OTTAWA, October 23, 2026
Canada’s Year of Sport continues with Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team taking the field against England this evening in Ottawa, after their historic victory last week in Toronto. As one of the best women’s rugby teams in the world, their success is inspiring the next generation of athletes across the country.
Through the Spring Economic Update, we invested $1 billion in sport, the largest in our nation’s history, to strengthen our sport system. We moved quickly to get that support where it can make a difference.
Today, during the match in Ottawa, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), announced close to $5 million in funding for Rugby Canada in 2026–27, including an additional investment of $2.8 million for this year.
Secretary of State van Koeverden also highlighted an investment of $898,000 in 2026–27 to support Rugby Canada’s hosting of four international matches in Canada, including two Nations Cup matches and two WXV Global Series matches.
This funding will support Canadian athletes, increase participation and help Canada continue to host world-class sporting events.
This is an incredible time to cheer on our rugby players as they compete on home soil, while welcoming fans and proving once again that Canada is the best sport-hosting nation.