Elior Champ Rugby partners with Rugby Canada on new player pathway

[FinBlue]

Elior Champ Rugby is pleased to announce a partnership with Rugby Canada, which will provide a high performance and professional environment for Canadian men’s players.
This strategic partnership strengthens both Champ Rugby as a proving ground for players hopeful to advance to higher levels and international stages, while aiding Canadian internationals to compete in high-level playing opportunities. On the field, over 8,000 matchday places are available to Champ Rugby players during the season, offering more game time to future rugby talent.
"Champ Rugby is the proving ground for players with ambition," said Simon Gillham OBE, Chair of Champ Rugby. "We're delighted to welcome talented Canadian players into our clubs, where they'll get regular, competitive rugby at an elite level. It's a partnership that strengthens our competition, elevates our platform, and supports Rugby Canada in developing their internationals, all the while contributing to the growth of the wider game."
“We are pleased to formalise this partnership with Champ Rugby and its clubs with support from the RFU,” said Nathan Bombrys, CEO of Rugby Canada. “We have some quality players in Canada, and this partnership will provide opportunities for them to test themselves and develop their rugby in an excellent professional environment."
Understanding the financial barriers that players face when moving abroad for competition, Rugby Canada's role in this latest partnership will support players' relocation costs, such as flights and visas. Champ Rugby will in turn offer players professional contracts which include accommodation support as part of the deal. Reformatted with player availability in mind, clubs who sign Canadian players will work with Rugby Canada to ensure flexibility for national-team commitments.

[jblee]

Well to be fair why would the Championship want to develop English players?

[Dawson9]

The rfu shows nothing but disdain for the championship and throws them a pittance in funding.

No surprise theyre looking elsewhere for partnerships

[Fatbear]

Maybe Canada can replace Saracens as the feeder club for Ampthill..........

[Kimbo]

Just more loans in then.
Joke league, and getting worse.

[MoseleyMauler]

Just more loans in then.
Joke league, and getting worse.

Yup...

[Dawson9]

Article states that if clubs offer them professional contracts, rugby canada will pay accommodation and relocation costs. No mention of loans.

As far as im aware the Canadian rugby championship went bust and there isnt a top level domestic tournament in the country as it stands - just semi-pro and amateur clubs operating in provincial club leagues. Canadian rugby is in really bad shape domestically.

Doubt they'll be loans from amatuer/semi- pro clubs - rugby canada want their guys getting higher exposure - so want them getting full time gigs here (as no proper pathway domestically)