Kansas City to Host Elite Women’s Rugby Double-Header for 2026 Pacific Four Series
Rugby fans in the Midwest are in for a treat this April. Kansas City has been officially named a host city for a monumental double-header as part of the 2026 Pacific Four Series. On Friday, April 17, 2026, CPKC Stadium will welcome four of the world’s most successful women’s rugby nations for a high-stakes day of international competition.
What is the Pacific Four Series?
The Pacific Four Series is an annual intercontinental elite women’s rugby competition. Now in its sixth edition, the tournament features a fierce rivalry between four powerhouse nations: the United States, Canada, Novel Zealand, and Australia.
The competition is widely regarded as one of the top international rugby events, serving as a critical benchmark for teams as they prepare for global championships. For the United States, these matches are essential building blocks toward the goal of achieving record success at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2033.
The Kansas City Double-Header: Matchups and Venue
The action arrives at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, MO, on April 17. The event will feature two heavyweight clashes on a single day:
- Canada vs. New Zealand: Canada will take on the Black Ferns, the defending champions who have dominated the series with titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
- USA vs. Australia: The United States will square off against Australia in a bid to climb the international rankings.
A Major Push for Rugby in the United States
The 2026 series marks a significant expansion of the sport’s footprint in the U.S. Five of the six total matches in the Pacific Four Series will be hosted on American soil. In addition to Kansas City, fans can catch the action across three consecutive weeks in April at other host cities, including:
- Sacramento: Heart Health Park
- Chicago: SeatGeek Stadium
USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren highlighted that bringing these world-class teams to the U.S. Fanbase is an exciting benchmark for the organization, especially as the countdown to the 2033 World Cup continues.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
- Location: CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, MO
- Participating Teams: USA, Canada, New Zealand (Black Ferns), and Australia
- Format: Double-header event
Looking Ahead
As the Black Ferns look to maintain their stranglehold on the title, the USA, Canada, and Australia are positioned to challenge the reigning champions. With the momentum of a historic year for women’s rugby, the Kansas City double-header promises to be a pivotal moment in the 2026 season and a glimpse into the future of the sport in North America.