Canada Finish 5th in Montevideo: SVNS Championship Series Promotion Looking Doubtful
Canada finished 5th in Montevideo, defeating Belgium, their first win in the SVNS 2 series in ten attempts. That places them in a 5th/6th place tie with Belgium in the SVNS 2 series with one tournament left next weekend. That result effectively eliminates them from contention of promotion to the SVNS Championship series beginning in April in Hong Kong. Canada have 22 series points, tied with Belgium, Uruguay in 4th place have 28 points, that means Canada would have to win the São Paulo tournament and hope Uruguay finishes no higher than 4th. In that scenario Canada and Uruguay would be tied at 42 points and go to tie breaking formulas. USA and Germany are tied at 38 points, Kenya in 3rd have 34 points, all three teams look certain to advance.
Day 2 Report from Rugby Canada
After opening losses to Germany, Kenya and the United States on day one of HSBC SVNS 2 Montevideo, Canada rebounded to close the tournament on a high note. Canada secured fifth-place with a statement victory over Belgium, after losing to Uruguay early on day two.
The team now turns its attention to the final stop of HSBC SVNS 2 in São Paulo, set for March 28–29. The fifth-place result in Montevideo leaves Canada tied with Belgium on 22 points in the standings. They will be looking for an improved performance in Brazil to secure a top-4 finish and gain promotion into the HSBC SVNS World Championship.
Canada 0 Uruguay 33
Uruguay set the tone early, with Fresnedo and Hoblog scoring within the opening three minutes to expose gaps in Canada’s defense and build a commanding lead.
Canada struggled to generate momentum, as Uruguay – backed by strong home support – controlled possession and dominated the breakdown. A promising attacking sequence led by Elias Hancock, alongside Kal Sager and Jesse Kilgour, was ultimately halted by a turnover.
Despite key defensive efforts, including try-saving tackles from Kilgour and Kyle Tremblay, turnovers and handling errors continued to limit Canada’s opportunities.
Uruguay capitalized to secure a 33–0 victory, leaving Canada scoreless.
Canada 41 Belgium 14
As the sun set over Estadio Charrúa, Canada looked to close out their HSBC SVNS 2 Montevideo campaign on a high.
Belgium struck first, capitalizing on a one-man overlap while Canada were briefly down a player, with Marenne opening the scoring. Canada responded immediately through captain Lockie Kratz, whose quick tap sparked slick ball movement finished by Morgan Di Nardo in the corner. Moments later, Adam Doane regained possession from the restart, allowing Di Nardo to strike again.
Playing with newfound confidence and speed, Canada built momentum. Kyle Tremblay powered over from close range, Kratz converted and Ethan Turner added another 5 points to the board just before halftime to give Canada a 22–7 lead.
The second half saw continued control, as Di Nardo completed his hat trick out wide. Belgium responded through Rifon, but Canada maintained the upper hand. A long-range effort from Jack Shaw, converted by Brenden Black and a transition try by Elias Hancock, converted by Turner sealed the result.
Canada’s victory secured valuable points, heading into the final stop of HSBC SVNS 2.
Scoring Summary: Morgan Di Nardo (3T), Kyle Tremblay (1T), Ethan Turner (1T, 1C), Jack Shaw (1T), Elias Hancock (1T), Lockie Kratz (1C), Brenden Black (1C)
ON DEBUT
The tournament featured rookie Andrew Cooper making his international sevens debut. Cooper, from Vancouver, BC (Meralomas & Pacific Pride), started in Canada’s first match against Germany on Saturday.
NEXT UP FOR CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS TEAM
The Canadian men will travel to Brazil this week for HSBC SVNS 2 São Paulo, taking place March 28-29. HSBC SVNS 2 is played in a five-game round robin format; total points will be tallied at the end of the three-stop series taking place in Nairobi (Feb. 14-15), Montevideo (Mar. 21-22), and São Paulo (Mar. 28-29) with the top 4 teams advancing to the HSBC SVNS World Championship, as part of the newly formatted HSBC SVNS Series announced in 2025.
