ROSTER NAMED AS CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS TEAM PREPARES FOR FIRST STOP OF THE HSBC WORLD RUGBY SEVENS CHALLENGER

ROSTER NAMED AS CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS TEAM PREPARES FOR FIRST STOP OF THE HSBC WORLD RUGBY SEVENS CHALLENGER

The 13 players that will represent Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team over the first two legs of the 2025 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger have been named by Head Coach Sean White following the men’s invitational at HSBC SVNS Vancouver. 

Cape Town, South Africa will host the opening rounds over March 1 to 2 and March 7 to 8. Teams will compete at Athlone Stadium, with the top eight ranked men’s teams following these two weekends progressing to the third round in Krakow, Poland in April. Following the third round, the top four ranked teams will qualify for the HSBC SVNS Play Off tournament in Los Angeles over May 3 to 4. More information on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger format can be found here. 

All 13 players on the roster competed at the men’s invitational held at BC Place this past weekend alongside the 10th edition of HSBC SVNS Vancouver. Twelve of these players made it onto the scoresheet in Vancouver, with Ethan Hager and Jamie Armstrong (the 2024 Back of the Year at the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship) leading the way on the team with four tries each through four games. 

Players such as Alex Russell, Thomas Isherwood, Kal Sager and Elias Hancock will bring valuable experience to the squad, with up-and-coming players who impressed in Vancouver looking to make their mark and play a part in Canada’s journey back to the HSBC SVNS series.  

Two players, Morgan Di Nardo and Ethan Turner, made their debut for Canada last year at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, while Kyle Tremblay (of the Pacific Pride Development Academy) and Johnny Franklin debuted in November at the Rugby Americas North Sevens. 

Brenden Black, who also had a strong showing in Vancouver as one of the team’s strongest conversion kickers, was the youngest player to ever be capped in the MLR when he played his first professional game in 2023.  

“Having the opportunity to build cohesion as a team as well as fine tune our processes on and off field will allow us to hit the ground running in Cape Town,” said Sean White. “I was certainly pleased with our performances in Vancouver, and it made for very difficult selections which is what you always want as a coach. Our One Squad process has resulted in the potential for five new players to make their SVNS/Challenger debut. After a long travel day today, we will continue our recovery in Cape Town and make the adjustments needed to have a successful start to our Challenger Series.”  

More information on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger, including full schedules and updated scores, can be found here. 

 

SCHEDULE 

Saturday March 1 
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Madagascar 
3:21am PT / 6:21am ET 
Watch on TSN+ 

 

Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Hong Kong China 
6:37am PT / 9:37am ET  
Watch on TSN+ 

 

Sunday March 2 
Semi-finals and finals 
Times and opponents TBD 
Watch on TSN+ 

*The schedule for the second round over March 7 to 8 will be announced by World Rugby following the conclusion of the first round. 

 

CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS TEAM 

3. Ethan Turner (Maple Ridge, BC) – Burnaby Lake Rugby Club 
5. Alex Russell (Bracebridge, ON) – McGill University 
10. Noah Bain (Abbotsford, BC) – UBCOB Ravens / New England Free Jacks 
13. Brenden Black (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / Guelph University 
15. Ethan Hager (Brantford, ON) – Brantford Harlequins / Castaway Wanderers 
18. Morgan Di Nardo (Toronto, ON) – Toronto City Rugby / University of Victoria 
20. Jamie Armstrong (Ottawa, ON) – Ottawa Irish / University of Ottawa 
22. Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Pacific Pride / Bayside RFC 
23. Thomas Isherwood (Okotoks, AB) – Foothills Lions RFC / Westshore RFC 
27. Johnny Franklin (Bowen Island, BC) – Capilano RFC 
33. Kal Sager (Peterborough, ON) – Peterborough Pagans / Trent University  
64. Elias Hancock (Ottawa, ON) – Bytown Blues / University of Ottawa 
82. Michael Laplaine-Pereira (Montreal, QC) – TMR Rugby / Concordia University 

CANADA’S U20 MEN’S RUGBY TEAM LONG LIST ANNOUNCED AHEAD OF FEBRUARY CAMP IN VANCOUVER

CANADA’S U20 MEN’S RUGBY TEAM LONG LIST ANNOUNCED AHEAD OF FEBRUARY CAMP IN VANCOUVER

Christiaan Esterhuizen, Head Coach of Canada’s U20 Men’s Rugby Team, has announced a long list of players for Rugby Canada’s 2025 U20 squad.

This group recently gathered in Vancouver, BC for a training and alignment camp from February 20 to 23. Held alongside HSBC SVNS Vancouver, the team trained at Vancouver’s St. George’s School and played an intersquad match on February 23.

This camp was part of Canada’s U20 men’s program’s preparations for a 2025 tour to Fiji, with further information to be announced when possible.

Players were identified and selected for the long list based on their participation in university and club competition, tournaments like the U19 Canadian Rugby Championship, past performances with Canada’s age-grade programs, and recommendations from provincial coaches. Players on the long list have been engaged in regular preparation and alignment calls, with staff closely monitoring their strength and conditioning progress as they train in their respective environments.

