BC Rugby is delighted to announce the BC Bears Senior Men’s Coaching Line-Up for the upcoming 2026 Canada Cup Series against the Ontario Blues, with training sessions set to begin on April 20.
Thanks to funding from the Canadian Rugby Foundation, the Bears host the Blues in an exciting two-match Canada Cup Series this May with matches scheduled at Capilano RFC (May 20) and Shawnigan Lake School (May 23). Tickets are available to purchase now – don’t miss out on two epic Tests!
The Blues will also face the Vancouver Island Tide on May 17 as part of their Tour to BC.
The BC Bears Senior Men’s Coaching team is as follows:
Head Coach: Curry Hitchborn (Capilano RFC)
Forwards Coach: Nate Mantle (Bayside Sharks RFC)
Defence Coach/Analysis: Aaron Takel (Capilano RFC)
Assistant Coach: Adam McQueen (UBC Thunderbirds)
Attack/Backs Coach: Phil Mack (James Bay AA)
Technical Director: John Tait (BC Rugby)
Team Manager: Makz Foot (Westshore RFC)
WORKING COLLABORATIVELY
Bears Coaches will be working closely with Vancouver Island Tide Head Coach, Brett Beukeboom, to ensure the strongest teams possible represent both the Tide and BC Bears. John Tait and Phil Mack will support and help facilitate Tide training sessions to ensure both BC programs are working collaboratively to meet the challenge of the Ontario Blues, while Makz Foot will be managing both Tide and Bears teams.
Head Coach Hitchborn said: “I’m very happy with the collaborative efforts amongst the various regions in BC for this. We have set a schedule on the Mainland that allows potential players multiple options to engage and be seen. For our Island-based players, we all agree that there is no substitute for games and we want to see those guys suit up for the Tide.”
MAINLAND TRAINING SESSIONS
Mainland training sessions will take place at 7:00pm PST at Bayside Sharks RFC (South Surrey Athletic Park) on Mondays, beginning April 20, and at 7:00pm PST on Wednesdays at Capilano RFC (Klahanie Park) beginning April 22.
These sessions will run until mid-May and culminate with a two-day Training Camp at Capilano Rugby Club on May 16-17 (10:00am-12:30pm / 1:30pm-3:00pm both days) before the first Test against the Blues.
Training Sessions have been split on the Mainland so athletes can choose which sessions best fit their respective schedules/location.
BC BEARS vs. ONTARIO BLUES CANADA CUP SERIES
May 17: Vancouver Island Tide vs. Ontario Blues
May 20: BC Bears vs. Ontario Blues – Capilano RFC
May 23: BC Bears vs. Ontario Blues – Shawnigan Lake School
BUY BC BEARS TICKETS NOW!
For the first time since 2023, the BC Bears Senior Men return to action as we host the Ontario Blues for a thrilling best-on-best two-match Series in May. Matches will be hosted at Capilano RFC (North Vancouver) on Wednesday, May 20 and at Shawnigan Lake School (Vancouver Island) on Saturday, May 23.
Admission is $10 for adults, with FREE admission for all Under-19s.
PLEASE NOTE we have limited capacity for the Capilano RFC game – buy your ticket now to secure your spot on what will be a great night!
Below are the following dates and times for the BC Bears games:
- BC Bears vs. Ontario Blues Game 1 – Capilano RFC, North Vancouver, May 20 – 6pm PST (TBC)
- BC Bears vs. Ontario Blues Game 2 – Shawnigan Lake School, May 23 – 2:00pm PST (TBC)
Why not take advantage of our special Senior Club Finals Ticket Bundle? Buy a ticket for the 2026 BC Rugby Senior Club Finals on May 9 and a ticket to ONE BC Bears Senior Men’s match for just $25 – EIGHT games of Rugby across two events for under $30 is insane value!
BC Rugby
A: 2015 Main Street, Vancouver, BC | V5T 0J8
T: 604.737.3065
E: info@bcrugby.com
BC Rugby gratefully acknowledges that its offices reside on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
