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Canada call up six uncapped players for Nations Cup
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Canada head coach Stephen Meehan has named his 32-man squad for next month’s Nations Cup, with a blend of experienced internationals and six uncapped players.
The Canucks open their campaign against Spain in Edmonton on July 4 before facing Portugal and Zimbabwe later in the month.
Several senior figures return to the fold, including former captain Tyler Ardron, lock Evan Olmstead and hooker Andrew Quattrin, while Lucas Rumball rejoins the national side fresh from captaining the Chicago Hounds to the Major League Rugby title.
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Meehan has also handed opportunities to six potential debutants, with Josh McIndoe, Liam James, Jacob Ince, Henry Kirwan, Cody Nhanala and Bryce Worden all included after impressing at age-grade, university and club level.
Canada will be without a number of established players through injury or unavailability, including Ben LeSage, Brock Webster, Conor Young, Matt Beukeboom, Matthew Oworu and Talon McMullin, but Meehan believes the squad has the depth to make a strong start to the new competition.
“This squad brings together a strong blend of experienced players, individuals returning to the national program after some time away, and some new faces who have earned their opportunity,” he said.
“It’s an exciting mix that reflects both the depth and potential within Canadian rugby.
“As we begin the first block of matches, we recognize that player availability will vary throughout the year’s three competition windows. While that presents challenges, it also creates valuable opportunities for players to step forward and contribute, which will be important to our growth as a team.
“We believe this group gives us an excellent platform for the three matches ahead. They are capable of playing an exciting brand of rugby, and we’re looking forward to bringing everyone together, building strong connections on and off the field, and preparing to perform at our best when match day arrives.”
Canada Nations Cup squad
Forwards: Andrew Quattrin (US Carcassonne, 29 caps), Barnaby Waddell (Bridgend Ravens, 2), Bryce Worden (West Harbour Rugby Club, uncapped), Calixto Martinez (Old Glory DC, 12), Cody Nhanala (University of British Columbia, uncapped), Cole Keith (Doncaster Knights, 44), Dewald Kotze (Seattle Seawolves, 13), Evan Olmstead (SU Agen, 35), Foster Dewitt (Peñarol Rugby, 6), Izzak Kelly (SL Benfica, 13), Kyle Steeves (Hunter Wildfires, 5), Lucas Rumball (Chicago Hounds, 65), Mason Flesch (Chicago Hounds, 20), Piers Von Dadelszen (New England Free Jacks, 13), Reegan O’Gorman (UBCOB Ravens, 6), Sam Miller (Benfica SL, 4), Siôn Parry (Ebbw Vale RFC, 16), Tyler Ardron (Castres Olympique, 39)
Backs: Brock Gallagher (Strathcona Druids RFC, 12 caps), Cooper Coats (UVIC Vikes, 21), Henry Kirwan (Cardiff Metropolitan University, uncapped), Jacob Ince (Taranaki Rugby, uncapped), Jason Higgins (Cork Constitution, 27), Josh McIndoe (UVIC Vikes, uncapped), Kyle Tremblay (Bayside RFC, 4), Liam James (UBCOB Ravens, uncapped), Noah Flesch (Peñarol Rugby, 11), Peter Nelson (Dungannon RFC, 35), Robbie Povey (Rotherham Titans, 20), Spencer Jones (Hamilton Old Boys, 14), Stephen Webb (University of British Columbia, 2), Takoda McMullin (University of British Columbia, 5)
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