Canada v Japan – August 2024

Canada Lose 55-28 to Japan: HT 38-7

Canada were caught unprepared by the pace of the Japanese game in the first 30 minutes and were down 38-0. It was a combination of a high tempo game by Japan and some sloppy tackling by Canada in the first 30 that let Japan score 5 unanswered tries.

A turn around for Canada four minutes from half gave them a reprieve and turned the momentum slightly. It was a Japanese dropped ball that Canada pounced on and kicked forward with Andrew Coe out legging the defenders to touch it down in goal. The half would end 38-7.

Canada would actually win the second half 21-17 and if not for a late minute errant pass by Peter Nelson that was picked off, a 21-12 second half would be a better reflection of the play.

Two minutes into the second half Japan were rewarded with a try as they again found their high tempo rhythm and passive tackling by Canada was allowing gainline breaks and offload options. It was 45-7 and looking ominous for Canada.

Another momentum turn around was initiated by Andrew Coe as he led a counter ruck inside the Japan 22 that turned the ball over for Canada and several phases of pick and go by the forwards saw Lucas Rumball cross the line, it was now 45-14.

At the 50 minute mark Canada executed a preset play off the lineout that worked to perfection, Andrew Quattrin received a pop pass from the forming maul and dished it off to a charging Talon McMullin who blazed through a gap and stepped the last defender for the try, 45-21.

Japan scored the next try when Canada kicked the ball long and Japan found space out wide on the counter, 50-21 with 12 minutes left.

With a minute left Peter Nelson chipped a ball into the goal area and Takoda McMullin won the race to get a hand down on the ball for another 5 pointer, conversion good and it was 50-28, a fitting end to a strong second half by Canada. There was still time for a kickoff however and Peter Nelson threw the ball away on a careless pass that was picked off, final score 55-28.

Overall a good comeback by Canada in the second half, they weren’t prepared for the pace of the game to start. Japan wasn’t able to maintain that pace for the full 80 and errors started to creep into their game. Andrew Coe and the McMullin brothers had strong games, Lucas Rumball in the forwards led by example. The Canada scrum held their own during the match and the lineout worked well overall. Canada will want more impact events like the Andrew Coe counter ruck, and more dominant tackles that prevent the opposition getting easy go forward ball.

Canada travel to California to take on USA on Saturday in the 2nd round of the Pacific Nations Cup.

Video Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OneU11ih2HY

from Rugby Canada

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team met Japan in their first match of the reimagined Pacific Nations Cup on Sunday in Vancouver, with Japan taking a 55-28 win at BC Place.

Japan had a strong start, taking a 14-0 lead in the eighth minute. Andrew Coe seemed to score for Canada shortly afterwards, but his try was called off due to a knock on. Canada worked to rally back, but Japan scored three more tries in the first half, with a successful penalty kick in the 26th minute helping them to a 38-0 lead.

Canada’s first try of the game did end up coming from Coe, who scored in the 37th minute off the kick and chase. Peter Nelson kicked a good conversion to bring the score to 38-7 at half-time.

“I said to the boys out there, I think I’m disappointed in that first 25-30 minutes. I don’t think we did ourselves justice for where we’re at. They came in with an around the corner speed kind of game and we didn’t adjust quick enough,” said captain Lucas Rumball. “But after that we found our feet, found our bearings, got into the game better. But we can’t strive to be a good nation and strive to win games and start like that. So I think it’s a reflection piece for us to have a look in the mirror and try to bounce back and correct that for next week.”

Japan was the first to score in the second half as well, but Rumball responded immediately, his try converted by Nelson to bring the score to 45-14.

Talon McMullin scored his first career international try for Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team five minutes later, receiving a pass from Andrew Quattrin and dodging Japan’s defence to score. Nelson went three for three on conversions, with the score at 45-21.

Japan added to their tally in the 68th minute, followed up by a first ever try for Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team for Takoda McMullin as the clock ticked down, converted yet again by Nelson. Japan had the final word, scoring in extra time to bring the final score to 55-28. Having scored four tries, Canada earned a valuable bonus point.

