Rugby Canada and USA Rugby seal four-year partnership to build shared high-performance pathway

Rugby Canada and USA Rugby have announced a four-year partnership designed to create a consistent annual competition and development calendar across both nations’ men’s and women’s high-performance pathways.

The agreement will introduce fixtures and joint camps for the men’s Under-19 and Under-20 programmes and the women’s Under-20 and Under-21 teams, while also guaranteeing regular Test matches between the senior sides. Further details — including match dates, venues, camps and competition schedules — are set to be confirmed in 2027.

“This agreement secures a consistent annual schedule for all levels of our high-performance pathway,” said Rugby Canada High-Performance Director Shawn Bullock. “Adding joint age-grade programming and shared hosting ensures our players across all levels receive consistent, high-level competition annually. We look forward to this next chapter of growth in partnership with USA Rugby.”

USA Rugby General Manager High Performance Tamara Sheppard described the deal as a significant step forward. “It strengthens competition and collaboration across our Senior 15s, Age Grade, and 7s programs, and gives our players more opportunities to grow and compete at a high level,” she said.

The announcement follows contrasting Nations Cup campaigns for the men’s sides. Canada suffered a heavy 59-14 defeat to Georgia and still face Hong Kong China and Romania, while the USA edged Hong Kong China 28-26 and have Romania and Georgia remaining.

On the women’s side, both nations have shown considerable form in recent WXV Global Series action. Canada beat Scotland 64-26 before drawing 26-26 with world No.1s and world champions England — ending the Red Roses’ 39-match winning streak — and then defeated England twice at home, 24-21 and 31-22, either side of a loss to France. The USA Women recorded wins over Ireland, Wales and Italy twice before closing their campaign with a 55-12 defeat to England.