US Women’s Rugby: Pacific Four Series Headed to Kansas City in 2026

Kansas City will once again be a host city for elite international women’s rugby, as CPKC Stadium is set to host a double-header on April 17, 2026, as part of the 2026 Pacific Four Series. The announcement, made by World Rugby on Wednesday, confirms the United States will welcome Canada, New Zealand, and Australia for a series of matches spread across three U.S. Cities.

The April 17th event at CPKC Stadium will feature a compelling pairing of matches: Canada will face New Zealand at 5:15 p.m. CT, followed by a highly anticipated contest between the United States and Australia at 8:00 p.m. CT.

This marks a return to Kansas City for the U.S. Women’s Rugby team, building on the momentum generated by a record-breaking attendance at a standalone women’s rugby event in May 2025. That match, also featuring the team, drew 10,518 fans – a significant leap from the previous record of just over 2,000. The growing popularity of USA Rugby is, in large part, attributed to the impact of superstar Ilona Maher.

The Pacific Four Series will kick off earlier in the month, on April 11, 2026, at Heart Health Park in Sacramento, California. The U.S. Will take on New Zealand at 6:00 p.m. CT, with Canada and Australia facing off at 9:00 p.m. CT.

The series will then move to Seatgeek Stadium in Chicago, Illinois, on April 24, 2026, for a match between the USA and Canada at 7:30 p.m. CT. Australia will also play New Zealand in Australia during this period, completing the series schedule.

The Pacific Four Series is a crucial component of the international women’s rugby calendar, providing high-level competition for teams outside of the Six Nations framework. It also serves as a key preparation ground for the upcoming 2029 Rugby World Cup in Australia, and builds toward the 2031 Men’s and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cups which the USA will host.

The competition features four of the world’s top rugby nations – Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States – all vying for supremacy. New Zealand has historically dominated the series, having secured titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025. However, the rivalry between the U.S. And Australia remains particularly intense, with Australia securing a 27-19 victory over the Eagles in 2025 after the U.S. Had previously won 32-25 in 2024.

Tickets for the Kansas City event will go on sale on February 19, with a pre-sale opportunity available for those who register by February 17. The series as a whole highlights the growing prominence of USA Rugby and its increasing role in the global game. The hosting of these matches across multiple U.S. Cities underscores the nation’s commitment to developing and promoting the sport.

The Pacific Four Series is not only a showcase of athletic prowess but also a vital step in preparing these teams for future international competitions. With the 2025 Rugby World Cup recently concluded, the focus is now firmly on the long-term build towards the 2029 tournament and beyond. The series provides a platform to test depth, refine strategies, and elevate the standard of women’s rugby on a global scale.