“Fantastic people, fantastic players, and they have a big future,” Jones said of the McMullins. “Ethan Fryer, another guy who just turned 21–there’s a lot of really good youngsters. He was excellent today, so there are a lot of positives for us, but we need to make sure we figure out how we deal with our first 20 minutes of games. Japan playing in that mood would cause any team problems. Their accuracy was the key thing, and their body height they played at. Big lessons for us. I spoke at half-time to the team and I said, do we want to wait until next week to put things right, or do we want to start now? Japan may have taken their foot off the gas a little bit, but I’m really proud of the players and the way they stuck at it, I think they were excellent in their approach and attitude.”

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team will now travel to Los Angeles to take on the United States on Saturday August 31 at 6:00pm PT / 9:00pm ET. All six Pacific Nations Cup sides (Canada, United States, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji) will convene in Japan in September for the play-offs, with the semi-finals and fifth place play-off taking place on September 14 and 15 in Tokyo, and the final and third place play-off taking place on September 21 in Osaka.

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Canada Name Match Day 23 for Japan Clash on Sunday at BC Place

Not too many surprises on the selection of the match day 23. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the omission of Callum Botchar as one of the second row selections. Izzak Kelly and Kaiden Duguid get the start and James Stockwood the reserve spot. No surprise with Cali Martinez getting the starting loosehead spot with his strong performance against the Highlanders. Tyler Matchem gets dropped with coaches going for the experience of Djustice Sears-Duru and  Cole Keith on the bench.

The loose forwards were as expected Fryer, Flesch, Rumball with Oworu in the reserves. The halfback pairing as expected Higgins and Nelson, with the backline all the same as the Romania match, McMullin, LeSage, Coe, Coats, Benn. Also returning from the Romania match, Gallagher, Balaski and Takoda McMullin in the reserves. Josiah Morra and Rhys James not making the selection.

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM MATCH DAY ROSTER vs JAPAN

1. Calixto Martinez (White Rock, BC) – Earl Marriott Secondary / Bayside RFC / University of British Columbia / Old Glory DC
2. Andrew Quattrin (Holland Landing, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / New England Free Jacks
3. Conor Young (Yamba, AUS) – Southern Districts Rugby Club / RFC LA
4. Izzak Kelly (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / University of British Columbia / Cottesloe Rugby Club
5. Kaden Duguid (Edmonton, AB) – Nor’Westers Athletic Association / Vancouver Highlanders
6. Mason Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons RFC / Chicago Hounds
7. Ethan Fryer (Seattle, USA) – New England Free Jacks
8. Lucas Rumball (Scarborough, ON) – Balmy Beach RFC / Chicago Hounds
9. Jason Higgins (Cork, IRE) – Chicago Hounds
10. Peter Nelson (Dungannon, NIR) – Dungannon RFC
11. Nic Benn (Caves Beach, AUS) – Dallas Jackals
12. Talon McMullin (White Rock, BC) – University of British Columbia / Vancouver Highlanders
13. Ben LeSage (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Canucks / New England Free Jacks
14. Andrew Coe (Markham, ON) – RFC LA
15. Cooper Coats (Halifax, NS) – Halifax Tars

FINISHERS

16. Dewald Kotze (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Dallas Jackals
17. Djustice Sears-Duru (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / San Diego Legion
18. Cole Keith (Apohaqui, NB) – Belleisle Rovers RFC / New England Free Jacks
19. James Stockwood (Bowmanville, ON) – Vikings RFC / Pacific Pride
20. Matthew Oworu (Calgary, AB) – Pacific Pride
21. Brock Gallagher (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Dallas Jackals
22. Mark Balaski (Castlebar, IRE) – Castlebar RFC / Pacific Pride
23. Takoda McMullin (White Rock, BC) – University of British Columbia / Vancouver Highlanders

Comparing Caps Canada v Japan

Canada

Cali Martinez – 1
Andrew Quattrin – 24
Conor Young – 8
Izzak Kelly – 4
Kaden Duguid – Uncapped
Mason Flesch – 8
Ethan Fryer – 1
Lucas Rumball – 53
Jason Higgins – 15
Peter Nelson – 21
Nic Benn – 2
Talon McMullin – 2
Ben LeSage – 33
Andrew Coe – 20
Cooper Coats – 12
Dewald Kotze – 1
Djustice Sears-Duru – 69
Cole Keith – 31
James Stockwood – 2
Matthew Oworu – 4
Brock Gallagher – 2
Mark Balaski – 2
Takoda McMullin – 2

