The Can Am Rugby Saranac Lake takes place in Saranac Lake each year the last weekend of July. Considered one of the largest rugby events in the world, this rugby tournament is a summer highlight for ruggers and rugby fans alike.
It was started in 1973 by Mountaineers Rugby. Initially the tournament featured eight teams. Today it has grown to over 100+ teams and expanded across two villages, playing on fields across Saranac Lake and Lake Placid.
Can Am Rugby Saranac Lake – Plan Your Weekend
The Can Am Rugby Saranac Lake tournament can be a family affair with matches spanning the ages groups. The tournament begins Friday in Saranac Lake at 9 am with the Old Boys. The Old Boys group includes Over-35 Division (5 Teams), Over-45 Division (3 Teams), Over-50 Division (6 Teams), Over-55 Division (4 Teams), and Over-60 Division (3 Teams).
Saturday at 8 am brings in the Men’s & Women’s divisions with play in Saranac Lake as well as Lake Placid. These divisions are broken down into Men’s Social Division, Men’s Club Division and an all-around Women’s Division with multiple pools to create a smaller interdivision tournament to the Can Am Rugby Saranac Lake championships.
Men’s Social division features 4 pools of 8 teams. The Men’s Club division have 2 pools with 8 teams. The Women’s Division features 4 pools of 6 teams. These games run all day with the Quarter Final games being played between 5pm and 6pm.
Sunday is the championship game day for the Men’s & Women’s Division of Can Am Rugby Saranac Lake. It is also a recovery day for the teams who did not make it to the Semi Finals and Finals. These teams are able to enjoy watching the championship games throughout the day played on the Saranac Lake High School Football Field as well as Petrova Schools field.
Can Am Rugby Saranac Lake – Giving Back
The Can Am Rugby Saranac Lake tournament isn’t all about rugby. It is also focused on giving back to the community, and has even created yearly scholarships for the local high schools (Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Tupper Lake) as well as the local colleges (North Country Community College and Paul Smiths). This tournament also financially supports local youth sports teams including Pee Wee Hockey, High School Football Program, Little League Baseball, Youth Basketball, High School Rugby, and the Saranac Lake Youth Program.
This is an exciting weekend to discover a new sport, compete, or watch great athletes from around the world. However you decide to participate in Can Am Rugby Saranac Lake, enjoying beautiful Adirondack scenery and summer weather will be a big part of your experience.
Planning a vacation in Saranac Lake the last weekend of July? Be sure to add Can Am Rugby Saranac Lake to your trip wish list. Also, call one of our experienced Adirondack Premier Properties agents today to book your vacation accommodations!