Canada v USA – September 2026

Canada Hold On for 19-16 Win Over USA and 3rd Place at Pacific Nations Cup

It was a tense game with an equally tense finish, USA bashing the line with time expired, Lucas Rumball imposing himself at the breakdown to dislodge the ball and Liam James kicking it out to end the match. Canada looked good in the first quarter, they went ahead 12-0, they looked in full control. USA turned it around in the 2nd quarter with a try and penalty goal, 12-10 at the half. USA went ahead on a penalty to start the second half but Canada ended the 3rd quarter with their 3rd try, by Jesse Kilgour. Canada then held on in the 4th quarter just giving up one penalty. It was 3 tries to 1 for Canada with USA kicking 3 penalties to keep it close. At one point in the 3rd quarter it was 11 handling errors for Canada to 2 for USA. Canada made it difficult for themselves but in the end they claimed the victory.

Besides the three tries there were three key turning points, Mason Flesch stealing a lineout when USA threatened to increase their lead early in the second half with all the momentum, Takoda McMullin kicking a 50/22 to earn territory which led to Canada’s 3rd try, Rumball’s last minute breakdown intervention to turn possession over to end the match. Player of the Match chosen by the hosts was Mason Flesch, well deserved, I would say special mentions to Takoda McMullin, Cooper Coats, Lucas Rumball. Below are match video highlights, match notes, the Rugby Canada report and the World Rugby report.

Match Highlights

Match Notes

1st quarter

Canada owned the 1st quarter in territory and possession, they scored two tries by Lesage and Flesch, and were up 12-0. McMullin missed a long range penalty and one of the conversions from the sideline. My player of the first quarter would be Foster Dewitt, the hooker, he was hitting his lineouts and set up Lesage for that first try with a perfectly weighted pass after drawing in defenders. The scrum wasn’t getting overpowered as in previous matches but already were penalized a couple of times. Jesse Kilgour was getting his box kicks right and keeping the Canada attack moving along. Cooper Coats showed he was the right choice for #10 with some darting runs and a clever kicking. Liam James is on for Armstrong on the wing.

2nd quarter

USA hit back and scored their first try with bashing runs inside the Canada 22, their loosehead prop scoring under the posts, 12-7 for Canada. Canada lineout continuing to work well but Kilgour starting to lose his focus with two poor kicks losing Canada advantage. Flesch having a good match, most effective forward so far. Doyle gets an important turnover and McMullin attempts his second long range penalty kick, it misses. A lot of dropped balls by Canada, Lesage, Kelly, Steeves, Miller all dropping passes, it’s killing Canada’s momentum. McMullin makes a line break with Lesage and Kilgour in support, could be a score but Lesage drops the pass. Rumball loses the ball in contact, USA scrum with 2 minutes left in the half. Canada get penalized on the scrum and USA kicks a penalty to make the score 12-10 at the half. Canada look the better team but handling errors are killing them.

3rd quarter

Ethan Fryer dinged for trying to poach the ball off his feet, USA go ahead for the first time 13-12 on the penalty kick. USA make a poor kick attempt and Canada take advantage with multiple phases inside the USA 22, they get about 10 metres out and Rumball drops the ball in contact. Errors back and forth and neither team seems to want the ball. Coats tries a chip that’s blocked, Doyle called offside, and USA have possession at Canada’s 22. Canada penalized trying to poach the ball while Miller stuck in the ruck, instead of points, USA go for the 5 metre lineout. Flesch steals the ball at the lineout, that was the play of the match to date, a crucial turning point. Canada clear and on the next phase of attack Kyle Tremblay puts in a solid hit and knocks the ball loose, Canada clear again. Kotze replaces Dewitt at hooker. USA called for sealing the ball with Rumball menacing at the ruck, Canada finally get inside USA half, after a prolonged period of defending. Prior replaces Miller at loosehead prop. Canada have a 5 metre lineout but USA steal it, Canada work their way back through Coats and McMullin, Canada’s danger players in the backs. Liam James knocks the ball on, the screen pops up the stats, 11 handling errors for Canada so far, 2 for USA. Waddell replaces Kelly. McMullin executes a 50/22 and gives Canada possession inside the USA 22. It’s another turning point as Canada mauls the ball near the USA goal line, Kotze knocks the ball on but USA had knocked it on earlier so Canada scrum. Canada go through multiple phases inside the USA 5 metres and Jesse Kilgour is the hero with a quick pick and go over the line from a ruck while the USA defence is stretched. 19-13.