Japan

FORWARDS

Shogo MIURA
Position: Prop – Loosehead
Height / Weight: 180cm / 115kg
DOB: 8-Jun-1995
Birth Place: Akita
Club: TOYOTA VERBLITZ
Graduate: Tokai University
Rugby Career: Kanaashinishi Rugby School, Akitanishi JHS, Akita
Technical HS, Tokai Univ., TOYOTA VERBLITZ / SR Sunwolves
Test Debut: v Hong Kong 7-May-2016, Hong Kong
Caps: 10 (8 win-2 loss)
Points: 0

Takayoshi MOHARA
Position: Prop – reserves
Height / Weight: 187cm / 116kg
DOB: 17-Mar-2000
Birth Place: Gunma
Club: SHIZUOKA BlueRevs
Graduate: Chuo University
Rugby Career: Takasaki Technical HS, Chuo Univ., SHIZUOKA
BlueRevs
Test Debut: v England 22-Jun-2024, Tokyo
Caps: 3 (3 loss)
Points: 0

Keijiro TAMEFUSA
Position: Prop – Tighthead
Height / Weight: 180cm / 108kg
DOB: 3-Sep-2001
Birth Place: Osaka
Club: Kubota Spears Funabashi TOKYO-BAY
Graduate: Meiji University
Rugby Career: Minato Rugby Club, Sakai Rugby School, Josho Gakuen
HS, Meiji Univ., Kubota Spears Funabashi TOKYO-BAY
Test Debut: v England 22-Jun-2024, Tokyo
Caps: 3 (3 loss)
Points: 0

Shuhei TAKEUCHI
Position: Prop – reserves
Height / Weight: 183cm / 115kg
DOB: 9-Dec-1997
Birth Place: Miyazaki
Club: URAYASU D-Rocks
Graduate: Kyushu Kyoritsu University
Rugby Career: Miyazaki Rugby School, Miyazaki Technical HS,
Kyushu Kyoritsu Univ., NTT Communications ShinigArcs TOKYO-BAY ,
URAYASU D-Rocks
Test Debut: v Uruguay 18-Jun-2022, Tokyo
Caps: 6 (1 win-5 loss)
Points: 0

Atsushi SAKATE
Position: Hooker – #2
Height / Weight: 180cm / 104kg
DOB: 21-Jun-1993
Birth Place: Kyoto
Club: SAITAMA Panasonic WILD KNIGHTS
Graduate: Teikyo University
Rugby Career: Kamikawa JHS, Kyoto Seisho HS, Teikyo Univ.,
SAITAMA Panasonic WILD KNIGHTS / SR Sunwolves
Test Debut: v Korea 30-Apr-2016, Yokohama
Caps: 44 (21 win-23 loss)
Points: 20 (4t)

Mamoru HARADA
Position: Hooker – reserves
Height / Weight: 175cm / 101kg
DOB: 15-Apr-1999
Birth Place: Hyogo
Club: TOSHIBA BRAVE LUPUS TOKYO
Graduate: Keio University
Rugby Career: Itami Rugby School, Toin Gakuen JHS, Toin Gakuen HS,
Keio Univ., TOSHIBA BRAVE LUPUS TOKYO
Test Debut: v England 22-Jun-2024, Tokyo
Caps: 3 (3 loss)
Points: 0

Eishin KUWANO
Position: Lock – reserves
Height / Weight: 193cm / 112kg
DOB: 11-Oct-1994
Birth Place: Fukuoka
Club: SHIZUOKA BlueRevs
Graduate: Waseda University
Rugby Career: Chikushi HS, Waseda Univ., SHIZUOKA BlueRevs
Test Debut: v Italy 21-Jul-2024, Sapporo
Caps: 1 (1 loss)
Points: 0

Warner DEARNS
Position: Lock – #5
Height / Weight: 201cm / 117kg
DOB: 11-Apr-2002
Birth Place: Wellington, New Zealand
Club: TOSHIBA BRAVE LUPUS TOKYO
Graduate: Ryutsu Keizai University Kashiwa High School
Rugby Career: Napier Pirate Rugby (NZ), Abiko Rugby School, Ryutsu
Keizai University Kashiwa HS, TOSHIBA BRAVE LUPUS TOKYO
Test Debut: v Portugal 13-Nov-2021, Coimbra
Caps: 14 (4 win-10 loss)
Points: 10 (2t)