“We were excited to gather our players and staff in Vancouver and officially kick off our U20 programming,” said Esterhuizen. “Our staff have been impressed with the dedication and eagerness of our players. I have seen them in action over the last few months in a variety of competitions, stretching from the Canadian Rugby Championships in Nova Scotia all the way to Vancouver Island. While some of our players based abroad were unable to attend this short camp, we are also delighted to have players competing in strong competitions in countries like Ireland, Scotland, England, and Australia, furthering their rugby development before joining us later in the year.”

Head Coach Christiaan Esterhuizen was joined in Vancouver by Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team Defence Coach John McFarland, Cory Hector (University of Guelph), Paddy Watson (Balmy Beach RFC), Conor Turner (Strength and Conditioning Coach), and Erin Schatkowsky (Athletic Therapist).

Additional coaching support for Sunday’s intersquad scrimmage included Didier Banse (University of British Columbia), Bruce Rainer (University of British Columbia), Andy Evans (Trinity Western University), Aaron Takel (Collingwood School), Bill Chamberlain (St. George’s School), and Graeme Moffatt (University of Lethbridge).

CANADA’S U20 MEN’S RUGBY TEAM  
2025 LONG LIST 

FORWARDS 

Adam Doane (Sutton, ON) – University of Victoria / Aurora Barbarians  
Alexander Muir (Victoria, BC) – University College Dublin / UBCOB Ravens 
Alistair Yeomans (Mississauga, ON) – University of Guelph / Mississauga Blues 
Andrew Neveu (Uxbridge, ON) – Durham College / Oshawa Vikings RFC  
Angus Dewar (Vancouver, BC) – Queen’s University / UBCOB Ravens 
Austin Allen (Thornbury, ON) – Trent University / Georgian Bay Titans  
Ben Davis (Peterborough, ON) – University of Ottawa / Peterborough Pagans 
Ben Koolen (Banbury, ENG) – Bloxham School / Gloucester Rugby 
Braam Swanepoel (Pretoria, RSA) – York University  
Brighton Feldman (Langford, BC) – University of Victoria / Westshore RFC 
Chukwudumebi Odum (Mississauga, ON) – Valence Romans Drome Rugby 
Coen Quinn (Ottawa, ON) – Queen’s University / Bytown Blues RFC  
Cole Harris (Uxbridge, ON) – Pacific Pride / Brock RFC  
Daniel Lucic (Oakville, ON) – University of Guelph / Oakville Crusaders  
Daragh Doyle (Quebec City, QC) – Clontarf FC 
Elijah McQueen (Fergus, ON) – University of British Columbia / Fergus Highland Rugby 
Finn Hughes (Peterborough, ON) – Wilfrid Laurier University / Peterborough Pagans  
Jacob Blackwood (Tsawwassen, BC) – University of British Columbia / Bayside Sharks  
James Noftall (Conception Bay South, NL) – University of British Columbia / Swilers RFC 
Kaea Griffiths (Penzance, ENG) – Camborne RFC 
Kyle Finan (Barnsley, ENG) – Leeds Beckett University / Red Deer Titans  
Liam Kinghorn (Calgary, AB) – University of British Columbia / Calgary Irish 
Matthew Carroll (Oakville, ON) – Queen’s University / Oakville Crusaders  
Noah Kynaston (Esquimalt, BC) – Pacific Pride / Castaway Wanderers  
Quinn Foley (Oakville, ON) – University of Guelph / Oakville Crusaders  
Reid Yurkowski (Leduc, AB) – Capilano RFC  
Simroy John (Clapham Heights Christ Church, BRB) – Shawnigan Lake School 
Tate Hartley (Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia  

BACKS 

Ashton Chapman (Swansea, WAL) – Gorseinon 
Benjamin Crowley (County Limerick, IRE) – Blackrock College  
Briar Barron (Holland Landing, ON) – Queen’s University / Aurora Barbarians  
Charlie Huntingford (North Vancouver, BC) – Capilano RFC 
Daniel Muzaliwa (Cape Town, RSA) – University of Waterloo / Waterloo County  
Devonne Henry (Whitby, ON) – Wilfrid Laurier University / Oshawa Vikings  
Emmett Rahiri (Peterborough, ON) – University of Ottawa / Peterborough Pagans 
Evan Davies (Toronto, ON) – Balmy Beach RFC  
Evan Palmer (Vancouver, BC) – Queen’s University  
Jacques Henning (Okotoks, AB) – University of Alberta / Foothills Lions RFC 
Jimmy Leach (London, UK) – Brunel University  
Joe Kaufmann (Kingston, ON) – Kingston Panthers / La Salle School 
Jonty Nicholas (Wiltshire, UK) – University of British Columbia  
Joshua McIndoe (Victoria, BC) – University of Victoria / Greerton Marist Rugby Club 
Kohl Kletke (Oakville, ON) – Western University / Oakville Crusaders  
Liam James (Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia / UBCOB Ravens 
Liam Turnbull (Vancouver, BC) – UBCOB Ravens 
Matthew Bennett (Durban, RSA) – University of Victoria / Westshore RFC 
Max McGavern (Newcastle, AUS) – University of British Columbia / St Joseph’s  
Mitchell Buie (Victoria, BC) – Pacific Pride / Westshore RFC 
Morgan Di Nardo (Toronto, ON) – University of Victoria 
Reece Thompson (Minesing, ON) – University of Victoria / Barrie Rugby 
Rowan Closs (Uxbridge, ON) – Brock Rugby Club   
Spencer Cotie (Victoria, BC) – University of Victoria / Castaway Wanderers  
Stephen Webb (Toronto, ON) – University of British Columbia / Balmy Beach Rugby Club 
Ty Driscoll (Victoria, BC) – Pacific Pride

