Canada Draws with Spain 42-42: Last Minute Heroics to Claim 3 Points
It was a match of ups and downs. The highlight for Canada was the come from behind equalizer with time expired. That showed some character to put together multiple phases with no allowance for error. Noah Flesch ended up being the hero as he picked the ball up from the base of the ruck and decided to go himself, getting one of the few line breaks for Canada in the match. From there it went quickly to the outside where Tyler Ardron made the key pass to set Kyle Tremblay across the line. Takoda McMullin showed nerves of steel to take the conversion as Cooper Coats had been injured on the play. Noah may have been the last minute hero but it was his brother Mason who was selected player of the match with two tries.
The World Rugby report is posted below but some notes for the next match against Portugal. The replacement front row had two scrum penalties called against them in the last 10 minutes, both led to Spain tries on the following plays. We need to do better. I’m wondering if Bryce Worden as a veteran prop might have handled that better and even though Wes Black wasn’t selected I’d love to see what he could do in these situations. The centres were shredded on defence, when the opposing player of the match is the outside centre, you know you’re not having a good day. Meehan started four centres, two on the wing, two in the centres. It didn’t particularly work well, Noah Flesch didn’t look comfortable chasing the high balls but when he had the chance to run inside in that last minute he broke tackles and set up a crucial try. Maybe he should just start at centre? Portugal will be watching how the centre defence was easily breached, what changes will Meehan make? The starting forwards got the job done, the loose forward trio are outstanding. Add in Olmstead next match and see what they can do.
Scoring
Canada
Tries: Mason Flesch (9′, 41′), Jason Higgins (17′), Tyler Ardron (46′), Andrew Quattrin (57′), Kyle Tremblay (82′)
Conversions: Peter Nelson (10′, 17′, 42′, 47′), Cooper Coats (58′), Takoda McMullin (84′)
Spain
Tries: Alberto Carmona (3′), Antonio Ray Suarez (12′), Estanislao Bay (22′, 42′), Luca Tabarot (69′), Kerman Aurrekoetxea (78′)
Conversions: Gonzalo Lopez (4′, 13′, 23′, 43′, 70′, 79′)
from World Rugby
Canada 42- 42 Spain: Game of the weekend as this modern-day rivalry takes another turn
Given the recent head-to-head record between these two sides, in addition to their upcoming RWC 2027 pool clash, we expected a tight affair. What we got was beyond anyone’s expectations. An absolute thriller from start to finish; one that was exhausting to watch, never mind if you were one of the players. Aerial battles, end-to-end attacks, non-stop line breaks, and a scoreline fitting for the occasion.
From the offset, Spain’s attack looked sharp. Great awareness shown by Gonzalo Lopez set up Alberto Carmona in the corner.
Spain’s ill-discipline, however – a common theme throughout the match – was already hindering their momentum. The constant penalties Los Leones gave away put Canada in dangerous positions, and they took full advantage. Mason Flesch was the standout, proving a threat every time he carried and bagging a first-half brace.
Spain were dominant in the scrum, while Martiniano Cian was in scintillating form at outside centre. He made line break after line break, at times out of what looked like nothing, setting up two tries for Estanislao Bay with virtually the same move.
You just never knew where the game was headed. After a sustained period of Spanish pressure, in which Canada held out, they went straight up the other end and scored from a maul.
A converted Spanish try followed, and when Gonzalo Lopez made it 35-35 with ten minutes to play, it was a mouth-watering prospect for every spectator in Edmonton.
Canada looked like they were going to score, building phases and thinking they’d grounded but instead they’d knocked it on. Spain then, with a scrum on virtually their own try line, won a penalty and from a lineout thought they’d won it when a break from John Wessel Bell set up Kerman Aurrekoetxea to score.
The drama was not done though, and Canada fought back heroically to score after the clock turned red, with Kyle Tremblay showing incredible awareness to come in from inside his wing. This gave Takoda McMullin a clearer shot at goal to tie the game.
After a lengthy TMO check, the try stood, and McMullin knocked the conversion over to signify the end of an all-time classic.
A match truly fitting of the head-to-head record between these two sides. Despite Spain remaining unbeaten in this tie since 2017, Canada – the lowest-ranked nation before this weekend – will take enormous confidence in the way they fought back to level the score with no time left to play.
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)
Glad Rugby Canada published which clubs the players started with and what region of the country they came from.