Sanaila WAQA
Position: Lock – #4
Height / Weight: 202cm / 120kg
DOB: 17-Jul-1995
Birth Place: Lau Islands, Fiji
Club: HANAZONO KINTETSU LINERS
Graduate: Hastings Boys’ High School (NZ)
Rugby Career: Laucala Bay Club (FIJ), Naitasiri, Hastings Boys’ HS
(NZ), NPC Hawke’s Bay, NEC Green Rockets, HANAZONO KINTETSU
LINERS
Test Debut: v Uruguay 25-Jun-2022, Kitakyushu
Caps: 5 (1 win-4 loss)
Points: 0

Kanji SHIMOKAWA
Position: Lock – #7
Height / Weight: 188cm / 105kg
DOB: 17-Jan-1999
Birth Place: Fukuoka
Club: TOKYO SUNTORY SUNGOLIATH
Graduate: Waseda University
Rugby Career: Kusagae Young Ruggers, Shuyukan HS, Waseda Univ.,
TOKYO SUNTORY SUNGOLIATH
Test Debut: v New Zealand 29-Oct-2022, Tokyo
Caps: 6 (2 win-4 loss)
Points: 0

Isaiah MAPUSUA
Position: Flanker – reserves
Height / Weight: 191cm / 112kg
DOB: 21-Dec-2000
Birth Place: Wellington, NZ
Club: TOYOTA VERBLITZ
Graduate: Keio University
Rugby Career: Poneke Football Club (NZ), Harbour Hawks Rugby Club
Dunedin, King’s College (NZ), Keio Univ., TOYOTA VERBLITZ
Test Debut: uncapped

Faulua MAKISI
Position: Number Eight – #8
Height / Weight: 187cm / 112kg
DOB: 20-Jan-1997
Birth Place: Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Club: Kubota Spears Funabashi TOKYO-BAY
Graduate: Tenri University
Rugby Career: Tonga College (TGA), Japan Aviation HS Ishikawa,
Tenri Univ., Kubota Spears Funabashi TOKYO-BAY
Test Debut: v Korea 21-May-2016, Incheon
Caps: 8 (3 win-5 loss)
Points: 0

Tiennan COSTLEY
Position: Number Eight – #6
Height / Weight: 192cm / 102kg
DOB: 14-Jun-2000
Birth Place: Auckland, New Zealand
Club: KOBELCO KOBE STEELERS
Graduate: International Pacific University
Rugby Career: East Coast Bays(NZ), Westlake Boys HS, International
Pacific Univ., KOBELCO KOBE STEELERS
Test Debut: v England 22-Jun-2024, Tokyo
Caps: 2 (2 loss)
Points: 0

BACKS

TAIKI KOYAMA
Position: Scrumhalf – reserves
Height / Weight: 171cm / 74kg
DOB: 31-Oct-1994
Birth Place: Hokkaido
Club: SAITAMA Panasonic WILD KNIGHTS
Graduate: Daito Bunka University
Rugby Career: Hokkaido Ashibetsu Senior HS, Daito Bunka Univ.,
SAITAMA Panasonic WILD KNIGHTS
Test Debut: v Georgia 13-Jul-2024, Sendai
Caps: 2 (2 loss)
Points: 0

Shinobu FUJIWARA
Position: Scrumhalf – #9
Height / Weight: 171cm / 76kg
DOB: 8-Feb-1999
Birth Place: Osaka
Club: Kubota Spears Funabashi TOKYO-BAY
Graduate: Tenri University
Rugby Career: Matta Kita JHS, Japan Aviation HS Ishikawa, Tenri
Univ., Kubota Spears Funabashi TOKYO-BAY
Test Debut: v England 22-Jun-2024, Tokyo
Caps: 2 (2 loss)
Points: 0

Seungsin LEE
Position: Fly-half – #10
Height / Weight: 176cm / 86kg
DOB: 13-Jan-2001
Birth Place: Hyogo
Club: KOBELCO KOBE STEELERS
Graduate: Osaka Korean Hign School
Rugby Career: Hyogo Prefecture Rugby School, Osaka Korean HS,
KOBELCO KOBE STEELERS
Test Debut: v Uruguay 25-Jun-2022, Kitakyushu
Caps: 14 (3 win-11 loss)
Points: 77 (13c-17p)

