TORONTO—Citing global economic turmoil and the loss of Barclays as a sponsor, Churchill Cup rugby organizers scrapped plans to hold round-robin games in Ontario in favor of staging the entire event in Denver.
It marks the second time the Churchill Cup will take place entirely outside Canada since its inception in 2003. In 2007, it was held in England with many players there ahead of the World Cup.
Games in Ohio and Connecticut also were called off. The June 6-20 event will be staged entirely at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and Infinity Park in Denver.
Canada, the U.S. and Georgia will be joined by Ireland A, Argentina A and the England Saxons.
The tournament is run by England’s Rugby Football Union, Rugby Canada and USA Rugby.
Canada opens play June 6 against Georgia while Argentina A takes on England Saxons. Four days later, Canada meets Ireland A and Argentina A faces the U.S. The final round-robin matches June 14 feature Ireland A vs. Georgia and England Saxons vs. the U.S.
The final is June 20.
