Rugby Canada and Canadian Howlers Provide NextGen Development Pathways
Rugby Canada released its NextGen plan, it’s U20 for men and U21 for women. The plan includes camps at the U18 level for both men and women. The U21 women already had their tour to Ireland/England in March. The U20 men will be part of the World Rugby U20 Challenger in Chile in October, they’ll have a camp in August. Up to this point there’s some symmetry with the men’s and women’s pathways but that diverges with the 7s pathway where there’s a lot more focus and opportunity for the women. The women get development opportunities at the senior (EAAST Sevens), university (FISU) and U18 (Global Youth 7s) levels, the men just get development at the U17 level (Youth Olympics).
The Canadian Howlers, formerly the Dog Rivers Howlers, are picking up the slack for Rugby Canada in men’s NextGen development. They’ve organized a U18 XVs tour to Argentina in August. They’ve already selected a Canada roster in cooperation with the Canada U20 coach. The roster and match itinerary are posted below.
from Rugby Canada
Rugby Canada has confirmed its 2026 NextGen programming, featuring national development camps and international competitions designed to strengthen the country’s high-performance pathway.
U18 WOMEN
Events: East & West Development Camps
Dates & Locations
West: August 2–9, Shawnigan Lake School
East: August 3–10, Queen’s University
Athletes: ~80
Coaches: Olly Winser (West; University of Victoria), Chelsea Ross (West; University of Alberta); Jenn Russell (East; University of Ottawa)
U18 MEN
Event: National Development Camp
Dates & Location: August 8–15, University of Guelph
Athletes: 70
Coaches: Cory Hector (University of Guelph), Didier Banse (University of British Columbia)
Pathway Overview:
These U18 National Development Camps represent the first step into Rugby Canada’s high-performance pathway. Aligned with World Rugby age-grade recommendations, the camp model supports broad talent identification, holistic athlete development, and preparation for international competition at the U20 (men) and U21 (women) levels.
Camps are part of a wider identification system that includes (but isn’t limited to) Regional ID Camps held by the PSO, Regional Competitions (e.g., Ontario Interbranch, PRCs, ARCs), and provincial recommendations and nominations, ensuring a strong and diverse talent pipeline.
“As the entry point into our high-performance player pathway, we are proud to announce the U18 Men’s and Women’s National Development Camps. Bringing together athletes from across Canada, the camps are focused on developing high-performance rugby players and equipping them with the tools to enhance their game both on and off the field.” – Shawn Bullock, High Performance Director
U21 WOMEN
Event: March Tour to Ireland and England
Dates & Location: March 15-25 | Dublin, Ireland and London, England
Athletes: 30
Coaches: Dean Murten (University of British Columbia), Dan Valley (Queen’s University), François Vachon-Marceau (Université Laval)
Recent Activity: Canada’s U21 Women’s Rugby Team goes unbeaten on March tour with dominant wins over Ireland (48-24), British Army (58-10), and England (59-21).
U20 MEN
Event: World Rugby U20 Challenger
Competition Dates & Location: October 2 – 17 | Santiago, Chile
Athletes: 30
Coaches: Christiaan Esterhuizen, Hubert Buydens
Opponents Include: Belgium, Hong King China, Brazil, Namibia, Portugal, Romania and Chile
Selection: Ahead of the competition, Rugby Canada’s U20 Men will have a preparation camp in August.
“We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to compete in the World Rugby U20 Challenger. It gives us the chance to test ourselves against strong nations and, just as importantly, expose our players to the pressure and demands of international rugby, which is such a vital stepping stone in their development. Tournaments like this are key for our pathway. They allow players to come together, grow their understanding of what it takes to perform at this level, and build connections as a team. Our hope is that these experiences help create a strong platform for the future, both for this group and for the broader Canadian rugby pathway.” – Christiaan Esterhuizen, Head Coach
Recent Activity: 48 players convened in Langford, BC for a training and alignment camp held over March 31 – April 5.
NEXTGEN SEVENS – WOMEN (Senior)
Event: EAAST Sevens
Dates & Location: May 29–30 | Haguenau, France
Athletes: 12
Coaches: Brittany Waters (University of Victoria), Darrell Devine
Opponents Include: Denmark, China, Poland, Germany, Belgium and Czech
Selection: Athletes were identified by our NextGen Coaches, Senior Women’s Staff and Regional Scouting Network, through USPORT, Professional rugby overseas and the World Series.