HSBC Vancouver 7s Recap

The 10th edition of HSBC SVNS Vancouver delivered thrilling rugby action, with Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team securing a strong seventh-place finish and the Men’s Sevens Team winning the invitational tournament dominantly.

Women’s Sevens Team Battles to Seventh Place Victory

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team closed their HSBC SVNS Vancouver campaign with a 27-10 win over the United States in the seventh place play-off. Asia Hogan-Rochester opened scoring early, reaching over 200 career SVNS series points. Florence Symonds followed with a hat trick of tries, while Olivia Sarabura added her first-ever SVNS series try to seal the victory.

Canada faced tough competition throughout the tournament. They started strong against Australia with tries from Symonds and Alysha Corrigan, but a second-half surge saw Australia claim a 35-14 win. In the quarter-finals, New Zealand’s dominance led to a 34-12 defeat for Canada, setting up their final showdown against the USA.

Next up, Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team will compete at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens from March 28-30, 2025.

Men’s Sevens Team Wins Invitational Tournament

Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team showcased their firepower, claiming victory in the invitational tournament with two commanding performances. They overwhelmed Trinidad and Tobago 50-0, with seven different players contributing to the scoreboard. Jamie Armstrong and James Thiel led the way with two tries each, while Brenden Black added four conversions.

In their final match, Canada defeated Japan 51-12. Armstrong and Kal Sager were instrumental in securing the win, with Ethan Hager, Morgan Di Nardo, and Kyle Tremblay adding tries.

Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team will now travel to Cape Town for the first two rounds of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger.

Team Rosters

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team Roster:

  • Breanne Nicholas (Blenheim, ON) – Kent Havoc RFC
  • Charity Williams (Toronto, ON) – Markham Irish / UBC
  • Florence Symonds (Vancouver, BC) – UBC
  • Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC
  • Fancy Bermudez (Edmonton, AB) – NorWester Athletic Association / Westshore RFC / Saracens
  • Piper Logan (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Hornets / UBC
  • Krissy Scurfield (Canmore, AB) – UVic / Loughborough Lightning
  • Alysha Corrigan (Charlottetown, PEI) – CRFC / Saracens
  • Carissa Norsten (Waldheim, SK) – Kirin RFC / UVic
  • Asia Hogan-Rochester (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Nomads / Westshore RFC
  • Olivia Sarabura (Guelph, ON) – UBC
  • Mahalia Robinson (Fulford, QC) – Town of Mount Royal RFC
  • Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Ottawa Irish

Note: Shalaya Valenzuela replaced Krissy Scurfield due to injury.

Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team Roster:

  • Rhys James (Kelowna, BC) – UBC Okanagan / Pacific Pride
  • James Thiel (Abbotsford, BC) – Abbotsford RFC / Pacific Pride
  • Ethan Turner (Maple Ridge, BC) – Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
  • Alex Russell (Bracebridge, ON) – McGill University
  • Noah Bain (Abbotsford, BC) – UBCOB Ravens / New England Free Jacks
  • Brenden Black (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / Guelph University
  • Ethan Hager (Brantford, ON) – Brantford Harlequins
  • Morgan Di Nardo (Toronto, ON) – Toronto City Rugby / UVic
  • Jamie Armstrong (Ottawa, ON) – Ottawa Irish / University of Ottawa
  • Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – UBC Okanagan / Pacific Pride
  • Thomas Isherwood (Okotoks, AB) – Foothills Lions RFC
  • Johnny Franklin (Bowen Island, BC) – Capilano RFC
  • Kal Sager (Peterborough, ON) – Peterborough Pagans / Trent University
  • Elias Hancock (Ottawa, ON) – Bytown Blues / University of Ottawa
  • Ben Greenstein (Vancouver, BC) – UBCOB Ravens / Queen’s University
  • Michael Laplaine (Montreal, QC) – TMR Rugby / Concordia University

U18 Wolf Pack Men’s and Women’s Roster for Vancouver 7s Invitational

Rugby Alberta is excited to recognize a group of talented athletes from across the province who have demonstrated outstanding skill and athletic ability. These players, representing various regional teams and clubs, have been selected based on their performances in the U18 ARC 7s Tournaments in January.