4th quarter

Canada find themselves under pressure after 3 consecutive kicking inaccuracies, McMullin puts a kick straight into touch from outside his 22, Kilgour makes a hasty kick from inside the 22 that doesn’t leave the 22, and Coats gets a kick blocked inside the 22.  USA botches the lineout with a dummy throw and no jumpers going up, pressure momentarily relieved. USA lose another lineout and Canada are making ground on USA handling errors. Referee reverses the call and gives USA a penalty. Webb comes on for Kilgour. Another penalty against Canada, 10-7 penalty count so far. Ethan Fryer with another crucial play, he steals the ball at the breakdown with USA knocking at the try line. Canada lose the subsequent lineout however and USA again are on attack. Another penalty against Canada and Fryer goes from hero to culprit in a few minutes. This time USA go for the posts as Canada are racking up penalties on a regular basis, they need to keep their cool. The kick is good 19-16 with eight minutes left. Mason Flesch get a steal off the kick off and Canada have a chance to put points on the board but go for the 5 metre lineout instead. The ball not straight on the lineout and USA have possession at their 5 metres with six minutes left. Canada have a strong scrum but ref calls “walking around” and USA clear pressure. Nhanala replaces Fryer. USA call mark on a clearance kick that lands inside their 22, five minutes left. Canada win the lineout but drop the ball while forming the maul. USA on attack with four minutes left. Warden replaces Steeves. Warden does his job and the Canada scrum is solid. USA clear it into the Canada half, Canada lineout with three minutes left. Canada win the lineout, kick it back and USA chip it ahead, McMullin secures the ball but USA ruck several players over and win the ball. They grubber it into goal but Canada are able to touch it down and get a clearance kick from inside their goal. One minute left and Canada have to defend without giving up a penalty. USA patiently keep possession and Canada’s defence is bending a little too much, they work their way into the 5 metres with time expired. Canada go offside, USA can either try to tie it up with a penalty kick, or go for the win. They call a scrum. They get two shots at the line before Rumball attacks the ruck and creates a loose ball, it pops out at the feet of Liam James who calmly kicks it into touch. Game Over.

from Rugby Canada

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team finish third in the 17th edition of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 with a dramatic 19-16 victory against the USA Saturday evening in Toyko, Japan.

Canada broke through at the 10th minute as veteran Ben LeSage scored the game’s opening try off a lovely lineout set play, which McMullin converted to make it 7-0.

Following an overthrown USA lineout, Cooper Coats broke the line, offloading to Lucas Rumball who found Jesse Kilgour. The ball was moved out wide through Foster DeWitt to Mason Flesch on the wing who scored his third try of the tournament, extending the lead to 12-0.

Capitalizing on a Canadian scrum penalty, USA prop Fakaosifolau Pifeleti slipped through the defense at the 21st minute to get his team on the board and fly half Luke Carty’s conversion narrowed the gap to 12-7.

Carty slotted a penalty kick at the 39th minute to bring the USA within two points at the half, trailing 10-12.

Carty opened the second half at the 43rd minute with a successful penalty kick, giving the USA their first lead of the match at 13-12.

In the 59th minute, Canada reclaimed momentum when Flesch powered inside the 5-meter line, allowing the forwards to drive and move the ball out for Jesse Kilgour to pick and go across the line for his first career try. McMullin slotted the conversion to put Canada back ahead 19-13.

Carty made his third penalty kick of the evening at the 72nd minute to tighten the score to 19-16.

In the final 20 seconds, the USA executed their 9th phase inside Canada’s 5-meter line and opted to go for the win with a scrum after an offside call against the Canadians.

Canada’s defense held strong under extreme pressure, Lucas Rumball got over the ball in the dying seconds, forcing a crucial error from the Americans to seal the 19-16 victory and secure third place in the Pacific Nations Cup.

“I’m so proud of this team. It wasn’t perfect, but the grit, the determination, the way we stuck together. That’s what got us through in the end,” said captain Lucas Rumball post-match. “We want to be on the attack throughout our matches. You saw a little bit of that come through in that first half, probably a little bit less in the second, but overall happy with the team.”

“The way we showed resilience and continued to believe in our capabilities throughout that match was fantastic for the guys today. A game like this means so much to both teams; the nerves can get the better of you and we probably made more errors in that game than we have in the previous couple,” said Stephen Meehan, Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team. “I think it’s important for us to reflect on that and when we can come back together and play again in November, we’ll aim to improve in that area.”

