GUELPH, Ont. - On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, U SPORTS announced Homewood Health as the Presenting Partner of the 2026 U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship, set for November 4-8, 2026 at Alumni Stadium in Guelph, Ont., and hosted by the University of Guelph.
The five-day, 11-match national championship will bring together the top eight university women's rugby programs in Canada, including the host Guelph Gryphons, to compete for the Monilex Trophy.
As a Canadian leader in mental health care, Homewood Health is committed to supporting the overall well-being of Canadians.
Through this partnership, Homewood will help elevate awareness of the importance of mental health in sport while celebrating the dedication, resilience and achievements of U SPORTS student-athletes competing on the national stage.
The 2026 championship marks the third time the University of Guelph has hosted the U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship. Alumni Stadium previously welcomed the championship in 1999 and 2014, and the Royal City is widely recognized as one of Canada's premier rugby communities.
The championship returns to Guelph at a time of continued momentum for women's rugby in Canada. Fans can expect elite competition featuring the nation's best student-athletes, supported by a passionate local rugby community and a proven championship host.
All championship matches will be streamed live on CBC Gem and Radio-Canada digital platforms.
QUOTES:
"The values that drive success in university sport, including resilience, balance, perseverance and community, are closely aligned with Homewood Health's mission. As Presenting Partner of the 2026 U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championship, Homewood is helping us celebrate athletic excellence while advancing important conversations around mental health and wellness in sport."- Pierre Arsenault, Chief Executive Officer of U SPORTS.
"Having Homewood Health serve as the Presenting Partner of the 2026 U SPORTS Women's Rugby Championships is a perfect fit. Their commitment to supporting student wellbeing while also elevating women's athletics has made them a valuable partner for our Department of Athletics over the past few years. We are proud to have them on board as our Presenting Partner of this exciting national championship event. We would also like to thank Guelph Tourism for coming on board as our official Tourism Partner. With their support, we are excited to welcome people from across the country to this national championship event taking place at the University of Guelph campus." - Sarah Mau, Interim Director of Athletics & Recreation, University of Guelph
"Sport plays a powerful role in supporting mental health, and this partnership brings that impact into sharper focus while advancing equity in sport. We are proud to stand behind these student-athletes as they demonstrate resilience, leadership, and excellence, and to help foster environments where women in sport can thrive both on and off the field." - Dr. Carlos Lalonde, President and Chief of Staff, Homewood Health Centre and EVP Medical Services, Homewood Health Inc.
