Canada named its 32-player roster Monday for the Tests against Belgium and Spain following a 42-player training camp held the past two weeks.
Langford-based Rugby Canada could once be relied on to steadily field a sturdy world second-tier national team. That was before the spiral to No. 24 in the world, which Canada is looking to staunch with two rugby Tests this month in Edmonton against Belgium and Spain.
Canada plays No. 22 Belgium on Saturday (4 p.m. PT on TSN) and No. 16 Spain on July 18 at Clarke Stadium. Both opponents are within the range of teams Canada needs to beat in order to grind back up the world rankings.
It begins a crucial year as qualifying play for the 2027 World Cup in Australia begins in the fall. The World Cup has been expanded to 24 teams, up from 20, giving Canada a better chance for qualification after it missed the 2023 World Cup in France for the first time after competing in all nine previous editions.
The Tests matches this month are to “build a strong foundation as we strive towards World Cup qualification later this year,” said Canada head coach Stephen Meehan.
Canada named its 32-player roster Monday for the Tests against Belgium and Spain following a 42-player training camp held the past two weeks.
“We had a very competitive training camp, which I was pleased to see,” said Meehan, in a statement.
“The coaching staff has been impressed by the players’ work ethic, and ability to learn and adapt in high pressure moments. They have continually pushed each other to be better and are eager to continue doing so.”
Eight players from the three-time Major League Rugby-champion New England Free Jacks were named to the roster, including forward Foster Dewitt of Courtenay and Westshore RFC. Other players from the Island or Island teams who took part in the selection camp were forwards Austin Creighton and Callum Botchar of James Bay Athletic Association, Emerson Prior of Westshore RFC, Karl Hunger and Matthew Oworu of Pacific Pride and backs Josh McIndoe of Victoria, Kyle Tremblay of Pacific Pride and Morgan Di Nardo of the University of Victoria Vikes.
Lucas Rumball will captain Canada while former World Cup player and Canada sevens legend Phil Mack of Victoria is assistant coach of the national team.
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