CANADA SCORING SUMMARY

Tries: Ben LeSage (10′), Mason Flesch (17′), Jesse Kilgour (59′)
Conversions: Takoda McMullin (11′, 60′)

CANADIAN MILESTONES

Jesse Kilgour earned his first career try for Canada in the 59th minute of play. Canadian veterans Cooper Coats and captain Lucas Rumball earned their 25th and 70th caps, respectively in the conclusion of today’s match. Rumball is now tied as the fourth most capped player in Canadian Men’s Rugby history.

Mason Flesch was named the Asahi Pacific Nations Cup Player of the Match following a stand-out performance.

from World Rugby

CANADA 19-16 USA: Canada edge out rivals USA to finish third

Jesse Kilgour’s first international try clinched third place for Canada in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026.

The scrum-half struck from close range shortly before the hour mark to put Stephen Meehan’s side back in front after the spirited Eagles had come from 12-0 down to lead 13-12.

Kilgour’s score proved decisive as Canada held on during a tense finale and Player of the Match Flesch said: “It feels great. To end the tour with a close win like that, I think it was very deserving.”

Canada captain Lucas Rumball declared himself “so proud of the boys after a real team effort” and Meehan spoke of “relief and immense pride”.

Jason Damm, the USA captain, added: “I’m really disappointed. We just didn’t put the performance out there that we needed to. We let ourselves down in some areas and there’s a lot to learn from.”

Canada led when LeSage collected Foster DeWitt’s deft offload and raced clear to cross the line before Flesch – who claimed a brace during their semi-final defeat to Fijil ast weekend – touched down in the left corner.

USA replied when Pifeleti took Ruben de Haas’ perfect cut-out pass and dived over from close range. Carty converted and then added a penalty to cut Canada’s lead to just two points at the break. His second penalty put USA 13-12 ahead before Kilgour scampered over for the match-winning score and Takoda McMullin converted.

Carty’s third penalty set up a nervy finish as the USA asked plenty of questions late on but Canada survived.

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Meehan Names 23 for USA Match: Cooper Coats Returns to Flyhalf

This is the match that really counts in this Pacific Nations Cup, Canada v USA. Under Stephen Meehan Canada have a record of 2 wins, 1 draw, and 11 losses. One of those wins was the important World Cup qualifier win over USA in Calgary, August 22, 2025. Since then Canada have defeated Zimbabwe, drawn with Spain and lost to Spain, Fiji twice, Japan twice, Belgium, Romania, Georgia, Portugal twice, Tonga. Over that same time period USA have 6 wins and 7 losses. USA are ranked 14th, Canada are ranked 24th.

In August 2025 when Canada defeated USA Tyler Ardron scored four tries, Tyler Ardron isn’t in Japan with Canada, neither are Evan Olmstead, Andrew Quattrin, Cali Martinez or Cole Keith. This will be a good evaluation of the Canada program depth going into the World Cup year of 2027.

There are only a few changes from the Fiji match. Foster Dewitt switches with Dewald Kotze and is the starting hooker, the props and second row remain the same. Ethan Fryer gets the start at openside flanker ahead of Sion Parry, Flesch and Rumball retain their spots. Jesse Kilgour gets the start at scrum half ahead of Jason Higgins and Stephen Webb, Cooper Coats gets the start at flyhalf, 11 to 15 remain unchanged. On the bench, a 5/3 split, Cody Nhanala and Liam James return to the match 23.

One player on the long list who hasn’t played this tour is Callum Botchar, that’s a surprise unless it’s an injury issue. Canada have struggled in the set pieces and a robust 2nd row like Botchar would seem like a positive addition.  The match kicks off at 4pm local time which is Friday, midnight on the west coast.

from Rugby Canada

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team Head Coach Stephen Meehan has named his match day roster for Canada’s upcoming Pacific Nations Cup third place play-off against the USA.

Canada and the USA will kick off on Saturday September 19 at 4:00 p.m. JST / 12:00 a.m. PT / 3:00 a.m. ET at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo.

Both Canada vs USA and Japan vs Fiji matches will be broadcast live on TSN4.

Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team Head Coach Stephen Meehan has made a few changes to the squad that featured last week against Fiji in Osaka. Canada managed to put 29 points on the board against the 9th ranked Flying Fijians, the most they have scored against a Tier 1 Nation since they put up the same score vs Fiji in Vancouver in 1999.

“We were happy with some of the rugby we played against Fiji, good continuity, close passing and some really good passages of play, said Head Coach Stephen Meehan. We want to become a team that keeps the opposition guessing.

