LANGLEY, B.C. – The Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship (CUMRC) is proud to announce that Trinity Western University (TWU) will host the 2026 McTavish Cup from November 17 to 21, 2026, at Willoughby Stadium at the Langley Events Centre, in partnership with the Township of Langley.

The McTavish Cup serves as the premier national championship competition for men's university rugby programs from coast to coast, showcasing Canada's top student-athletes and emerging rugby talent.
This marks the second time TWU has hosted the national championship, following a successful 2023 edition, and reinforces the Trinity Western's commitment to advancing men's rugby in Western Canada.

"We are thrilled to once again bring the McTavish Cup to Langley," said Jeff Gamache, TWU Director of Athletics. "Hosting the national championship provides an incredible opportunity for our campus and community to celebrate the growth of university rugby in Canada. Our world-class facilities and passionate Spartan fans will make this a memorable experience for all involved."

The 2026 McTavish Cup will feature eight of the top university men's rugby teams from across the country competing for the Spence McTavish Trophy, awarded annually to the national champion. The breakdown of teams sees representation from regions across Canada, with TWU guaranteed a berth as host. The five-day tournament will kick off with each team playing in quarter-final action on day one. The winners advance to the championship side of the draw, while the losing teams move to the consolation round.

For the first time, the Championship will follow a Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday schedule, a change made in direct response to coach feedback to allow student-athletes a more favourable travel schedule and an additional recovery day before returning to their campuses.

"Trinity Western University delivered an exceptional event in 2023 and has continued to set a high standard for university rugby," said Maria Samson, Chair of the CUMRC. "We're excited to return to Langley, a strong rugby community that consistently showcases both excellence and hospitality."

Since relaunching its men's rugby program in 2019, TWU has rapidly emerged as one of the country's premier university programs, highlighted by its consistent presence on the Coaches' Choice National Top 10.
This will be the sixth time TWU has hosted a national championship tournament. TWU hosted U SPORTS championship tournaments in women's soccer (2008), men's soccer (2009), men's volleyball (2011) and will host women's volleyball in 2026. 

The 2026 McTavish Cup marks the ninth edition of the national men's university rugby championship, continuing the tradition of celebrating the best in Canadian men's university rugby.

Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship McTavish Cup | Host History
2025 – Host: École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) (Montréal, QC)
2024 – Host: University of Ottawa (Ottawa, ON)
2023 – Host: Trinity Western University (Langley, BC)
2022 – Host: UBC (Vancouver, BC)
2021 – Host: Queen's University (Kingston, ON)
2020 – Not played (COVID-19 pandemic)
2019 – Host: Concordia University (Montréal, QC)
2018 – Host: University of Victoria (Victoria, BC)
2017 – Host: University of Guelph (Guelph, ON)
 
About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 11 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey and track & field, as well as women's rugby sevens. TWU also competes as in the NAIA in track and field and cross country and as an independent team in men's rugby and women's and men's disc golf. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 14 U SPORTS team championships and 33 Canada West team championships.
 
About Trinity Western University
Recognized for quality, TWU has received seven consecutive A+ rankings for Quality of Teaching and Learning, holds three Canada Research Chairs, and wins national championships in CIS sports. More importantly, lives are changed at TWU through its whole-person, Christ-centred approach to education. With a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree-completion programs, TWU equips leaders of character and competence to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
 
-TW-