Category Archives: National Men’s XVs

Oceania Rugby U20 – Canada v Fiji

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Canada Thumped by Fiji 56-24 in Oceania U20 Tournament

It could have been worse, Canada were down 42-0 at 35 minutes into the first half and a point per minute 80-0 hiding wasn’t out of the question. Fiji were playing a high tempo game and Canada didn’t have their heads in the game. Fortunately half time was coming up, a time to regroup, and make some changes. It was a good time for Josh McIndoe to insert himself into the match, picking up an errant Fiji pass that went to ground and take it to the try line. Canada at least finished the half on a high note, down now only 42-7.

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Oceania Rugby U20 – Canada v Samoa

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Canada U20 Defeat Samoa U20 44-20 in Opening Match of Oceania Rugby Tournament

It was a good result for Canada, exceeded expectations I would say based on U20 results in recent years. Samoa are ranked #14 in the world, Canada #24, so there’s some hope in the young players coming through. The match was in the balance in the first half, the commentator remarked how the lead had changed 6 times.

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1987 Canada RWC Squad

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A Look at Canada’s First Rugby World Cup Match on May 24th 1987 vs Tonga

May 24th 1987 was Canada’s 1st Rugby World Cup match. The game was against Tonga and Canada won 37-4, it was played in Napier, NZ in front of 7,000 fans. A try was worth 4 points then so Canada scored 7 tries to Tonga’s 1, Canada added 3 conversions and 1 penalty. Scoring for Canada were winger Pat Palmer of UBCOB (2T), centre Paul Vaesen of JBAA (2T), Rowers Ian Stuart at centre (1T), CW’s Flanker Rob Frame (1T) and a penalty try. Converting was CW’s Gareth Rees (1C), and JBAA’s (later Velox) fullback Mark Wyatt (2C). Gareth Rees also added a penalty.

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Canada U20 Updates – May 2025

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Canada U20 Hold On Against Late Island Surge to Win 26-22

The Canada U20 team won a close 26-22 contest over the Island XV. The U20 went ahead early after a blocked clearing kick from inside the Island 22, notch that one up to good defensive line speed and perhaps some shoddy clearance work from the Island XV. The Island responded with two tries, both unconverted, to go ahead 10-5. The grass was wet from day long rain and handling errors were mounting up, leading to scores. The U20 responded with two tries of their own, converted, 19-10. A great solo effort by inside centre Josh McIndoe extended the U20 lead to 26-10. The Island scored the last two tries to close the gap to 26-22.

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Pacific Nations Cup 2025 – May Updates

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Rugby Canada Announce Calgary as Host of Canada v USA Match: World Rugby Releases Full Pacific Nations Cup Schedule

Rugby Canada have completed the announcement of their summer/fall schedule for the men’s XVs team with the Canada v USA fixture in Calgary on August 22nd. That will give them 5 games between July and September, possibly 6 if they finish in the top 4 at the Pacific Nations. World Rugby have also announced the full schedule for the Pacific Nations. Both reports are listed below.

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Canada Men’s U20 – April 2025

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Canada Name Men’s U20 Team to Travel to Fiji in May/June for Matches vs Samoa, Fiji, Tonga

Coach Christiaan Esterhuizen has selected 32 players to make the trip to Fiji in May/June to play Samoa, Fiji and Tonga. There is no JWRT U20 championship this year, and there’s been no mention from World Rugby on what future plans are for U20 programs outside of the Tier 1 nations who are holding their Junior World U20 Championships in June/July in Italy.

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Editorial March 2025

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What Does Canada’s Men’s XVs Team Look Like for 2025

If you’re not a regular starter in MLR, can you be considered an automatic for Canada selection? That’s a valid question as Canada looks towards its World Cup qualifier this year. If you’re good enough to get a regular starting slot in MLR, it’s likely you’ll be in contention for national team match selection but that introduces a problem as Canada doesn’t have MLR starters in several key position, the halfbacks, an openside flanker, the centres.

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Canada Men’s XVs – March Updates

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Rugby Canada Announce Edmonton Clarke Stadium as Venue for Hosting Belgium and Spain in July

The Canada men’s XVs team will host Belgium and Spain at Edmonton’s Clarke Stadium in July. It will be Canada vs Belgium on Saturday July 12th and then Canada v Spain on Friday July 18th.

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Pacific Pride – Spring 2025

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A Look at the Pacific Pride Squad for Spring 2025: 6 Players Leaving, 3 to MLR; 9 Additions Including 3 from U18 2024 Camps

We compared our Pacific Pride list from the start of the fall season 2024, 6 have moved on (3 to MLR). There are 9 new players but include 3 returning players, 2 started late in the fall and 1 is returning from previous seasons. There are 3 players from the U18 camps held in 2024, 2 from Ontario universities and 1 from the Welsh Premier.

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