Bayside Rugby club are back in the premier league and I count 4 Rugby Canada players came from Bayside Rugby Club. Good on the club, if all the Rugby Canada Players come back to play for the club, watch out. That was the traditional loyalist way of true club player before the misguiding and poaching of players. More than half the player are not from BC.
Another observation, other than Piers Von Dadelszen (Vancouver, BC) – Meralomas very few Vancouver clubs and players represented.
5 of the starters have played for the Bays at some point in their careers.
2 thumbs down. What are you whining about? Just the facts ma’am!
To Old Bay,
I think the thumbs down is just a sign of insecurity, your comments are valid and factual. Good on the Bayside club. Bayside develops Canadian talent and players due to their location, feeder schools and social economics of the region. Vancouver has very few feeder schools and trust fund/corporate kids from private school have no interest to play for Canada, why would they. After University, most private school kid are DONE. It is just the fact. Vancouver clubs can just buy/poach the suburbs talents, but now with Bayside back in the Premier it may be a difference story. Abbotsford and Langley may not be far behind.
You must have main character syndrome…I believe Old Bay is referring to James Bay AA:
Cole Keith
Lucas Rumball
Mason Flesch
Noah Flesch
Tyler Ardron
Though still a wonderful accomplishment, alas, there were only 3 Bayside Sharks in the starting lineup:
Cali Martinez
Izzak Kelly
Kyle Tremblay
Let me preface by saying Bayside does a great job of developing their local talent in their catchment area. But, the caveat is that they’ve also been in the ear of any player worth a damn within a 50-mile radius, whispering that the only path to success is by hopping over to the Sharks. That then, further down the road, a bigger and more prominent club picks your pocket after the fact, should be pause for reflection and a lesson in humility. But to whinge about private schools, socio-economics, and suburbs poaching, when in fact Bayside has done similar to other clubs for years, is top level delusion.
True…JBAA
Cooper Coates as well.
Bayside is in/near one the biggest catchment areas population wise in all of Metro Vancouver, so the potential to find players is huge. It’s similar to Burnaby; itself with a large population but central to other municipalities. As such, they can easily field 3 teams on a constant basis.
Compare that to Victoria with a population of about 350,000 and half of that seniors, it’s no wonder the island struggles with rugby.
3 clubs and UVic in Victoria competing for bodies is a challenge. Most of the time, there’s a problem fielding 2 teams on game day. From MPOV, the island has received the short end of the stick from the BCRU for many years.
Base on the information put our by Rugby Canada, not one of these players are listed as coming from James Bay, they may have played at James Bay at one point but that is not where they originated from. At one time or another all Canada rugby player will have played with James Bay, CW and Westshore if they are not at UVIC because of the Rugby Canada Academy.
Cole Keith
Lucas Rumball
Mason Flesch
Noah Flesch
Tyler Ardron
Bayside is back in Premier and the kids that were developed there now have a premier team to come back to play at, which is great for their program. The clubs that used to benefit from Bayside not having a Premier team will now have to develop their own players.
Bayside lecturing/whinging about poaching players might be the most laughable thing I’ve read on this site since the Editor’s initial Grok-slop adventures!! (Just kidding Mark!)
To Bayside Alumni above:
1: Insecurity? No. Just tired over the years how everyone gets their panties twisted when it comes to JBAA.
2: I just mentioned in passing 5 names that played at JBAA.
3: How many Sharks have been poached? Not many Premier mainland clubs to pick other than ‘Lomas or Burnaby and I can’t see driving all the way from South Surrey to the Ravens or Caps.
4: Now, the bit about Island teams having Canada players because of RC Academy.
Rubbish! Yes, some played for the Bays because of RCA, but, if you want to nitpick and split hairs about being born in the clubhouse, I can quickly think of about 25 names born and bred at JBAA that played for Canada. However, nobody lately and that’s due (as mentioned above), primarily I would say, to a small population base, a weak feeder system, and if the kid is good at a sport, e.g. football, he’s looking for $$$$$$$. CW and the Bays are working on mini rugby programs to develop future players but it’s a long haul. Bayside and Burnaby should consider themselves lucky.
Maybe we need to talk about how bad our defense was! It was atrocious. Who is the coach for this? Maybe Canada doesn’t have one.
Suspect tacking and soft up the middle