Canada West (rugby union)

Canada West is the athletic association governing university-level sport in Western Canada, and within its history, has encompassed rugby union. While not currently a Canada West sanctioned sport, men's rugby union was a part of the association's competition schedule for a significant period. The member universities, located in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, fielded teams that competed for the Canada West championship, which served as a qualifier for national university rugby union championships, when such championships existed. Due to shifting priorities, funding, and participation rates, the Canada West rugby union competition was eventually discontinued, with many universities now participating in other leagues or focusing on club-level rugby programs. Archival information regarding past champions and participants may be found through the Canada West archives and member university athletic departments. The history of Canada West rugby provides insight into the development of rugby union in Western Canada.