It will the busiest summer in their history, with Canada’s men’s, women’s and U19s men’s teams making pioneering tours to Europe.

“Our teams are excited to head over, this is a big moment for the sport here,” said Canada Rugby League Association president, John Cameron.

“In order to get better and climb the rankings associated with that, we need to grow our domestic game, build our youth pipeline and get more varied international experience.

“Canada has a strong European connection as part of its modern founding, so culturally we have many similarities—many of our players have European ancestry.”

The men’s Wolverines arrive first and will take on Norway on Thursday 2 July in Lillestrøm, then head to Scotland to face the Bravehearts on Sunday 5 July in Hawick. 

Their final match is the following weekend against Netherlands in Rotterdam on Saturday 11 July. It will be their first visit to Europe since they faced Serbia in September 2019. 

“All of the men’s nations are ranked above us so we’re not going to presuppose our performance, but usually unknown opponents on both sides will make for entertaining games,” Cameron commented.

The women’s Ravens will face Wales in Neath on Sunday 19 July, then Scotland at Hawick on Saturday 25 July for the final encounter of their trip. 

Having beaten Ireland to third place in the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Series at home last autumn, it presents an opportunity for Canada to measure themselves against the remaining Celtic Nations. 

Cameron confirmed: “One key focus for the Ravens - much like the Wolverines - has been building our development pipeline. Supporting that is our growing international talent which is actively involved in Super League now. 

“Our women's nationals this month in Vancouver is aligned to help identify some of this new talent, in order to involve them going forward.”

All five games will count for world ranking points as senior international matches. Additionally, Canada’s U19s men’s side will enter the European Rugby League U19s Championship for the first time to be held in July at Font Romeu, France, where they will face Norway (12 July), Greece (15 July) and Ireland (18t July) in the Shield competition.  

“Our U19s are the best thing to happen to the CRLA in years,” said Cameron. “Not only is it giving our Wolverines a constant pipeline, but we’re also attracting talented players and volunteers. 

“It has also helped field more matches for our domestic teams. I really need to thank our coaches Rhys Jacks and Stephen Lenahan on developing such a strong group of boys. 

“More time on the pitch, with more participants is our overall goal. This not only builds experience but attracts sponsor interest. It also makes for a more sustainable programme.”

He added: “This year we are recording constant activity across all fronts from youth to masters - more games and greater coverage including live streaming of almost all domestic games.”

SCHEDULE – MEN
Norway Thursday 2 July, Vigernesjordet, Lillestrøm (kick off 6pm, local time) 
Scotland Sunday 5 July, Hawick RFC (3pm)
Netherlands Saturday 11 July, Rotterdamse RC Beekweg, Rotterdam, (2pm)

SCHEDULE - WOMEN
Wales Sunday 19 July, The Gnoll, Neath (3pm)
Scotland Saturday 25 July, Hawick RFC (2pm)