Mountaineers Rugby Football Club

Welcome to the 52nd annual Can-Am Rugby tournament, hosted by the Mountaineers RFC.

Director’s Letter President’s Letter

For over 50 years, the Mountaineers and the Can-Am Board of Directors have been bringing an action-packed weekend of rugby to the Adirondack Mountains.

After spending last year deployed and missing rugby Christmas for the first time in my rugby career, I am so excited to welcome you all back yet again. I can’t explain how much I missed being on the pitch and surrounded by ruggers last year, but the wait is almost over, the final touches of preparation are in the works and before we know it, the best weekend of the year will be here!

This year, Rugby Weekend will be action-packed, both on and off the pitches. As we welcome back men and women ruggers from 18 to 60+ you can expect more of the same fast, physical action on the pitches in both Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, as well as exciting matches in the wheelchair rugby division hosted at the Saranac Lake Civic Center. The Can-Am Carnival, The Rugger’s Social at Riverside Park in Saranac Lake will be offering you free entertainment all weekend long with food, drinks, bouncy houses, games, and live entertainment in one of the most beautiful settings the area has to offer! We have poured our hearts into offering family-friendly entertainment for all in our beloved host village of Saranac Lake, and we hope you all attend and enjoy!

Without the tireless efforts of the Can-Am Rugby tournament board of directors, the Mountaineers RFC, and of course our long list of sponsors and supporters, none of this would be possible. Thank you for all you do to make sure our event has continued success.

From players, alumni, rugby fans, and families, the Mountaineers have been blessed with unequaled dedication. The Mountaineers board spends many hours behind the scenes making sure our club thrives, and the Can-Am board works year-round to make hosting thousands of rugby players, friends, and families look effortless. I would like to take a second and express my admiration and deepest thanks to these extremely hardworking people who do all of this for their simple love of the game; they never ask for anything and don’t bat an eye at the many requests they receive. They just take pride in helping ruggers and our community.

As players and fans travel from all over to a little town in the heart of the Adirondacks for one action-packed weekend, keep in mind the history of this tournament, the legacy we have built, and the future we aspire towards. Enjoy your weekend with friends (new and old) and family. Work hard on the field and enjoy your time off it. Be safe and considerate of your teammates, opponents, and surroundings, and you can be a positive part of this year’s tournament, which will no doubt be remembered for years to come. Do not take a second for granted, make every moment count, on and off the pitch, there is nowhere I would rather be during rugby weekend than on those beautiful Adirondack pitches!

In closing, the Can-Am board members and Mountaineers will be out and about all weekend sporting Mountaineers apparel. As the hosts of this wonderful event, if we can be of any help, feel free to approach us. We hope to make this weekend one you will cherish forever. Have a great weekend playing and watching the best game in the world. Also, make sure to take a second and enjoy these great communities nestled in the Adirondacks. And when you get back to work on Monday or Tuesday, if that extra day of recovery is needed, try not to be frustrated when others just don’t get what you experienced and understand: your love of rugby; rough, tough, humbling RUGBY!

Slainte,
Cameron Moody
Director, Can-Am Rugby

Welcome from the Can-Am Rugby President

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Adirondack Rugby, Inc., it is our absolute pleasure to welcome you to the 52nd Can-Am Rugby Tournament, proudly hosted once again by the Mountaineer Rugby Football Club.

Following last year’s incredible weekend, we’re carrying that energy into 2026 with more excitement, camaraderie, and unforgettable rugby. The Can-Am tournament has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most iconic rugby gatherings in North America, drawing players, fans, and referees from across the country—and around the world—to our beloved communities of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid.

One of the most meaningful parts of this tournament is that it’s truly for everyone, just as rugby is. Whether you’re on the pitch, cheering from the sidelines, or volunteering behind the scenes, you are the heart of what makes this weekend so special – Thank you for being a part of this tradition.

We wish you a joyful and safe Rugby Christmas. Play hard, have fun, and please take a moment to soak in the magic of this tight-knit community that we’re proud to call home. If you need anything during your time here, just find someone wearing Saranac Lake Mountaineer or official Can-Am Rugby gear—we’re always happy to help.

See you on the pitch,
Libby Clark
Adirondack Rugby, Inc. President

The Can-Am committee is excited to bring you the 52nd edition of Can-Am Rugby in Saranac Lake & Lake Placid. NY.

We look forward to having a great rugby weekend and returning you to the Adirondacks!

 

50th Annual Can-Am Rugby Recap

October 29, 2024

This summer’s event was the largest and one of the most successful events we have ever hosted, The Can-Am Rugby Tournament is no longer just a rugby tournament, it has transformed into a major Tri-Lakes Community Event. This summer we hosted 120 teams averaging 22.5 players per team from 30 states and four Canadian provinces.

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