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Kansas City to host Global Women’s Rugby powerhouses at CPKC Stadium
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- Kansas City to host Global Women’s Rugby powerhouses at CPKC Stadium
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City will once again take center stage in the global sports spotlight this spring as four of the world's top women's rugby nations face off at CPKC Stadium in a high-stakes international double-header.
World Rugby announced Wednesday that Kansas City will host a leg of the 2026 Pacific Four Series on April 17. The series is an elite annual competition with the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
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Organizers say the event will bring thousands of fans to the region and spotlight Kansas City's growing reputation as a destination for premier women's sports.
The matchups at CPKC Stadium will feature Canada vs. defending champion New Zealand at 5:15 p.m., followed by USA vs. Australia at 8 p.m.
The Pacific Four Series is considered one of the top competitions in women's rugby. For Team USA, the event is more than a marquee matchup; it's part of a larger buildup toward hosting the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2033.
USA Rugby CEO Bill Goren called the tournament a "building block" toward record success when the U.S. hosts the world in the coming decade.
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"With the Women's Rugby World Cup 2033 now one year closer, these multi-match events act as building blocks towards our goal of record success in 2033, Gogen said.
"Last year was a historic year for women's rugby, we're ready to continue that momentum this spring with a strong collective of host cities, partners and players."
CPKC Stadium set the all-time U.S. attendance record for a women's rugby match last year when 10,518 fans attended the USA vs. Canada game.
Kansas City Current co-owners Angie and Chris Long said bringing the Pacific Four Series to CPKC Stadium again reinforces the venue's global impact.
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"We are looking forward to another memorable, inspiring showcase of world-class rugby at the first stadium in the world purpose-built for women's professional sports," the Longs said.
Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC, said the return of international rugby to Kansas City highlights the city's growing influence in elevating women's sports on a global stage.
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"Kansas City and CPKC Stadium have made their presence known as a premier destination for world-class women's sports competition," Nelson said.
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Five of the six Pacific Four matches in 2026 will be played in the United States, with Sacramento, Kansas City and Chicago hosting in April.
Organizers said the expanded U.S. footprint reflects the sport's rapid growth and focus on the American market ahead of the 2031 Men's and 2033 Women's Rugby World Cups.
Tickets for the Pacific Four Series go on pre-sale Feb. 17, with general sales beginning February 19. Matches will also be streamed on Paramount+.
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