The Canadian Women’s 15s rugby team is set to host its first home game in seven years this summer when No. 6 Italy visits Vancouver Island for a test match ahead of the upcoming World Cup scheduled for later this year.
The third-ranked Canadian women will welcome Italy to Starlight Stadium in Langford on July 24 as they continue to prepare for the Rugby World Cup 2021, being played in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in New Zealand this October and November.
The Vancouver Island test match will mark the Canadian squad’s first home game in seven years and Rugby Canada says this match will provide “crucial preparation” for the squad prior to travelling to New Zealand.
Tickets to the Vancouver Island event will go on sale to the public on May 31, according to Rugby Canada.
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Following their match at Starlight Stadium, the Rugby World Cup-bound squad then moves to the Wanderers Grounds in Halifax for an August 27 test match against ninth-ranked Wales.
“We’re delighted to be hosting fixtures from coast to coast in Canada this summer,” commented Jamie Levchuk, Interim CEO and Managing Director of Revenue and Fan Engagement, Rugby Canada.
“After lacking fixtures for our Senior 15s teams due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s an exciting prospect for Canadian rugby fans across the country to watch our Senior Women’s and Men’s teams in action on home soil. We’re looking forward to bringing events to the Ottawa and Halifax communities, as well as our home in Langford.”
As for the Canadian men’s rugby team, it will host Belgium and the French Barbarians this summer.
The 21st-ranked Canadians will play No. 27 Belgium on July 2 at the Wanderers Grounds in Halifax and the French Barbarians, an all-star squad, on July 10 at TD Place in Ottawa.
Tickets for the Men’s 15s matches against Belgium and the French Barbarians will go on sale on May 17.
More information can be found by visiting Rugby Canada’s website.
Graham Cox