These athletes have been named to the U18 Men’s Wolf Pack and U18 Women’s Wolf Pack squads, further showcasing their dedication and potential at the provincial level.

U18 Men’s Wolf Pack Roster

Athlete Name Region Club
Zak Wright Deep South Lethbridge RC
Cam Akitt Deep South Lethbridge RC
Johnny Heggie Deep South Lethbridge RC
Easton Blackmer Big Country Storm Foothills Lions RFC
Connor Graham Mavericks Black CCIAC
Cooper Penaluna Mavericks Black Canucks RC
Rei Joseph Mavericks Black Calgary Saints RFC
Jamie Kaefer Mavericks Black CCIAC
Sacha Johnson Central Predators Strathcona Druids RFC
Magnus McFarlane Gold Yellow Edmonton Clansmen RFC
Kian Mullen Gold Yellow Strathcona Druids RFC
James Pauls Gold Yellow NWAA
Aiden Smyth Gold Yellow Strathcona Druids RFC
Khimarlie Murray Gold Yellow Edmonton Clansmen RFC

U18 Women’s Wolf Pack Roster

Athlete Name Region Club
Morgan Bull Big Country Storm Foothills Lions RFC
Cierra Schmirler Big Country Storm Foothills Lions RFC
Rowan McLellan Mavericks Black Calgary Hornets RFC
Sydney Wollbaum Mavericks Black Calgary Hornets RFC
Gemma Ogoke Mavericks Black Canucks RC
Lucy Finnson Mavericks Black Calgary Hornets RFC
Jada Hepfner Mavericks Black Calgary Saints RFC
Mikayla Lord Mavericks Black Calgary Hornets RFC
Emily Plant Mavericks Black Calgary Hornets RFC
Ruby Lastiwka Mavericks Silver Calgary Saints RFC
Sydney Tasic Gold Green Strathcona Druids RFC
Madeline Brown Gold Green Leprechaun Tiger RFC
Kate Burkinshaw Gold Green Strathcona Druids RFC
Sienna Jordan Gold Green LA Crude RFC

This recognition highlights the athletic ability and dedication of these athletes as they continue to develop their skills and contribute to the growing rugby culture in Alberta. Their efforts, both on and off the field, are shaping the future of the sport in the province.

Congratulations to all the selected players! Rugby Alberta looks forward to seeing your continued success in upcoming competitions.

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team Squad That Will Kick Off 2025 in Perth Announced

CANADA’S WOMEN’S SEVENS TEAM SQUAD THAT WILL KICK OFF 2025 IN PERTH ANNOUNCED

Fourteen players have been named to Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team ahead of HSBC SVNS Perth, the third stop on the 2025 HSBC SVNS series. 

The team travels to Australia this weekend to train for two weeks ahead of the three-day tournament taking place January 24 to 26 at HBF Park in Perth/Boorloo. The final roster of 13 players will be determined the week of the tournament. 

Returning to Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team for the first time since winning silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics are Olivia Apps and Florence Symonds. This past fall, Apps represented Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team at WXV in Vancouver, helping move Canada up to second in the world rankings. Symonds spent the fall with the University of British Columbia, helping the Thunderbirds to their first-ever U SPORTS women’s rugby championship in November.

Three players could make their international sevens debut in Perth. Olivia Sarabura, Symonds’ UBC teammate, and Larah Wright, a standout player with the University of Victoria, both won silver for Canada at the 2024 FISU World University Championship last June. Gabrielle Senft, a mainstay for Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team at WXV in Vancouver this past fall, joins the squad in partnership with the PWR’s Saracens.   

“We saw a lot of growth for our squad in Dubai and Cape Town in December, which marked the start of a new Olympic cycle for us, with seven players making their international debuts and gaining some critical game experience,” said Jocelyn Barrieau, Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team. “We are excited about the group that we are taking to Perth and look to continue to build as the season progresses and as we near our home tournament in Vancouver.” 

 

PERTH POOL PLAY SCHEDULE

Thursday January 23 
Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team vs Great Britain
7:44pm PT / 8:44pm MST / 10:44pm ET / 11:44am local time (Friday January 24) 

Friday January 24 
Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team vs Fiji
12:21am PT / 1:21am MST / 3:21am ET / 4:21pm local time  

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team vs USA 
10:41pm PT / 11:41pm MST / 1:41am ET (Saturday January 25) / 2:41pm local time (Saturday January 25) 

 

The next HSBC SVNS stop after Perth will be Vancouver. Catch both Canada’s Women’s and Men’s Sevens Teams in action on home soil at HSBC SVNS Vancouver over February 21 to 23 at BC Place. Buy tickets now at vansevens.com. 

 

MORE INFO

For the most up to date information on the HSBC SVNS Series and live coverage, including details on the event format, the schedule and the latest news, visit the official website: www.svns.com. 

