The Americas Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend in Langford.
Canada, the United States, Uruguay and Argentina will fight for the trophy in three double-header games on Oct. 11, 15 and 19 at Westhills Stadium, including three players from James Bay.
This will be Greater Victoria’s third time hosting the tournament.
“This is likely the last time we’re going to host it,” said Bryan Kelly, Rugby Canada co-ordinator. “The tournament won’t be happening next year, because the Rugby World Cup is happening.”
For the last two years, the Canada A team has come in second in the tournament. Kelly thinks the team has a good chance of coming in first this time.
“We’ve got a really good team this year, and I think they have a good shot. I think they’re really trying to win it this year.”
Players who call James Bay home are Pat Parfrey, Nick Blevins and Jordan Wilson-Ross. These three men along with 23 others make up the Canada A team.
“These players are our best domestic base players,” said Kelly. “They’re not our international pros that play in the UK and France, but these are the best athletes that we have in Canada trying to show what they’ve got, and trying to get onto the senior men’s national team that’s building towards the World Cup next year.”
Tickets range from $19 to $150, and each ticket includes two games. Kickoffs on Oct. 11 and 19 are at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., and kickoffs on Oct. 15 are at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at Tourism Victoria and at eventsrugbycanada.ca.