For the most up to date information on the HSBC SVNS Series, visit the official website https://www.svns.com/en
CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS TEAM MONTEVIDEO SQUAD
3. Ethan Turner (Maple Ridge, BC) – Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
10. Adam Doane (Sutton, ON) – Aurora Barbarians
13. Brenden Black (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders
17. Jesse Kilgour (Oro-Medonte, ON) – Pacific Pride / Barrie RFC
18. Morgan Di Nardo (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Scottish / University of Victoria
22. Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC
23. Thomas Isherwood (Okotoks, AB) – Foothills Lions RFC / Westshore RFC
33. Kal Sager (Peterborough, ON) – Peterborough Pagans
37. Ian Jones (Bass River, NS) – Ajax Wanderers / Pictou County
44. Lockie Kratz (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers / UBCOB Ravens
55. Jack Shaw (Oakville, ON) – Castaway Wanderers / Oakville Crusaders
64. Elias Hancock (Ottawa, ON) – University of Ottawa / Bytown Blues
66. Andy Cooper (Vancouver, BC) – Meralomas RFC
CURRENT HSBC SVNS 2 STANDINGS
1. USA (38 pts)
2. Germany (38 pts)
3. Kenya (32 pts)
4. Uruguay (28pts)
5. Canada (22pts)
6. Belgium (22pts)
Day 1 Report from Rugby Canada
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team conclude day one of competition at HSBC SVNS 2 Montevideo with losses to Germany, Kenya, and the USA. Andrew Cooper makes his international sevens debut.
Up next Canada will face Uruguay at 11:32am PT / 2:32pm ET and Belgium at 2:02pm PT / 5:02pm ET on Sunday, March 22.
HSBC SVNS 2 is played in a five-game round robin format; total points will be tallied at the end of the three-stop series taking place in Nairobi, Montevideo, and São Paulo (Mar. 28-29) with the top 4 teams advancing to the HSBC SVNS World Championship. The Championship journey will kick off in Hong Kong (Apr. 17-19), before heading to Valladolid (May 29-31) and Bordeaux (Jun. 5-7). Finally, a Men’s and Women’s World Champion will be crowned to mark the dramatic finale of the newly formatted HSBC SVNS Series announced in 2025.
Canada 14 Germany 21
Canada pushed the top-ranked side in a fiercely contested match. The Canadians opened with excellent momentum, as a well-executed kick chase nearly saw Morgan Di Nardo cross the try line, only for the ball to elude him on the bounce. The early pressure soon paid off, with Kal Sager striking first, sprinting down the sideline to showcase his pace and give Canada the lead. Kratz converted.
Canada continued to build control, capitalizing on a scrum deep in Germany’s 22. Crisp phase play set the platform before Thomas Isherwood delivered a perfectly timed inside ball to captain Lockie Kratz, who powered over for the team’s second try, adding the conversion. Isherwood’s influence remained central throughout the half, as his playmaking created opportunities and consistently relieved pressure for the Canadian side.
At halftime, Canada held a commanding 14–0 advantage.
The second half saw a shift in momentum. Isherwood once again applied pressure early, pinning Germany deep in their own territory and helping Canada regain possession from a lineout. However, a knock-on in challenging wet conditions handed possession back to Germany.
Germany responded decisively, with Dipper breaking from his own 22 to score their first try. Capitalizing on another Canadian handling error, Dipper crossed again shortly after, leveling the match. Canada fought to regain control, with Jesse Kilgour winning a crucial turnover. Isherwood’s tactical kick downfield created an opportunity for Tremblay, though Canada was unable to secure possession. A high ball from Germany forced a late knock-on, giving the opposition one final chance.
Despite a resilient defensive stand, Germany ultimately broke through in the closing moments, as Dipper completed his hat trick to seal the result and secure his side’s first win of the day. Canada earned a valuable losing bonus point.
The match marked a milestone moment, as Andy Cooper made his international sevens debut.
Scoring Summary: Kal Sager (1T), Lockie Kratz (1T, 2C)
Canada 5 Kenya 19
Kenya opened the scoring off the kickoff, with Ojwang sprinting down the sideline. Sustained pressure followed, and a scrum deep in Canada’s territory allowed Wabwire to add a second try. Kenya’s momentum carried through the half, taking a commanding 19–0 lead into the break.
Canada showed resilience in the second half, with strong defensive efforts from Jesse Kilgour and Kal Sager helping to halt Kenya’s attack and regain possession. Building phases and capitalizing on penalties, Canada advanced up field. Thomas Isherwood created a near opportunity with a well-placed kick ahead that just eluded Tremblay.
Canada eventually broke through when Sager sliced the defense, leading to a sequence of offloads that sent Ian Jones over in the corner for their first try.
A late push for a losing bonus point fell short, as Kenya closed out a 19–5 victory.
