BC Rugby is delighted to confirm the return of the McKechnie Cup and Dunbar Keg Regional Cup competitions, with the opening three rounds of matches taking place November 26-December 10.

The McKechnie Cup and Dunbar Keg return to the calendar as BC Rugby’s Senior Club Leagues break for winter.

The McKechnie Cup and Dunbar Keg – alongside the Ruth Hellerud-Brown Cup – are regional Rugby Cup competitions within British Columbia, pitting the top athletes from each region against one another.

Senior Men compete for the coveted McKechnie Cup, one of the oldest contested trophies throughout BC and Canada. Dating back to 1896, the trophy was donated by Nanaimo physician Dr. Robert McKechnie and was originally contested by Clubs from Vancouver, Nanaimo and UBC. U20 Men’s Teams face off for the Dunbar Keg, one of the highest accolades in regional Rugby.

The 2022/23 McKechnie Cup will be contested by teams from South Vancouver Island (Tide), Fraser Valley Rugby Union, Vancouver Rugby Union (Wave), and the Pacific Pride Academy.

The 2022/23 Dunbar Keg will be contested by teams from the North Vancouver Island (Tsunami), South Vancouver Island (Tide), Vancouver Rugby Union (Wave), and Fraser Valley Rugby Union.

As well as the honour of lifting silverware, players will be hoping to impress to improve their chances of being selected to BC Rugby’s Senior Provincial Representative Team, the BC Bears.

“This is an important step for both developing and showcasing the best of BCs players with the ambition to represent and win with both BC and Canada in the future.” BC Rugby Technical Director John Tait

Fans will be able to enjoy Rugby double-headers with Dunbar Keg matches set to kick off at 12:45pm PST and McKechnie Cup matches to follow at 2:30pm PST. The Pacific Pride (McKechnie) and North Vancouver Island Tsunami (Dunbar) have been paired to play at the same venues each week.

The Ruth Hellerud-Brown Cup is set to return in 2023 after Rugby Canada has set the pathway to the Senior Women’s programs post 2021 Rugby World Cup.