Harumichi TATEKAWA
Position: Centre – reserves
Height / Weight: 180cm /94kg
DOB: 2-Dec-1989
Birth Place: Nara
Club: Kubota Spears Funabashi TOKYO-BAY
Graduate: Tenri University
Rugby Career: Yamanobe Rugby School, Tenri JHS, Tenri HS, Tenri
Univ., Kubota Spears Funabashi TOKYO-BAY / SR Brumbies (AUS), SR
Sunwolves, NPC Otago (NZ)
Test Debut: v Kazakhstan 28-Apr-2012, Almaty
Caps: 56 (36 win-2 draw-18 loss) Points: 64 (8t9c2p)

Nicholas MCCURRAN
Position: Centre – #12
Height / Weight: 188cm / 93kg
DOB: 13-Jun-1996
Birth Place: Tokoroa, New Zealand
Club: –
Graduate: Teikyo University
Rugby Career: Bishop Edward Gaines Catholic School, Hamilton Boys’
HS, Teikyo Univ., TOSHIBA BRAVE LUPUS TOKYO, TOYOTA VERBLITZ
Test Debut: uncapped

Dylan RILEY
Position: Centre – #13
Height / Weight: 187cm / 102kg
DOB: 2-May-1997
Birth Place: Durban, South Africa
Club: SAITAMA Panasonic WILD KNIGHTS
Graduate: Bond University (AUS)
Rugby Career: The Southport School (AUS), NRC Brisbane City,
SAITAMA Panasonic WILD KNIGHTS / SR Sunwolves
Test Debut: v Australia 23-Oct-2021, Oita
Caps: 20 (5 win-15 loss)
Points: 20 (4t)

Tomoki OSADA
Position: Wing, Centre – reserve
Height / Weight: 179cm / 90kg
DOB: 25-NOV-1999
Birth Place: Kyoto
Club: SAITAMA Panasonic WILD KNIGHTS
Graduate: Waseda University
Rugby Career: Kameoka Rugby School, Kamikawa JHS, Tokai Univ.
Gyosei HS, Waseda Univ., SAITAMA Panasonic WILD KNIGHTS
Test Debut: v Samoa 22-Jul-2023, Sapporo
Caps: 10 (3 win-7 loss)
Points: 5 (1t)

Malo TUITAMA
Position: Wing – #11
Height / Weight: 182cm / 91kg
DOB: 23-Mar-1996
Birth Place: Upolu, Samoa
Club: SHIZUOKA BlueRevs
Graduate: Scots College (NZ)
Rugby Career: Northern United RFC, Scots College (NZ), NPC
Wellington (NZ), SHIZUOKA BlueRevs
Test Debut: uncapped

Jone NAIKABULA
Position: Wing – #14
Height / Weight: 177cm / 95kg
DOB: 12-Apr-1994
Birth Place: Vagadra, Fiji
Club: TOSHIBA BRAVE LUPUS TOKYO
Graduate: Setsunan University
Rugby Career: Burua Primary School (FIJ), Swami Vivikanada
College, Kelston Boys’ HS (NZ), Setsunan Univ., TOSHIBA BRAVE
LUPUS TOKYO
Test Debut: v Samoa 22-Jul-2023, Sapporo
Caps: 11 (3 win-8 loss)
Points: 30 (6t)

Yoshitaka YAZAKI
Position: Full-Back – #15
Height / Weight: 180cm / 85kg
DOB: 12-May-2004
Birth Place: Osaka
Club: Waseda University
Graduate: Toin Gakuen High School
Rugby Career: Takatsuki Rugby School, Suita Rugby School, Toin
Gakuen HS, Waseda Univ.
Test Debut: v England 22-Jun-2024, Tokyo
Caps: 3 (3 loss)
Points: 0

from Rugby Canada

The match day roster for Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup against Japan in Vancouver has been named by Head Coach Kingsley Jones.

Canada and Japan will kick off at 2:00pm PT / 5:00pm ET on Sunday August 25 at BC Place for their first match of the reimagined Pacific Nations Cup, a new annual tournament contested between Canada, Japan, the United States, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, the 2025 edition of which will serve as a direct qualification pathway for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Kaden Duguid will earn his first cap for Canada, starting in the second row. Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, Duguid is a graduate of Rugby Canada’s Pacific Pride Development Academy and spent last season in France’s Fédérale 1 league.

