Canada SVNS 3 squad confirmed for Dubai

Canada Men’s Sevens’ 13-player squad for this weekend’s HSBC SVNS 3 tournament in Dubai has been announced.

Interim head coach, Christiaan Esterhuizen, has included seven of the players that qualified the team for the tournament with their success at the Rugby Americas North 7s.

Lockie Kratz captains the side again, and is rejoined in the squad with Ethan Turner, Elias Hancock, Thomas Isherwood, Johnny Franklin, Adam Doane and Ian Jones.

There is a return to the squad for Josiah Morra, who makes his first Canada Men’s Seven appearance since 2024. Morra has represented the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby and helped Canada Men’s team qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Canada have been named in Pool B, where they will face Madagascar, Belgium and Italy.

The top two men’s and women’s teams at HSBC SVNS 3 will gain automatic promotion to HSBC SVNS 2, which takes place between February and March in Nairobi, Montevideo and São Paulo.

A finish in the top four after those three legs can secure teams a place at the HSBC SVNS World Championships and a shot at HSBC SVNS Series qualification.

Christiaan Esterhuizen, interim head coach, said: “Training camp has been highly productive. Despite a short preparation window and challenging pre-camp conditions, including snow and difficult weather, the group demonstrated strong commitment and resilience throughout.

“We’ve welcomed back several players who did not feature at RAN — including Kal Sager, Morgan Di Nardo, Jack Shaw, Josiah Morra and Brenden Black — adding valuable experience and depth to the squad.

“It’s also exciting to see Takoda McMullin earn his debut, while Lockie Kratz will lead the group as captain.

“We retain a strong core from RAN — Ethan Turner, Elias Hancock, Thomas Isherwood, Lockie Kratz, Johnny Franklin, Adam Doane and Ian Jones — which provides important continuity.

“As we head into Dubai, we know we’ll be tested against quality opposition such as Italy, Belgium, and likely Tonga and Samoa. This is an experienced group, full of confidence, and ready to compete with energy and purpose.”

Canada Men’s Sevens squad for SVNS 3

Adam Doane
Brenden Black
Elias Hancock
Ethan Turner
Ian Jones
Jack Shaw
Johnny Franklin
Josiah Morra
Kal Sager
Lockie Kratz
Morgan Di Nardo
Takoda McMullin
Thomas Isherwood