CALGARY, AB – September 2026 – The Canadian Rugby Foundation (CRF), a founding sponsor of the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship (CUMRC), has increased its ongoing financial commitment to the McTavish Cup, reinforcing its support of the national championship entering its ninth year.
The Canadian Rugby Foundation was the first financial backer signed during the championship’s inception and has remained committed to providing opportunities for the country’s top university men’s rugby players to compete on a national stage.
As part of its expanded commitment, the CRF will provide a base annual sponsorship of $25,000, with total annual support of up to $40,000, continuing until further notice.
The increased commitment provides important long-term stability for the McTavish Cup as the championship continues to strengthen its national presence, bring together Canada’s top university programs, and create a premier competition for student-athletes.
“The Canadian Rugby Foundation is proud to continue its support of the McTavish Cup and the vision behind the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship,” said Jeff Chan, CEO of the Canadian Rugby Foundation. “We have seen the championship grow significantly since its beginnings, and we believe strongly in creating meaningful opportunities for university athletes to compete at the highest level while helping grow the game across Canada. Increasing our commitment is a reflection of our confidence in the future of this championship and in the people working to build it.”
The CRF’s continued support comes at an important time for the McTavish Cup. The 2026 championship will be hosted by Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia, with matches taking place November 17, 19 and 21.
The 2026 championship will bring together eight of Canada’s university men’s rugby programs, representing the country’s major rugby regions and conferences. The event continues to serve as the national championship opportunity for university men’s rugby while providing a platform to showcase the quality and depth of rugby talent across Canada.
“Having the Canadian Rugby Foundation with us from the beginning has been incredibly important to the development of this championship,” said Maria Samson, Chair of the CUMRC. “This is more than sponsorship. The CRF has been part of the foundation of what we have built over the past nine years. Their decision to increase their ongoing commitment demonstrates a genuine belief in the championship, our athletes and the future of university rugby in Canada.”
The CUMRC extends its appreciation to the Canadian Rugby Foundation for its continued leadership and investment in the McTavish Cup and in the development of rugby across Canada.
About the Canadian Rugby Foundation
Founded in 2003, the Canadian Rugby Foundation (CRF) is a public foundation and registered charity dedicated to “Investing in the Future of Canadian Rugby.” The Foundation creates and manages endowed and capital project funds and provides grants and support to promote, develop and sustain amateur rugby across Canada. As of June 2026, more than $30 million is invested in 95 funds supporting rugby clubs, organizations, athletes and initiatives across the country. For more information, visit https://canadianrugbyfoundation.ca
About the McTavish Cup
The McTavish Cup is Canada’s national championship for university men’s rugby. Established in 2017 as the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship, the competition brings together eight leading university programs from across the country for a national championship tournament. Beginning in 2026, the championship will compete for the McTavish Cup.
The 2026 McTavish Cup will be hosted by Trinity Western University at Willoughby Community Park Stadium on November 17, 19 and 21, 2026
Media Contact
Maria Samson
Chair, Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship
info@cumrc.com