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Rugby Canada had a significant reason to celebrate on Friday evening. Not only did Kévin Rouet’s national women’s team triumph over the Red Roses for the second consecutive game, but they also announced that they had received an increase in funding from the Canadian government.
An additional $2,815,000 in federal funding through Sport Canada’s Sport Support Program will elevate Canada’s total financial support for the 2026/27 period to $4,975,000. In their Spring Economic Update, the Government of Canada confirmed plans to invest $1 billion into sports across the nation. Since 2005, funding levels had largely remained unchanged for sports organizations in Canada.
During the halftime break of Canada’s 31-22 victory against the Red Roses at Ottawa’s TD Place stadium, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), declared the funding boost for Rugby Canada.
The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), remarked: “Sport possesses the ability to transform lives and unite individuals in ways few things can. Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team demonstrated this beautifully with their historic win over England in Toronto.
“We’re enhancing Canada’s sports framework by ensuring that essential resources reach Rugby Canada so they can be utilized effectively. This translates into increased assistance for athletes, coaches, and initiatives that promote Canadian involvement and excellence in sports.
“As Canada faces England once more in Ottawa, we’re leveraging that remarkable momentum, nurturing the ongoing growth of rugby nationwide, honoring Team Canada, and reaffirming Canada’s status as the premier sport-hosting nation.”
Earlier this year, the Government of Canada provided $898,000 through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program to aid Rugby Canada in organizing Nations Cup and WXV Global Series events within the country. It is believed that the five events have generated a socio-economic impact exceeding $50 million.
Rugby Canada has stated that the new funding will bolster Canadian pathways, support player development, nurture youth rugby growth, and enable the nation to host additional high-profile rugby matches.
Nathan Bombrys, Rugby Canada Chief Executive Officer, commented: “This funding reinforces the forward momentum we are generating in rugby across Canada. It aligns closely with our strategic goals: backing our teams for success, expanding our financial capabilities through collaborations and major events that offer substantial economic benefits, and spearheading the sport’s growth throughout the nation.
“Demonstrating resourcefulness was a vital expectation attached to this funding, and we have achieved that. Through our commercial collaborations, philanthropic initiatives like Mission: Win the Rugby World Cup, and our major event hosting strategy, we are fulfilling our mission to inspire the nation on the global stage and to govern and support rugby across Canada.
“We extend our gratitude to the Government of Canada and The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) for their unwavering support of rugby in Canada.”