Calixto Martinez, one of nine players on the match day roster who played their first caps this July in Ottawa, has earned his first start for Canada.

Making their return to the match day roster for Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team for the first time since the 2023 La Vila International Rugby Cup are Izzak Kelly and Matthew Oworu. Kelly is back on home soil after spending the season in the Western Australia Premier Grade league with Cottesloe, while Oworu spent the 2024 season on the HSBC SVNS Series with Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team.

This match will mark the first time Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team has played at BC Place since 2019, and the first time Canada and Japan have met since 2016, a match which was also contested at BC Place. Captain Lucas Rumball and Djustice Sears-Duru were both in the starting 15 for the match in 2016.

“The team is excited to be in Vancouver. We know from our tests in July how valuable it is to play on home soil, and we’re looking forward to what we know will be a good challenge for our team,” said Head Coach Kingsley Jones. “We have a young roster of players who have proven themselves with their professional and club teams, the Pacific Pride, and in Ottawa earlier this summer, with our veteran players providing great experience and leadership. Despite some injuries, we’ve been able to maintain continuity and really look to grow as a squad with each match.”

Tickets for Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team against Japan on August 25 at 2:00pm PT at BC Place are available at rugby.ca/en/tickets. Questions regarding ticket purchases can be directed to tickets@rugby.ca. For more information on suites, please contact suites@rugby.ca.

The match will be broadcast live on TSN3 and TSN+.

More information about the Pacific Nations Cup can be found here.

Media accreditation applications are currently being accepted here. Questions regarding media accreditation can be directed to media@rugby.ca.

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Canada Name 28 Players for Selection Against Japan on Sunday at BC Place

The Canadian coaching staff have selected 28 players for the match against Japan on Sunday, that number will be reduced by 5 before the match.

Comparing the roster against Romania, Canada’s last opponent, there will be a number of changes. In the front row Liam Murray isn’t in the mix this time, he’ll likely be replaced by Cali Martinez, Cole Keith or Tyler Matchem in the starting roster. Conor Young will likely retain his spot. Djustice Sears-Duru is also in the running for one of the prop positions on Sunday. Andrew Quattrin will likely retain the starting hooker role, with Dewald Kotze as reserve. Jesse Mackail will also be vying for one of the two hooker spots.

In the second row both Conor Keys and Kyle Baillie are unavailable so Izzak Kelly, Kaiden Duguid, James Stockwood and Callum Botchar will be competing for the 3 spots. In the loose forwards Siaki Vikilani is out so the trio of Lucas Rumball, Mason Flesch and Ethan Fryer are likely starters with Matt Oworu filling the fourth spot.

The halfbacks are likely Jason Higgins and Peter Nelson from the Romania match with Brock Gallagher and Mark Balaski as reserves. Ben Lesage and Talon McMullin are likely the returning centres, the back three from the Romania match, Nic Benn, Andrew Coe and Cooper Coats all look good to reclaim their spots with Takoda McMullin as reserve. Looking to break into the match 23 are Josiah Morra and Rhys James.

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM PACIFIC NATIONS CUP SQUAD

FORWARDS
Andrew Quattrin (Holland Landing, ON) – Aurora Barbarians / New England Free Jacks
Calixto Martinez (White Rock, BC) – Earl Marriott Secondary / Bayside RFC / University of British Columbia / Old Glory DC
Callum Botchar (Vancouver, BC) – NOLA Gold
Cole Keith (Apohaqui, NB) – Belleisle Rovers RFC / New England Free Jacks
Conor Young (Yamba, AUS) – Southern Districts Rugby Club / RFC LA
Dewald Kotze (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Dallas Jackals
Djustice Sears-Duru (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders / San Diego Legion
Ethan Fryer (Seattle, USA) – New England Free Jacks
Izzak Kelly (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / University of British Columbia / Cottesloe Rugby Club
James Stockwood (Bowmanville, ON) – Vikings RFC / Pacific Pride
Jesse Mackail (Palmerston North, NZL) – UBCOB Ravens / Pacific Pride
Kaden Duguid (Edmonton, AB) – Nor’Westers Athletic Association / Vancouver Highlanders
Lucas Rumball (Scarborough, ON) – Balmy Beach RFC / Chicago Hounds
Mason Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons RFC / Chicago Hounds
Matthew Oworu (Calgary, AB) – Pacific Pride
Tyler Matchem (Pictou County, NS) – Pacific Pride / Pictou County RFC

