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RUGBY CANADA PARTNERS WITH CHAMP RUGBY ON NEW PLAYER PATHWAY Rugby Canada is pleased to announce the partnership with Elior Champ Rugby, the reformatted English rugby second-tier league which will provide a high performance, professional environment for Canadian men’s players across the pond. September 8, 2026 (Langford, BC) — Rugby Canada is pleased to announce the partnership with Elior Champ Rugby, the reformatted English rugby second-tier league which will provide a high performance, professional environment for Canadian men’s players across the pond. This strategic partnership strengthens both Champ Rugby as a proving ground for players hopeful to advance to Prem Rugby and international stages; while aiding Canadian internationals to compete in high-level playing opportunities. This experience will support players looking to make Canada's final squad selection for the upcoming Men's 2027 Rugby World Cup. Featuring 14 teams across the country, Champ Rugby is English rugby’s biggest supporter and is the crucial link in the pathway from grassroots to the top of the game. On the field, over 8,000 matchday places are available to Champ players during the season, offering more game time to future rugby talent. Off the field, Champ Rugby lives for the growth of the game, connecting people and communities. “We are pleased to formalize this partnership with Champ Rugby and its clubs with support from the RFU,” said Nathan Bombrys, CEO of Rugby Canada. “We have some quality players in Canada, and this partnership will provide opportunities for them to test themselves and develop their rugby in an excellent professional environment." "Champ Rugby is the proving ground for players with ambition," said Simon Gillham OBE, Chair of Champ Rugby. "We're delighted to welcome talented Canadian players into our clubs, where they'll get regular, competitive rugby at an elite level. It's a partnership that strengthens our competition, elevates our platform, and supports Rugby Canada in developing their internationals, all the while contributing to the growth of the wider game." Understanding the financial barriers that players face when moving abroad for competition, Rugby Canada's role in this latest partnership will support players' relocation costs such as flights and visas. Champ Rugby will in turn offer players professional contracts which include accommodation support as part of the deal. Reformatted with player availability in mind, clubs who sign Canadian players will work with the Rugby Canada to ensure flexibility for national-team commitments. Rugby Canada looks forward to working with Champ Rugby and its associated clubs. A special thank you to World Rugby and the RFU for their support in bringing this partnership together. Rugby Canada looks forward to this exciting Champ Rugby season and the chance to witness Canadian players making their mark on the league. Learn more about Elior Champ Rugby at https://www.champrugby.com/. NEXT FOR CANADA'S MEN'S RUGBY TEAM Catch Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team in action at the 17th Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 in Japan September 12 and 29. Match details, including tickets and where to watch can be found here.