“EAAST 7s in France this May will be a great opportunity for senior NextGen athletes to compete at an elite level in an international rugby tournament. The high-performance environment, combined with valuable international experience, will play a key role in preparing athletes for future major competitions while supporting the continued growth of our senior program by strengthening the player pool.” – Brittany Waters, Head Coach
FISU WORLD UNIVERSITY CHAMPIONSHIP – WOMEN (18-25)
Dates & Location: September 4–6 | Stellenbosch, South Africa
Athletes: 12
Coaches: Chelsea Ross (University of Alberta), Robin MacDowell
Selection: Athletes will be identified by our NextGen Coaches, Senior Women’s Staff and Regional Scouting Network through several competitions including the past USPORT season (2025/2026), Provincial Senior rugby competitions (XVs), Regional Camps and USPORT Coach nominations.
“I am really excited and honored to have been selected as head coach for the Women’s 2026 FISU world championship rugby sevens. This is a special full circle moment for me, having competed as an athlete back in 2012. I am looking forward to the opportunity and working with the bright talent that University pathway has to offer, and potentially kick starting their international careers.” – Chelsea Ross, Head Coach
Notable Alumna: Savannah Bauder (UBC), Larah Wright (UVic), Carmen Izyk (Queen’s), Asia Hogan-Rochester (York) and Julia Schell (Guelph).
GLOBAL YOUTH SEVENS (U18 WOMEN)
Dates & Location: December 18–20 | Aotearoa, New Zealand
Athletes: 12
Coaches: Darcy Patterson (University of British Columbia), Emma DeLory (Rugby Nova Scotia)
Opponents Include: New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Fiji, China
Selection: Athletes can be identified by our NextGen Coaches, Senior Women’s Staff and Regional Scouting Network, through provincial and regional competitions including Vancouver Sevens Invitational, Canadian Rugby Championships (XVs), U18 National Development Camps and Provincial nominations.
“Global Youth 7s provides an outstanding opportunity for NextGen pathway players to gain valuable international experience, competing against future Olympians and World Cup athletes. The continued success of this tournament as a global development pathway over the past several years makes it especially exciting to now have Canada represented on this stage.” – Darcy Patterson, Head Coach
Notable Alumna: Fancy Bermudez (AB), Olivia DeCouvreur (ON), Adia Pye (BC) and Sierra Gillis (BC).
YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES (U17 MEN)
Dates & Location: November 1–3 | Dakar, Senegal
Athletes: 12
Coaches: Rugby Canada will be taking applications for those interested in the U17 Men’s Head Coach position for the Youth Olympic Games. For any questions regarding the Head Coach position, please contact our Pathways Manager at Kbrantner@rugby.ca.
Selection: Athletes can be identified by our NextGen Coaches, Senior Men’s Staff and Regional Scouting Network, through provincial and regional competitions including Vancouver Sevens Invitational, Provincial and Regional Competitions, Canadian Rugby Championships (XVs), U18 National Development Camps and Provincial nominations.
Notable Alumni: Thomas Isherwood (AB), Lachlan Kratz (BC), Jack Shaw (ON) and Brock Webster (ON).
from Canadian Howlers
The Canadian Howlers, formerly Dog River Howlers, are organizing a Canada U18 tour to Argentina to play matches against Virreyes, San Isidro Club (SIC), Hindu from August 6th to 18th. The roster and itinerary are listed below. Both the SIC and Hindu clubs play in the Top 14 which is the top club competition in Argentina. The coaching staff includes Mike Curran former Canada U18 coach, Clay Panga former Canada player and Angel Cividanes scrum coach who used to play in Argentina.
