BC Rugby is delighted to announce the BC Bears Squad for the upcoming 2026 Canada Cup Series against the Ontario Blues, one of the most anticipated interprovincial match-ups of the Canadian Rugby calendar.

Thanks to funding from the Canadian Rugby Foundation and support from O’Neills Sportswear, the Bears face the Blues in an epic two-match Series for the rights to hoist the Canada Cup!

Led by one of the most decorated Coaches in Canadian Rugby history, Curry Hitchborn, this Bears squad brings together a blend of experienced athletes and emerging talent drawn from Clubs across British Columbia. Coaches emphasized that the squad reflects both current form and long-term development goals, with a strong focus on physicality, speed, and cohesion as the Bears prepare for a demanding double against the travelling Blues.

Hitchborn said: “We have selected a squad of 42 players. The selection process used was based on in season performances and attendance at both regional and provincial sessions and games. I want to personally thank the guidance and leadership of John Tait and his staff helping get this series together as well as the Canadian Rugby Foundation. It goes without saying that these selected players are a credit to their community and that work starts with their clubs and regions.”

The 2026 Canada Cup Series, a new annual showdown between Canada’s top two provincial rugby programs, will see BC and Ontario renew their rivalry in a multi-match format designed to test depth and consistency across both squads. Staff within the BC program have highlighted the series as a key benchmark in Canada’s high-performance rugby pathway.

Final preparations are now underway as the BC Bears assemble for the opening game on Wednesday, May 20 at Klahanie Park, North Vancouver – kick-off at 6:00pm PST.

Tickets are still available for both matches, with the second game taking place on Saturday, May 23 at Shawnigan Lake School at 2:00pm PST.

Tickets are available to purchase here or at the gate on arrival.

Both matches will be livestreamed on the BC Rugby YouTube channel.

The BC Bears Squad is as follows: