Edmontonians may be focusing on what is happening on the ice this week, but there is a sporting treat of another kind in store for the city this weekend as Commonwealth Stadium hosts the 2006 Barclays Churchill Cup.  Edmonton has hosted the international rugby tournament for the past three years, but this year the tournament has been expanded to include six leading international rugby teams.

Current Barclays Churchill Cup champions England Saxons, host nation Canada and this year's finalist Scotland A all flew into town last night ahead of the finals day at Commonwealth on Saturday 17 June. New Zealand Maori, who are the other main cup finalist, Ireland A and USA arrive today.  Saturday sees all six teams play in different finals beginning with England Saxons v. Ireland A at 12 noon.

The aim of the Barclays Churchill Cup is to develop rugby across North America in terms of participation and spectators. Last year the tournament was held across two weekends (both held in Edmonton) and attracted over 17,000 fans.  The format has been expanded this year and the teams have already played in pools held in Toronto / Ottawa and San Francisco Bay.

In addition to the finals day, the teams will be busy in Edmonton all week holding open training sessions, youth camps and even playing rugby at West Edmonton Mall.   Roger Smith, President of Rugby Canada, is excited about the level of interactivity the tournament offers the people of Edmonton.  He said, "Edmonton is proud to host such a world class rugby tournament.  Everyone is so excited by the success of the Oilers , and the timing of our rugby matches on Saturday means we can offer hockey fans the perfect warm up before the big hockey game on Saturday, as I am sure the Oilers will be back here for Game 6.  Our three finals kick off from 12 noon and for anyone who hasn't seen top class rugby before we can promise just as many big hits and speed as you would normally see at the rink.  For the sports mad 'City of Champions', this Saturday could turn into a whole day of thrilling sporting entertainment."

A full program of rugby activities is in place for the build up to the finals day on Saturday.  These include:

Monday 12 June :

• Canada open training session at the Clansmen Rugby Ground (2.30pm - 2.50pm)

Tuesday 13 June :

• Barclays Churchill Cup Press Conference , City Hall Plaza (12 - 12.45pm).  
• All six team captains and coaches will be in attendance.
• New Zealand Maori open training session at St Albert Rugby Club (time tbc)
• Canada open training session at the Clansmen Rugby Ground (2.30pm - 2.50pm)
• USA open training session at the Nor-Westers Rugby Club (4.00pm - 4.20pm)

Wednesday 14 June :

• England Saxons open training session at the Pirates Rugby Club (9.45am - 10.15am).  
• England Saxons media session at Sutton Place Hotel (1.30pm - 3pm - Please contact Dave Barton, England Saxons Press Officer in advance).
• Scotland A open training session (time tbc).
• Canada open training session at the Clansmen Rugby Ground (3.00pm - 3.20pm)
• USA open training session at the Nor-Westers Rugby Club (4.00pm - 4.20pm)
• Barclays Churchill Cup Youth Camp (attended by players) at Ellerslie Rugby Club (from 6.00pm)

Thursday 15 June:

• New Zealand Maori open training session at St Albert Rugby Club (time tbc)
• Canada open training session at the Clansmen Rugby Ground (3.00pm - 3.20pm)
• Rugby @ WEM event (New Zealand Maori haka demonstration / mini rugby display) from 5.00pm
• Barclays Churchill Cup Youth Camp (attended by players) at Ellerslie Rugby Club (from 6.00pm)

Saturday 17 June:

• Barclays Churchill Cup Plate Final - England Saxons v. Ireland A
  (12 noon kick off)
• Barclays Churchill Cup Final - New Zealand Maori v. Scotland A
  (2.30pm kick off)
• Barclays Churchill Cup Bowl Final - Canada v. USA
  (4.30pm kick off)
• Tickets which include all three finals are available from Ticketmaster.