 

CANADA’S WOMEN’S SEVENS TEAM ROSTER

 

4. Breanne Nicholas (Blenheim, ON) – Kent Havoc RFC
7. Florence Symonds (Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia
8. Carmen Izyk (High River, AB) – Rugby Club Toulon Provence Méditerranée 
9. Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC
11. Piper Logan (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Hornets / University of British Columbia 
17. Camille Arvin-Bérod (Saint-Denis-Sur-Richelieu, QC) – Montreal Irish / Laval University / Lons Section Paloise
19. Carissa Norsten (Waldheim, SK) – Kirin RFC / University of Victoria
24. Asia Hogan-Rochester (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Nomads / Westshore RFC 
25. Shoshanah Seumanutafa (White Rock, BC) – Counties Manukau
26. Savannah Bauder (North Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia
27. Olivia Sarabura (Guelph, ON) – University of British Columbia
29. Mahalia Robinson (Fulford, QC) – Town of Mount Royal RFC
47. Larah Wright (Calgary, AB) – University of Victoria 
88. Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK) – Castaway Wanderers / Saracens

 

CANADA’S WOMEN’S SEVENS TEAM STAFF UPDATE 

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team Lead Therapist Danielle McNally, who played a key role on Canada’s Paris 2024 Olympic silver medal winning team, has made the decision to depart Rugby Canada. Rugby Canada would like to thank Danielle for her immense contributions to the team and to rugby in Canada and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. 

32 player squad named for Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s November tour to Romania

Thirty-two player squad named for Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s November tour to Romania

October 22, 2024 (Langford, BC) – Thirty-two players have been named to Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team by Head Coach Kingsley Jones for the program’s upcoming tour to Bucharest, Romania.

Canada will play Chile on November 9 and Romania on November 16 for the team’s final international test matches of 2024, as the squad continues to build towards next year’s Rugby World Cup qualification.

This tour to Romania comes on the heels of the reimagined Pacific Nations Cup, which saw Canada take on Japan, the United States and Tonga. Canada most recently played Romania earlier this year, in one of two test matches on home soil in Ottawa in July, beating Romania 35-22. The last time Canada played Chile was in two Rugby World Cup qualification matches in 2021, with each team taking one win in the two-match series.

“We have an opportunity this fall to continue to test ourselves and build as a group, facing two quality opponents,” said Kingsley Jones. “As with our squads that competed in Ottawa and at the Pacific Nations Cup, our aim is to develop our depth and have consistency going in 2025. In addition to the experienced leadership on our squad, there are a number of young promising players who will gain more valuable exposure to an international training and competition environment.”

Captained by Lucas Rumball, 25 players return from Canada’s Pacific Nations Cup roster, including Kaden Duguid and Tyler Matchem, who earned their first caps for Canada against Japan and Tonga respectively.

Four players will be looking to earn their first caps for Canada in Romania: current Pacific Pride Development Academy players Jesse Kilgour, Noah Flesch and Rhys James, and Pacific Pride graduate Sam Miller, all of whom were part of Canada’s pre-tournament Pacific Nations Cup training environment.

RFC LA’s Matt Heaton returns to Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team for the first time since 2021, bringing Rugby World Cup experience.

Mitch Richardson is back after missing the Pacific Nations Cup due to injury, with Josh Thiel returning to the squad for the first time since Canada’s 2023 fall tour to Spain.

A number of players are unavailable for the tour due to university commitments, including Matthew Klimchuk (Meiji University – Japan) and Talon and Takoda McMullin (University of British Columbia). The Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship will take place while Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team is in Romania, with the top Canadian university men’s rugby teams competing in Ottawa over November 13 to 17.

 

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM SCHEDULE

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team vs Chile
November 9, 2024
3:00am PT / 6:00am ET / 1:00pm local time
Bucharest, Romania
Tickets can be purchased here
Broadcast details to be announced

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team vs Romania
November 16, 2024
8:00am PT / 11:00am ET / 6:00pm local time
Bucharest, Romania
Tickets can be purchased here
Broadcast details to be announced

 

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM ROMANIA TOUR SQUAD

FORWARDS
Andrew Quattrin (Holland Landing, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / New England Free Jacks
Calixto Martinez (White Rock, BC) – Earl Marriott Secondary / Bayside RFC / University of British Columbia / Old Glory DC
Callum Botchar (Vancouver, BC) – NOLA Gold
Cole Keith (Apohaqui, NB) – Belleisle Rovers RFC / New England Free Jacks
Conor Young (Yamba, AUS) – Southern Districts Rugby Club / RFC LA
Dewald Kotze (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC
Ethan Fryer (Seattle, USA) – New England Free Jacks
Izzak Kelly (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / University of British Columbia / Capilano RFC
James Stockwood (Bowmanville, ON) – Vikings RFC / Pacific Pride
Jesse Mackail (Palmerston North, NZL) – UBCOB Ravens / Pacific Pride
Kaden Duguid (Edmonton, AB) – Nor’Westers Athletic Association / Vancouver Highlanders
Lucas Rumball (Scarborough, ON) – Balmy Beach RFC / Chicago Hounds
Mason Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons RFC / Chicago Hounds
Matt Heaton (Godmanchester, QC) – RFC LA
Matthew Oworu (Calgary, AB) – Pacific Pride
Sam Miller (Mount Denson, NS) – Valley Rugby Union / Pacific Pride
Siôn Parry (Cardiff, WAL) – Rhiwbina RFC / Ebbw Vale RFC
Tyler Matchem (Pictou County, NS) – Pacific Pride / Pictou County RFC

