marks the first time since 1993 that Canada’s men’s rugby team has played in Winnipeg, when they defeated the United States 20-9.
“We are excited to bring an international tournament to Winnipeg and look forward to seeing the support behind this team for match day and the work we’ll be doing with the community during our stay,” said Nathan Bombrys, CEO of Rugby Canada, in a release.
The Nations Cup is a new biennial global competition featuring 12 teams that have qualified for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup. The tournament is designed to provide more consistent, meaningful international matchups and generate new revenue opportunities for participating unions.
The event is expected to drive more than $3.1 million in local economic spinoff through tourism, hospitality, and visitor spending.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our community—not only to showcase the sport across our province, but also to inspire the next generation of players and fans. We see this as an important step in continuing to grow rugby at the grassroots level throughout Manitoba,” added Christian Taylor, board president of Rugby Manitoba.
The Winnipeg matches will be televised on TSN with broadcast details to follow at a later date.
Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster starting at $50 plus fees.
After 33 years, International Rugby returns to Winnipeg! ???
Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team are bringing the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup to Manitoba in an exciting doubleheader at Princess Auto Stadium.?
?? ON SALE NOW: https://t.co/mnyPaCQZyV#RugbyCA | #OneSquad pic.twitter.com/6J0lNpfLer
— Rugby Canada (@RugbyCanada) April 10, 2026