The USA are a disciplined side and have a style they’ve been very reliant on. I completely understand the rivalry and, frankly, I really enjoy it. It was quite an emotional night in Calgary after our win last year, seeing people coming together after the game, singing the national anthem and celebrating the occasion. It was a lovely moment.

We’re trying to develop something here, and the longer we spend together, the greater the understanding the players will have of how we want to play and of one another. Their skills and understanding of the game have developed over the last 15 months, and collectively and individually they’ve been getting better every week. Hopefully, that trend continues.”

Foster DeWitt will start at hooker. Jesse Kilgour returns to the starting XV at scrum-half, with Cooper Coats starting at fly-half.

Ethan Fryer will make his first start since returning from a skull fracture suffered in 2024 vs Chile. Cody Nhanala joins the bench. Liam James comes in at #23.

Siôn Parry and Isaac Olson are unavailable due to injury.

Cooper Coats will earn his 25th cap for Canada, with Captain Lucas Rumball set to earn his 70th cap this weekend, he will be tied as the fourth most capped player in Canadian Men’s Rugby history.

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM’S MATCH DAY ROSTER VS USA

1. Sam Miller (Mount Denson, NS) – Valley Rugby Union / Benfica SL (9 caps)
2. Foster DeWitt (Courtenay, BC) – Westshore RFC / Peñarol Rugby (7 caps)
3. Kyle Steeves (Winnipeg, MB) – Winnipeg Wombats / Hunter Wildfires (10 caps)
4. Daragh Doyle (Québec City, QC) – Clontarf FC (4 caps)
5. Izzak Kelly (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC / SL Benfica (18 caps)
6. Mason Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons / Chicago Hounds (25 caps)
7. Ethan Fryer (Issaquah, WA) – Eastside Lions RFC / PeñarolRugby (6 caps)
8. Lucas Rumball (Scarborough, ON) – Balmy Beach Rugby Club / Chicago Hounds (69 caps)
9. Jesse Kilgour (Oro-Medonte, ON) – Barrie RC / Aurora Barbarians (2 caps)
10. Cooper Coats (Halifax, NS) – Halifax Tars RFC / UVIC Vikes (24 caps)
11. Jamie Armstrong (Ottawa, ON) – Ottawa Irish (2 caps)
12. Ben LeSage (Calgary, AB) – Calgary Canucks / New England Free Jacks (41 caps)
13. Jacob Ince (Oakville, ON) – Guelph Gryphons / Taranaki Rugby (4 caps)
14. Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC (9 caps)
15. Takoda McMullin (White Rock, BC) – University of British Columbia / Bayside RFC (9 caps)

FINISHERS

16. Dewald Kotze (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Rotherham Titans (17 caps)
17. Emerson Prior (Brockville, ON) – Brockville Privateers / Westshore RFC (9 caps)
18. Bryce Worden (Sussex, NB) – Burnaby Lake RFC / West Harbour Rugby Club (2 caps)
19. Barnaby Waddell (Exeter, ENG) – Okehampton RFC / Camborne RFC (4 caps)
20. Cody Nhanala (Ottawa, Ontario) – University of British Columbia (3 caps)
21. Stephen Webb (Toronto, ON) – Balmy Beach RFC / Toronto City RC / University of British Columbia (4 caps)
22. Spencer Jones (Cambridge, NZ) – Hamilton Old Boys (19 caps)
23. Liam James (Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia / UBCOB Ravens (3 caps)

from USA Rugby

The USA Men’s Eagles will travel to Tokyo where they turn their attention to North American rivals, Canada this Saturday at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium. USA fans can watch the action live on Paramount+

After their opening match against tournament host Japan in Osaka last week, Coach Lawrence’s squad have shifted focus forward to this week’s challenge.

Looking ahead to Canada, Captain Jason Damm commented;

“One of the biggest things we can control is our mindset as we go into this game. When we reflect on that Canada game last year, we let them get over us a little too soon. So for me, it’s just coming out, setting the tone, and throwing our bodies around early, letting them know we’re here… and making sure that we’re sticking to our plan and controlling what we can control.”

Cassh Maluia earns his first international cap in the USA Jersey starting at inside center with Dominic Besag moving to his outside. Luke Carty starts at fly-half, while Julian Roberts steps in to start on the wing.

Lance Williams enters the starting XV at openside flanker, while Fakaosifolau Pifeleti moves off the bench to start at loosehead prop. Mason Pedersen enters the match day squad as replacement prop.

The North American USA v Canada showdown in Japan will kick off at 3:00 am ET to close out the Eagles 2026 Pacific Nations Cup campaign. USA fans can catch the action live on Paramount+.