BACKS
Andrew Coe (Markham, ON) – RFC LA
Ben LeSage (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Canucks / New England Free Jacks
Brock Gallagher (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC
Cooper Coats (Halifax, NS) – Halifax Tars
Jason Higgins (Cork, IRE) – Chicago Hounds
Jesse Kilgour (Barrie, ON) – Barrie RFC / Pacific Pride
Josh Thiel (Victoria, BC) – James Bay AA  / Abbotsford RFC
Josiah Morra (Toronto, ON) – Castaway Wanderers / Toronto Saracens
Mark Balaski (Castlebar, IRE) – Castlebar RFC / Pacific Pride
Mitch Richardson (Stoney Creek, ON) – McMaster University
Nic Benn (Caves Beach, AUS) – Unaffiliated
Noah Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons / Pacific Pride
Peter Nelson (Dungannon, NIR) – Dungannon RFC
Rhys James (Kelowna, BC) – UBC Okanagan Heat / Pacific Pride

Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team’s Match Day Roster Selected for WXV 1 Finale Against England

Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team’s Match Day Roster Selected for WXV 1 Finale Against England

Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team’s match day roster for the winner-takes-all WXV 1 finale against England has been announced by Head Coach Kevin Rouet, as the top two teams in the world prepare to contend for the tournament title on Saturday.

The third and final game of Canada’s WXV 1 campaign goes on October 12 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, BC, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00pm local time (10:00pm ET).

“Coming into the tournament we wanted to be in this position, with two wins after two games using a wider group of players from the squad, and a chance to beat England to win WXV,” said Rouet. “England have shown why they are the best team in the world but we know that if we are at our best on both offence and defence we are a team that can beat them.”

Laetitia Royer, who scored two tries in Canada’s WXV 1 opener against France and was named Player of the Match, comes back into the starting 15 to face England.

Asia Hogan-Rochester, who scored off the bench in their first international cap against France two weeks ago, will hit another milestone with their first ever start for Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team when they take to the field on Saturday.

Prop McKinley Hunt will start her first game since Canada’s historic Pacific Four Series win in Christchurch in May against the New Zealand Black Ferns after starting on the bench in Canada’s first two matches of WXV 1. Pamphinette Buisa and DeLeaka Menin both rejoin the starting roster after sitting out against Ireland.

“It’s going to be an exciting game, number one versus number two in the world. It’s a long way to the Rugby World Cup but this is a great chance to measure ourselves and see the progress the squad has made.”

Tickets for the final matches of WXV 1 can be purchased HERE. Tickets are purchased as single day passes, with each ticket providing fans access for a full match day. This means purchasers can attend multiple games using a single ticket on October 12. Fans will be able to exit and re-enter the stadiums in accordance with regulations.

Additional questions regarding ticket purchases can be directed to tickets@rugby.ca.

Canada’s game against England will be broadcast on Saturday October 12 on TSN1 / TSN5 and livestreamed on TSN+ at 7:00pm PT/10:00pm ET.

More information on WXV can be found HERE.

Media accreditation applications are currently being accepted HERE. Questions regarding media accreditation can be directed to media@rugby.ca

Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team Match Day Roster vs England

  1. McKinley Hunt (King City, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Saracens
  2. Emily Tuttosi (Souris, MB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs 
  3. DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs 
  4. Courtney Holtkamp (Rimbey, AB) – Red Deer Titans Rugby 
  5. Laetitia Royer (Loretteville, QC) – St-Anne-de-Bellevue / Concordia Univeristy / ASM Romagnat
  6. Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Ottawa Irish
  7. Fabiola Forteza (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais
  8. Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK) – Castaway Wanderers / Saracens
  9. Justine Pelletier (Rivière-du-Loup, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais
  10. Claire Gallagher (Caledon, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Leicester Tigers
  11. Paige Farries (Red Deer, AB) – Saracens 
  12. Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC / Exeter Chiefs
  13. Shoshanah Seumanutafa (White Rock, BC) – Counties Manukau
  14. Asia Hogan-Rochester (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Nomads
  15. Julia Schell (Uxbridge, ON) – Guelph Goats / Castaway Wanderers / Ealing Trailfinders

FINISHERS 

  1. Sara Cline (Edmonton, AB) – Leprechaun Tigers
  2. Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Guelph Goats
  3. Alexandria Ellis (Ottawa, ON) – Barrhaven Scottish / Stade Villeneuvois LM
  4. Tyson Beukeboom (Uxbridge, ON) – Cowichan Piggies / Aurora Barbarians / Ealing Trailfinders
  5. Julia Omokhuale (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Irish Rugby Club / Leicester Tigers 
  6. Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC
  7. Alysha Corrigan (Charlottetown, PEI) – CRFC / Saracens
  8. Fancy Bermudez (Edmonton, AB) – NWAA / Westshore RFC / Saracens 

Match Day Roster Announced for Canada’s Second WXV 1 Game Against Ireland

signature_1410848251

 

Match Day Roster Announced for Canada’s Second WXV 1 Game Against Ireland

Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team’s Head Coach Kevin Rouet has announced the match day roster for Canada’s second match of WXV 1 against Ireland on October 5 at Willoughby Stadium at the Langley Events Centre, with kick-off scheduled for 3:45pm local time in Langley, BC (6:45pm ET).