CANADIAN HOWLERS U18’s – ARGENTINA TOUR
Junior Atalifo – Fort McMurray (AB) / prop / 6’2”, 285 lbs
Declan Anderson – Duncan (BC) / back 3 / 6’3”, 175 lbs
Kalem Balodis – Pictou (NS) / back row / 6’2”, 200 lbs
Kelan Barron – Holland Landing (Ont) / fly half / 5’11”, 175lbs
Declan Bowman – Oakville (Ont) / scrum half / 5’10, 165 lbs
Henry Budden – St John’s (NFLD) / prop / 5’11” , 235 lbs
Grady Curran – Kelowna (BC) / hooker / 6’, 225 lbs
Jamie Dent -Bath (UK) / back row / 6’2”, 200 lbs
Caden de Plessis – Oakville (Ont)/ back row / 6’4”, 235 lbs
Mason Durant – Glenmont (NS) / back row / 6’2”, 225 lbs
Liam DeGoede – White Rock (BC) / centre / 6’ , 175 lbs
Kyler Good – White Rock (BC) / back row / 6’ , 200 lbs
Connor Graham – Calgary (AB) / back row / 6’1”/ 215 lbs
Nolan Grealy – Niagara On The Lake (Ont) / centre / 6’1” , 210 lbs
Brendan Grisdale – Mill Bay (BC) / scrum half / 6’165 lbs
Cohen Huisamen – Comox (BC) / 2nd row / 6’5”, 230 lbs
Nathan Hurd – Oakville (Ont)/ 2nd Row / 6’5” , 215 lbs
Logan Jones – Mill Bay (BC) / back 3 / 5’11” , 180 lbs
Sam Meilke – Toronto (Ont) / prop / 6’, 235 lbs
Bohdan Morris – White Rock (BC) / 2nd row / 6,4” , 225 lbs
Desmond Murray – Victoria (BC) / centre / 6’2” , 195 lbs
Lucas Peddle – Mississauga (Ont) / back 3 / 6’, 175 lbs
Oliver Policelli -Aurora (Ont) / centre / 5’9” , 190 lbs
Jack Porter – Toronto (Ont) / prop / 6’4” , 260 lbs
Aidan Raino – Toronto (Ont) / prop / 6’, 235 lbs
Holden Sawatzky – Vancouver (BC) / 2nd row / 6’5” , 235 lbs
Cameron Seed – Port Coquitlam (BC) / hooker / 6’, 195 lbs
Luke Thomson – Saskatoon (SK) / back 3 / 5’8”, 175 lbs
Daniel Turvey – Kamloops (BC) / fly half / 6’1” , 185 lbs
Sydney Webb – Mississauga (Ont) / centre / 6’1” , 190 lbs
Will Young – Surrey (BC) / back 3 / 6’3” , 190 lbs
Itinerary
Thursday August 6 – Arrive in Buenos 2 different times . Everyone stays at Hindu Rugby Club hotel . Evening team meeting. Lunch (for those that arrive on the morning flight) and supper with everyone at Hindu .
Friday August 7 – morning and afternoon training sessions . At 6:30 pm we play a “fun” (very light tackling / contact ) game against Pumpas Rugby Club ( mixed ability rugby – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfQEf9Z-Sfo ) with pizza to follow. Breakfast , lunch and supper at Hindu
Saturday August 8 – morning training session. Bus leaves at 2:00 pm for South Africa vs Argentina 4:00 pm game. Supper at a restaurant after the international game . Breakfast and lunch at Hindu and supper out .
Sunday August 9 – morning captain’s run . Bus leaves 12:45 for 3:00 pm game against Virreyes Rugby Club. Breakfast and lunch at Hindu. Supper is the after game meal at Virreyes .
Monday August 10 – morning and afternoon training sessions .
Tuesday August 11 – earlier morning and early afternoon training sessions. City tour bus pick up at 2:30 pm after which everyone has super at a local restaurant. Breakfast and lunch at Hindu
Wednesday August 12 – morning/captains run. Afternoon team meeting . Bus leaves at 5:45 pm for 8:00 pm game against S.I.C. Rugby Club. Breakfast , lunch and early supper at Hindu . Also after game meal at S.I.C.
Thursday August 13 – morning training. Afternoon outing to River Platte Stadium with supper to follow at a local restaurant . Breakfast and lunch at Hindu.
Friday August 14 – morning and afternoon training sessions . Breakfast , lunch and supper at Hindu
Saturday August 15 – Game against Hindu Rugby club. Breakfast at Hindu with also after game meal at Hindu at 1:00 pm with opposing team . At 2:15 the team takes the bus to meet the U18 Hindu team to watch their senior team play at 3:00 pm. Bus back to Hindu 6:00 pm for 7:00 pm supper
Sunday August 16 – day trip to Tigre lake area outside of Buenos Aires leaving about 9:00 am . Evening 5:30 wind up tour meal with team and supporters at Hindu Club . Breakfast at Hindu . Lunch at restaurant at Tigre. Evening meal including supporters at Hindu .
Monday August 17 – fly home. Breakfast and lunch for those on evening flight at Hindu