BACKS
Andrew Coe (Markham, ON) – RFC LA
Ben LeSage (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Canucks / New England Free Jacks
Brock Gallagher (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Dallas Jackals
Cooper Coats (Halifax, NS) – Halifax Tars
Jason Higgins (Cork, IRE) – Chicago Hounds
Josiah Morra (Toronto, ON) – Castaway Wanderers / Toronto Saracens
Mark Balaski (Castlebar, IRE) – Castlebar RFC / Pacific Pride
Nic Benn (Caves Beach, AUS) – Dallas Jackals
Peter Nelson (Dungannon, NIR) – Dungannon RFC
Rhys James (Kelowna, BC) – UBC Okanagan Heat / Pacific Pride
Takoda McMullin (White Rock, BC) – University of British Columbia / Vancouver Highlanders
Talon McMullin (White Rock, BC) – University of British Columbia / Vancouver Highlanders

from Rugby Canada

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team’s Pacific Nations Cup squad of 28 players has been named ahead of Sunday’s match against Japan at BC Place in Vancouver.

Canada kicks off the Pacific Nations Cup on August 25 at 2:00pm PT / 5:00pm ET, taking on the world number 14th ranked Brave Blossoms on home soil. Tickets are available for purchase at rugby.ca/en/tickets and the match will be available on TSN3 and TSN+.

The naming of Canada’s squad follows a 12-day training camp at Shawnigan Lake School and a Canada XV preparation match against the Vancouver Highlanders.

Twenty-four players return from the squad that represented Canada in Ottawa earlier this summer, including seven players who earned their first caps in the nation’s capital: Jesse Mackail, Mark Balaski, Ethan Fryer, Nic Benn, Brock Gallagher, Dewald Kotze and Calixto Martinez.

Captain Lucas Rumball and vice-captain Ben LeSage are two of 15 players bringing MLR experience to the team, with LeSage being one of four players from the championship winning New England Free Jacks. Three Pacific Pride graduates, Tyler Matchem, Rhys James and Kaden Duguid, who also spent three seasons in France with Peyrehorade and Limoges, could earn their first caps Canada during the Pacific Nations Cup.

There are seven players with strong ties to BC’s Lower Mainland who all played for the University of British Columbia and will be making a return to the region for the first match against Japan, including four who got their start at Earl Marriott Secondary School in White Rock: Martinez, Izzak Kelly, and Takoda and Talon McMullin.

“We have been pleased with the work put in by the players at training camp, continuing what we started in Ottawa,” said Head Coach Kingsley Jones. “It was a difficult selection for the Pacific Nations Cup, which is what you want—it shows you have depth. Players and staff are excited to face some quality competition and continue to build as a group with these matches in Vancouver, LA and Japan.”

It was also recently announced that the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup will serve as a direct qualification pathway for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with the top three teams (minus Fiji and Japan, who have already qualified) earning a berth in the 24-team event. The official World Rugby announcement on the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification process can be found here.

Tickets for the Pacific Nations Cup in Vancouver are available for purchase at rugby.ca/en/tickets. Questions regarding ticket purchases can be directed to tickets@rugby.ca. For more information on suites, please contact suites@rugby.ca.

Following Sunday’s match in Vancouver against Japan, the team will then travel to Los Angeles to take on the United States on Saturday August 31 at 6:00pm PT / 9:00pm ET. All six Pacific Nations Cup sides (Canada, United States, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji) will convene in Japan in September for the play-offs, with the semi-finals and fifth place play-off taking place on September 14 and 15 in Tokyo, and the final and third place play-off taking place on September 21 in Osaka. More information about the Pacific Nations Cup can be found here.

Media accreditation applications are currently being accepted here. Questions regarding media accreditation can be directed to media@rugby.ca.

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM SCHEDULE

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team vs Japan
Sunday August 25, 2024
2:00pm PT / 5:00pm ET
BC Place, Vancouver
Buy tickets here
Watch live on TSN3 and TSN+

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team vs United States
Saturday August 31, 2024
6:00pm PT / 9:00pm ET
Dignity Health Sports Park, Los Angeles
Buy tickets here
Watch live on TSN+

Remaining Pacific Nations Cup matches to be determined based on the results of Canada’s matches against Japan and the United States.