“It was great to start off WXV 1 with a win last week against a top four team in the world [France] but the squad quickly shifted their focus to be ready for what will be a tough game against Ireland this weekend,” said Rouet. “Ireland will challenge us but even with a short week to prepare the team has looked sharp throughout training. I am excited to see what they will do out on the pitch this Saturday.”

After breaking the all-time Canadian women’s cap record in May with her 68th cap, Tyson Beukeboom will hit another significant milestone on Saturday against Ireland with her 70th.

Former UBC Thunderbird front row Rori Wood from Sooke, BC is set to earn her first international cap for Canada when she comes off the bench on Saturday. Caroline Crossley has earned her first start, having entered Canada’s match against France last weekend in the second half for her first cap. Alex Ellis, Courtney Holtkamp and Alysha Corrigan also move into the starting lineup this weekend.

Taylor Perry, starting at fullback, and Julia Omokhuale, who will begin the game on the bench, are both set to see their first game action of the tournament.

Rouet added: “We made some adjustments to the team after France because it is important that we continue to build depth in our squad. The Rugby World Cup will be a long journey and if we want to accomplish our ultimate goal, we will need a squad full of experienced and talented players. It will take more than just a group of 23 players.”

Tickets for WXV 1 can be purchased HERE. Tickets are purchased as single day passes, with each ticket providing fans access for a full match day. This means purchasers can attend multiple games using a single ticket on October 5 and October 12. Fans will be able to exit and re-enter the stadiums in accordance with regulations.

Additional questions regarding ticket purchases can be directed to tickets@rugby.ca.

All of Canada’s WXV 1 games will be available on TSN and TSN+. On Saturday October 5, Canada’s game against Ireland will be broadcast on TSN3 and livestreamed on TSN+ at 3:45pm PT/6:45pm ET.

More information on WXV can be found HERE.

Media accreditation applications are currently being accepted HERE. Questions regarding media accreditation can be directed to media@rugby.ca

Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team Match Day Roster vs Ireland

1. Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Guelph Goats

2. Emily Tuttosi (Souris, MB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs 

3. Alexandria Ellis (Ottawa, ON) – Barrhaven Scottish / Stade Français Paris

4. Tyson Beukeboom (Uxbridge, ON) – Cowichan Piggies / Aurora Barbarians / Ealing Trailfinders

5. Courtney Holtkamp (Rimbey, AB) – Red Deer Titans Rugby 

6. Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Ottawa Irish

7. Caroline Crossley (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers

8. Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK) – Castaway Wanderers / Saracens

9. Justine Pelletier (Rivière-du-Loup, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais

10. Claire Gallagher (Caledon, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Leicester Tigers

11. Alysha Corrigan (Charlottetown, PEI) – CRFC / Saracens

12. Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC / Exeter Chiefs

13. Shoshanah Seumanutafa (White Rock, BC) – Counties Manukau

14. Fancy Bermudez (Edmonton, AB) – NWAA / Westshore RFC / Saracens 

15. Taylor Perry (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / Exeter Chiefs

FINISHERS 

16. Sara Cline (Edmonton, AB) – Leprechaun Tigers 

17. McKinley Hunt (King City, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Saracens

18. Rori Wood (Sooke, BC) – College Rifles RFC

19. Laetitia Royer (Loretteville, QC) – St-Anne-de-Bellevue / Concordia Univeristy / ASM Romagnat

20. Fabiola Forteza (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais

21. Julia Omokhuale (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Irish Rugby Club / Leicester Tigers 

22. Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC

23. Julia Schell (Uxbridge, ON) – Guelph Goats / Castaway Wanderers / Ealing Trailfinders

30 players selected to Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team for WXV 1 in Vancouver 

 

30 players selected to Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team for WXV 1 in Vancouver

September 19, 2024 (Langford, BC) – Kevin Rouet, Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team, has selected the 30 player squad to represent Canada on home soil for WXV 1 this September and October in Vancouver. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Canada is competing in the top tier of WXV (WXV1), which includes the top three teams from the Women’s Six Nations (England, France, Ireland) and the top three teams from the Pacific Four Series (Canada, New Zealand, USA).

“Our preparation time was short but efficient. This will be a strong team,” said Rouet. “All the players have worked very hard for the last couple of weeks to prepare for WXV and we are excited for these next three matches and for the chance to play on home soil here in Vancouver against the best rugby teams in the world. France, Ireland and England will each challenge us in different ways but it’s another opportunity to test ourselves and another step in our journey to the Rugby World Cup next year.”

