TORONTO — Canada will host Russia in a rugby test match June 16 at Ottawa's Twin Elm Rugby Park.
The Canadian men are currently ranked 21st in the world, two places below Russia.
Canada opens its June international series against fifth-ranked Scotland on June 9 at Edmonton's Commonwealth stadium. It will also face the 15th-ranked U.S. Eagles on June 23 at Wanderers Ground in Halifax
"All three of our June test matches are vitally important for our preparation for the 2019 Rugby World Cup repechage tournament in November as we look to qualify for Tokyo 2019," Canada coach Kingsley Jones said in a statement.
"Having coached Russia for three years and over 30 test matches, I am familiar with their physical brand of rugby and I look forward to the challenge that lies ahead of us."
Canada is 4-0-0 against Russia, winning 46-12 most recently at the Calgary Rugby Park in 2016.
The Canadian Press
