INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS AT THE CANUCKS
We have a long history of international players from across the world travelling to Calgary and playing for our club. International players provide us with unique perspectives, help us maintain a high standard at our club and further our connections around the world. Many of our previous international players have used their experience to reach the next level of their rugby career, find a profession outside of rugby or even make Calgary their permanent home. We’re always looking for quality players to join our club – read more below on why the Canucks are right for you!
TESTIMONIALS
“Coming to Calgary in 2011 to play for the Canucks was one of the best decisions of my life. From the moment I arrived, the club welcomed me with open arms, helped me find housing and a job and provided an amazing atmosphere. 15 years later, I’ve made Canada my permanent home, started a family and built a business in Calgary - and it all started with the Canucks.”
James Sargison
Canucks Alberta Cup Player 2011 – 2016
Northampton, UK
Former Northampton Old Scouts RFC
“I had an incredible experience spending the summer living in Calgary and playing for the Canucks. The club is a great organization with even better people, and the season was a fond memory in my rugby career”
Matt Megaw
Canucks Alberta Cup Player & Provincial Champion 2019
Auckland, NZ
Former Auckland University RFC (AURFC) Premiers
“I loved my time with the Canucks, mainly because the club was very welcoming and friendly from my first day. There’s lots to do in Calgary with the mountains so close and the standard of rugby is great as well. I’d highly recommend a season or two with the Canucks – you won’t regret it.”
Josh Olver
Canucks Alberta Cup Player 2023
Worcester, UK
Former Worcester Warriors Academy
Former Vancouver Highlanders Reserve
Why come to Calgary, Canada and play rugby?
Calgary, located in the western province of Alberta, is a renowned Canadian city nestled in the world-famous Rocky Mountains. While our city has a large population, it has a small town feel and is easy to find escape with accessible outdoor destinations. Calgary is one of Canada’s fastest growing cities with main working sectors of energy, tech and agribusiness.
Rugby season in Calgary is played in the summer months from May to September, meaning the warm and sunny part of the year. This is a great time to visit the city with many events and activities happening including, the world-famous Calgary Stampede and Stampede Sevens Rugby Tournament. If you’re keen to stay for the winter, several of the world’s best ski hills are also a short drive from Calgary.
The highest level of competition for Senior club rugby in Calgary is the Premier Alberta Cup (AC) for Men and Alberta Women Premiership (AWP) for Women. These leagues play in interlock with Calgary and Edmonton clubs, providing strong and varied competition. Most league games are played at the Calgary Rugby Union, one of Canada’s largest and most recognized rugby facilities. In addition to playing club rugby, the Calgary and Alberta rugby communities offers many additional opportunities to contribute to the unions through coaching or representative level play.
What to know about being a Canuck?
The Canucks are one of the largest and most renowned rugby clubs in Alberta. We have three men’s teams, two women’s teams and a thriving junior program. We aim to be competitive on the pitch and have a welcoming and supportive club culture off the pitch. We’re Calgary’s only inner-city rugby club, close to city mainstays and have a strong social culture with a diverse member base.
We always want high-quality players, but more importantly, we prioritize having high quality people. We’re looking for international players who are enthusiastic about playing rugby and want to make an impact at our club. Our expectation is for international players to play the full season and be present at trainings and additional club requirements. If you’re looking for a holiday in Canada, we’re not the club for you! Check out our Senior Men or Senior Women program pages for more information about schedule, commitment, and structure of our programs.
We only work with a certain number of international players as we have maximum player allowances for each team. We assist players with finding living accommodations and use our connections to help find work, however, we do not pay players. Higher-level players are encouraged connect with us, but we welcome any and all skill levels!
REQUIREMENTS
Rugby resume (Position, previous clubs, level of play, coaching certifications)
General CV/Resume
Letter of reference from previous club President or executive equivalent
RECOMMENDED ASSETS
Prior work experience
Coaching certification preferred
GET IN CONATCT
SENIOR MEN PROSPECTIVE PLAYERS: srmen@canucksrugby.org
SENIOR WOMEN PROSPECTIVE PLAYERS: srwomen@canucksrugby.org