Meehan Names Match 23 to Face Spain: Three New Caps in Roster
There are only a few surprises in the match 23 named for the Spain test on Saturday. The biggest is the omission of Evan Olmstead but we understand that’s more related to when he arrived in camp not an injury issue, he apparently will be available for Canada’s next match. The other surprise is likely related to Olmstead’s absence, young U20 graduate, Daragh Doyle, is the backup second row. He was just recently added to the 32 player list. He comes out ahead of veteran players like Reegan O’Gorman in Meehan’s match day selections. The focus on youth also shows up in the selection of Josh McIndoe as starting inside centre.
There are no surprises in the starting forwards, the props Cali Martinez and Cole Keith were Meehan’s picks in 2025 when they were available. Sam Miller and Kyle Steeves are the reserve props. Andrew Quattrin is selected at hooker and as captain, Dewald Kotze is the reserve hooker. In the second row Piers Von Dadelszen started in all nine internationals in 2025, Izzak Kelly was selected seven times in 2025 and started four of the matches. The loose forward trio of Mason Flesch, Lucas Rumball and Tyler Ardron was a no brainer and the easiest selections to make. It was mentioned on social media that Lucas Rumball won’t be available for Canada’s last match against Zimbabwe, so a chance for other loose forwards to crack the lineup. Sion Parry gets selected as backup loose forward.
In the halfbacks Jason Higgins starts ahead of Brock Gallagher who is in the reserves. Cooper Coats gets the start at #10. Peter Nelson is fullback with Takoda McMullin providing impact from the bench. Spencer Jones starts at outside centre, he was selected in eight out of nine matches last year. As mentioned earlier, debutant Josh McIndoe starts at inside centre. Another new cap, Jacob Ince, is the reserve centre. On the wings are two players who often play centre, Noah Flesch and Kyle Tremblay. It will be interesting to see how they handle defensive positioning, the high ball, and counter attacking opportunities including strategic kicking.
Overall a good mix of experience while giving youth a chance to prove themselves with a World Cup year on the horizon. The match kicks off at 6pm PT and is on TSN, for those out of country it’s scheduled on rugbypass.tv
from Rugby Canada
Head Coach Stephen Meehan has named his match day roster for Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s Nations Cup debut in Edmonton on Saturday against Spain.
Canada and Spain will kick-off on Saturday July 4 at 6:00pm PT / 7:00pm MT / 9:00pm ET. The match will be available to watch live on TSN1 and TSN+.
“We had a really productive week in camp.” Said Head Coach Stephen Meehan. “We gradually ramped up training, focused on the key skills we believe are required, and everybody put their heads down and worked hard. One of our focuses this year is to test different approaches across these three blocks so we know exactly what works for this squad heading into next year. We’ve made good progress already, and bringing more players into the environment is creating healthy competition for spots.
Spain are a clever, opportunistic team with players who can spot and take chances. They’re not conservative, so they keep you on your toes defensively. We expect another strong battle like last year, which was an exciting game for the neutral. There’s always a bit of theatre in matches like that, but we know where we need to improve and we’re focused on delivering a high standard.”
Tyler Ardron returns to Canada’s lineup and will earn his 40th cap on Saturday. Andrew Quattrin has been named Captain and will earn his 30th cap as he leads Canada out for their first match of 2026. Cole Keith, who returns from a season with the Doncaster Knights in England’s Champ Rugby is set to earn his 45th cap.
Three potential debutants have been named to the squad, Josh McIndoe will earn his first cap against Spain, starting at inside centre. Jacob Ince and Daragh Doyle will start on the bench. All three are graduates of Canada’s U20 Men’s Rugby Team.
Local Edmontonians Brock Gallagher and Dewald Kotze of the Strathcona Druids will start on the bench for Canada and have the opportunity to run out in front of friends and family at Clarke Stadium.
Canada last faced Spain in 2025, where a late penalty broke Canadian hearts as Spain squeaked past the hosts in a dramatic 24-23 win. The two nations have since learned that they will face each other in Pool C, at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
Tickets for the game between Canada and Spain on Saturday July 4 are available for purchase here.
CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM’S MATCH DAY ROSTER VS SPAIN
1. Calixto Martinez (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / Old Glory DC (12 caps)
2. Andrew Quattrin (Holland Landing, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / US Carcassonne (29 caps)
3. Cole Keith (Sussex NB) – Belleisle Rovers RFC / Doncaster Knights (44 caps)
4. Piers Von Dadelszen (Vancouver, BC) – Meralomas / New England Free Jacks (13 caps)
5. Izzak Kelly (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / SL Benfica (13 caps)
6. Mason Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons / Chicago Hounds (20 caps)
7. Lucas Rumball (Scarborough, ON) – Balmy Beach Rugby Club / Chicago Hounds (65 caps)
8. Tyler Ardron (Lakefield, ON) – Peterborough Pagans / Castres Olympique (39 caps)
9. Jason Higgins (Cork, IRE) – Cork Constitution (27 caps)
10. Cooper Coats (Halifax, NS) – Halifax Tars RFC / UVIC Vikes (21 caps)
11. Noah Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons / Peñarol Rugby (11 caps)
12. Josh McIndoe (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers / UVIC Vikes (0 caps)
13. Spencer Jones (Cambridge, NZ) – Hamilton Old Boys (14 caps)
14. Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC (4 caps)
15. Peter Nelson (Dungannon, NIR) – Dungannon RFC (35 caps)
FINISHERS
16. Dewald Kotze (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Seattle Seawolves (13 caps)
17. Sam Miller (Mount Denson, NS) – Valley Rugby Union / Benfica SL (4 caps)
18. Kyle Steeves (Winnipeg, MB) – Winnipeg Wombats / Hunter Wildfires (5 caps)
19. Daragh Doyle (Quebec City, QC) – Clontarf FC (0 caps)
20. Siôn Parry (Cardiff, WAL) – Rhiwbina RFC / Ebbw Vale RFC (16 caps)
21. Brock Gallagher (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC (12 caps)
22. Jacob Ince (Oakville, ON) – Guelph Gryphons / Taranaki Rugby (0 caps)
23. Takoda McMullin (White Rock, BC) – University of British Columbia / Bayside RFC (5 caps)