Skip to content

Langford to host three sets of international rugby tests

IRB's Americas Rugby Championship coming back to Westhills Stadium this fall
60980vicnewsGNG-ARC1_KrisGowerPhoto-P
A packed house of fans watch players from Team Canada and the U.S.A. await the outcome of a scrum during an Americas Rugby Championship match last year at Westhills Stadium. This year’s national senior men’s teams are scheduled to face each other again in ARC play this fall at the Langford facility.

Top-level rugby is returning to Langford this fall.

Rugby Canada has announced its Canadian Centre of Excellence on Langford Parkway will host three doubleheaders in October as part of the International Rugby Board’s Americas Rugby Championship.

Team Canada ‘A’ will line up against the USA Selects, Uruguay and the four-time defending champion Argentina Jaguars in matches set for Saturday, Oct. 11; Wednesday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 19.

The ARC matches have traditionally offered fans a chance to see some of Canada’s top senior men’s players as well as up-and-coming younger athletes who have gone on to compete in the Under-20 world championships, IRB Sevens Series or on the senior men’s team itself.

Rugby Canada general manager Mike Chu said the organization appreciates the “outstanding” support it receives from the City of Langford and the Greater Victoria area.

“It’s so important for Canada to be able to host events like this, and the year-round support we get … is a huge part of that success. I know that support will continue when this tournament comes back for its third consecutive year,” he said.

Greater Victoria rugby club team premier level teams provide a number of players to the Langford-based national program, the West Shore doesn’t have its own club yet.

The Velox Valhallians club plans to move its base from Gordon Head to West Shore Parks and Recreation in 2015.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com