The team will be captained by Canada’s all-time women’s cap leader, Tyson Beukeboom, who earned her record-breaking 68th international cap in Canada’s history-making win against New Zealand in May. 23 players selected for WXV 1 were part of the team that won the 2024 Pacific Four Series earlier this year.

Rori Wood, Caroline Crossley and Asia Hogan-Rochester will each look to earn their first cap for Canada. Wood recently spent five seasons with the University of British Columbia while Hogan-Rochester and Crossley won an Olympic silver medal at Paris 2024 alongside fellow WXV teammates Fancy Bermudez, Olivia Apps, Alysha Corrigan and Taylor Perry.

Karen Paquin, who has 38 caps for Canada and silver medal from the 2014 Rugby World Cup, returns to the team for the first time since the 2021 Rugby World Cup, while Sara Kaljuvee looks to make her first appearance since Canada’s 2023 Pacific Four Series match against Australia.

Canada will open the tournament versus France at BC Place in Vancouver, with kick-off scheduled for 3:45pm PT / 6:45pm ET on Sunday September 29. Canada has won two of their last three matches against the French including at the inaugural WXV 1 tournament hosted in New Zealand last year when a 66th-minute try from Fancy Bermudez clinched a 29-20 win in the last round of WXV 1 to leapfrog Australia into second place of the final standings.

More information on WXV can be found HERE.

Canadians will be able to watch all three WXV 1 matches featuring Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team on TSN. Further details will be announced soon.

Tickets for WXV 1 can be purchased HERE. Tickets are purchased as single day passes, with each ticket providing fans access for a full match day. This means purchasers can attend multiple games using a single ticket on September 29, October 5 and October 12. Fans will be able to exit and re-enter the stadiums in accordance with regulations – details will be shared with ticket buyers shortly.

Additional questions regarding ticket purchases can be directed to tickets@rugby.ca. For more information on suites, please contact suites@rugby.ca.

Media accreditation applications are currently being accepted HERE. Questions regarding media accreditation can be directed to media@rugby.ca

 

2024 WXV 1 SCHEDULE 

Canada vs France

Sunday September 29, 2024 at 3:45pm PT

BC Place Stadium – Vancouver, BC

Canada vs Ireland

Saturday October 5, 2024 at 3:45pm PT

Willoughby Stadium at Langley Events Centre – Langley, BC

Canada vs England

Saturday October 12, 2024 at 7:00pm PT

BC Place Stadium – Vancouver, BC

Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team WXV 1 Squad

 

FORWARDS 
Alexandria Ellis (Ottawa, ON) – Barrhaven Scottish / Stade Français Paris

Brittany Kassil (Guelph, ON) – Guelph Goats

Caroline Crossley (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers

Courtney Holtkamp (Rimbey, AB) – Red Deer Titans Rugby

DaLeaka Menin (Vulcan, AB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs   

Emily Tuttosi (Souris, MB) – Calgary Hornets / Exeter Chiefs

Fabiola Forteza (Quebec City, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais

Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK) – Castaway Wanderers / Saracens

Gillian Boag (Calgary, AB) – Capilano RFC / Gloucester-Hartpury 

Julia Omokhuale (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Irish Rugby Club / Leicester Tigers  

Karen Paquin (Quebec City, QB) – Club de rugby de Quebec

Laetitia Royer (Loretteville, QC) – St-Anne-de-Bellevue / Concordia Univeristy / ASM Romagnat

McKinley Hunt (King City, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Saracens

Pamphinette Buisa (Gatineau, QC) – Ottawa Irish

Rori Wood (Sooke, BC) – College Rifles RFC

Sara Cline (Edmonton, AB) – Leprechaun Tigers  

Tyson Beukeboom (Uxbridge, ON) – Cowichan Piggies / Aurora Barbarians / Ealing Trailfinders

BACKS
Alexandra Tessier (Sainte-Clotilde-de-Horton, QC) – Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC / Exeter Chiefs

Alysha Corrigan (Charlottetown, PEI) – CRFC

Asia Hogan-Rochester (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Nomands

Claire Gallagher (Caledon, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / Leicester Tigers

Fancy Bermudez (Edmonton, AB) – Nor’Westers Athletic Association / Westshore RFC / Saracens 

Julia Schell (Uxbridge, ON) – Guelph Goats / Castaway Wanderers / Ealing Trailfinders

Justine Pelletier (Rivière-du-Loup, QC) – Club de rugby de Québec / Stade Bordelais

Mahalia Robinson (Fulford, QC) – Town of Mount Royal RFC

Olivia Apps (Lindsay, ON) – Lindsay RFC

Paige Farries (Red Deer, AB) – Saracens  

Sara Kaljuvee (Ajax, ON) – Toronto Scottish / Westshore RFC

Shoshanah Seumanutafa (White Rock, BC) – Counties Manukau

Taylor Perry (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / Exeter Chiefs

ALBERTA CUP and 2nd/3rd DIVISION PROVINCIAL FINALS SEPTEMBER 21st 2024 

Read more