'There will always be a place for the short, stocky, grubby, hard-nosed seven'

Lucas Rumball has played 66 Tests for Canada, including the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where he faced the All Blacks and eventual champions South Africa. The openside flanker has captained his country multiple times and is well positioned to comment on the zeitgeist of contemporary flanker play, which seems to prefer tall and versatile backrowers over the classic shorter scavenging seven. Are international prospects over for players like Du’Plessis Kirifi?

“The game is always shifting. Right now there are many high ball contests and a greater emphasis on offence where taller, faster athletes are preferred,” Rumball told RugbyPass.

“I think there will always be a place for the short, stocky, grubby, hard-nosed seven. I’m neither especially tall nor fast, but I’ll tackle all day, and there’s still room for those types of players.”

Rumball was the first player in Major League Rugby (MLR) in the USA to officially record 1,000 tackles.

Canada recently finished their Nations Cup campaign with a gritty 23-19 win over Zimbabwe in Winnipeg. It was only their second win in the last 17 internationals. Their longest run of consecutive defeats was 10 between 2019 and 2021.

“Zimbabwe was a better effort than some of our recent matches. We struggled in the first half but worked through it and scored some points before halftime. We were stronger in the second half. The progress our younger players are making is encouraging,” Rumball said.

Fullback Peter Nelson kicked two penalties to make it 6-0 in the 33rd minute before a lightning strike resulted in a half-an-hour delay.

Canada returned to the pitch with zest, with a Mason Flesch try converted by Nelson sending Canada to the halftime interval 13-0 ahead.

Nelson kicked a penalty to make it 16-0 after 53 minutes before Zimbabwe’s potent lineout drive saw Liam Larkan rumble over. A 58th-minute Calixto Martinez try, again converted by Nelson, appeared to have put Canada in a commanding position at 23-7. Instead, Zimbabwe rallied, though their third try scored by winger Dion Khumalo was a case of too little, too late.

A week earlier in Edmonton, Canada was soundly beaten by rapidly improving Portugal 38-14, having earlier salvaged an epic 42-42 draw against Spain with an 83rd-minute try by Kyle Tremblay, converted by Takoda McMullin. The Spanish Test featured 12 tries and seven lead changes, somewhat indicative of the rollercoaster ride that was Canada’s campaign.

“I’ve never played in a more high-scoring Test. Early on we struggled for cohesion and Spain exposed some weak defence around our set pieces,” Rumball said.

“When things happen so quickly it seems like control is lost. You need to keep emotions in check, take deep breaths, and refocus on small things like winning set-pieces, first-phase defence, and doing small things right, which make bigger things easier.

“One positive of these matches, and we appreciate as many as we can get at this level, is the growth of our younger players. We have an older pack, so there were times we carried a greater load, but the performances of Kyle Tremblay and Noah Flesch on the wings and Jacob Ince in midfield were a pleasure.”

Major League Rugby Forward of the Year 2025  Mason Flesch continued his strong form.

“We play and live together at the Chicago Hounds. He’s a great athlete, tall, fast, and powerful. If he were to get a bigger contract in Europe or elsewhere, I’d be the first to back him,” Rumball acclaimed.

Few would have backed the previously struggling USA, who lost their last international to Canada 34-20 in August 2025 with Tyler Ardron scoring four tries, to win three consecutive Nations Cup matches. But Rumball wasn’t surprised, observing a heavy kick strategy reaping dividends for the Eagles.

Canada is still trying to find its feet as it builds towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Rumball reckons inspiration can be found from Canada’s women, who were runners-up at the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

“It was really positive for rugby in Canada that they played so well and captured some attention. If we can work together and find positive things from one another, then that’s a win-win.”