Scoring Summary: Ian Jones (1T)
Canada 14 USA 22
The United States struck first, capitalizing on a Canadian penalty to open the scoring through Wendling. Canada responded quickly, as captain Lockie Kratz took a quick tap that sparked a slick passing sequence, sending Morgan Di Nardo down the sideline, Kratz’s conversion sent Canada up by two.
The USA regained the lead through Still, edging ahead 10–7. Canada answered with a moment of individual brilliance from Jesse Kilgour, who broke through the defense from inside his own 22, Kratz converted to give Canada a 14–10 advantage at halftime.
Canada carried defensive intensity into the second half, forcing key turnovers. However, a penalty for an off-the-ball tackle handed momentum back to the USA, and Broselle capitalized to retake the lead. The Americans continued to build through a strong set piece, with Lacamp extending the margin. Despite a late push from Canada, the USA held on to secure a 22–14 victory.
Scoring Summary: Morgan Di Nardo (1T), Jesse Kilgour (1T), Lockie Kratz (1C)
NEXT UP FOR CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS TEAM
Sunday, March 22
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Uruguay
11:32am PT / 2:32pm ET
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Belgium
2:02pm PT / 5:02pm ET
Follow the up-to-date match schedule here.
WHERE TO WATCH
All of Canada’s HSBC SVNS 2 matches in Montevideo will be available live on TSN+.
CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS TEAM MONTEVIDEO SQUAD
3. Ethan Turner (Maple Ridge, BC) – Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
10. Adam Doane (Sutton, ON) – Aurora Barbarians
13. Brenden Black (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders
17. Jesse Kilgour (Oro-Medonte, ON) – Pacific Pride / Barrie RFC
18. Morgan Di Nardo (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Scottish / University of Victoria
22. Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC
23. Thomas Isherwood (Okotoks, AB) – Foothills Lions RFC / Westshore RFC
33. Kal Sager (Peterborough, ON) – Peterborough Pagans
37. Ian Jones (Bass River, NS) – Ajax Wanderers / Pictou County
44. Lockie Kratz (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers / UBCOB Ravens
55. Jack Shaw (Oakville, ON) – Castaway Wanderers / Oakville Crusaders
64. Elias Hancock (Ottawa, ON) – University of Ottawa / Bytown Blues
66. Andy Cooper (Vancouver, BC) – Meralomas RFC
CURRENT HSBC SVNS 2 MONTEVIDEO RANKINGS
1. Germany (9 pts)
2. USA (9 pts)
3. Kenya (7 pts)
4. Uruguay (4 pts)
5. Canada (1 pt)
6. Belgium (0 pts)
Isherwood Returns as Canada Men’s 7s Heads to South America for Two Tournaments
Canada came last in the first SVNS 3 tournament in Nairobi, now they have up their game to finish top 4 in the two remaining tournaments in Uruguay and Brazil and in the series overall. The return of Thomas Isherwood is probably the biggest boost for their hopes, also coming in is Brendan Black, Jesse Kilgour, Kyle Tremblay, Ian Jones, Andy Cooper. Missing from the Nairobi roster are Johnny Franklin, Harry Corkum, Demetri Patterson, D’Shawn Bowen, Reece Thompson. The first match is against Germany on Saturday.
3. Ethan Turner (Maple Ridge, BC) – Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
10. Adam Doane (Sutton, ON) – Aurora Barbarians
13. Brenden Black (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders
17. Jesse Kilgour (Oro-Medonte, ON) – Pacific Pride / Barrie RFC
18. Morgan Di Nardo (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Scottish / University of Victoria
22. Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC
23. Thomas Isherwood (Okotoks, AB) – Foothills Lions RFC / Westshore RFC
33. Kal Sager (Peterborough, ON) – Peterborough Pagans
37. Ian Jones (Bass River, NS) – Ajax Wanderers / Pictou County
44. Lockie Kratz (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers / UBCOB Ravens
55. Jack Shaw (Oakville, ON) – Castaway Wanderers / Oakville Crusaders
64. Elias Hancock (Ottawa, ON) – University of Ottawa / Bytown Blues
66. Andy Cooper (Vancouver, BC) – Meralomas RFC
from Rugby Canada
Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team, Christiaan Esterhuizen has selected Canada’s 13-player squad for the final two stops of HSBC SVNS 2 in Montevideo and São Paulo beginning March 21.
Canada will open the tournament on Saturday, March 21 at 8:55am PT / 11:55am ET when they face Germany at Estadio Charrúa.
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team finished sixth in Nairobi – the first stop of HSBC SVNS 2 before returning home to compete in the Teck Tri-Nations Challenge alongside HSBC SVNS Vancouver ultimately finishing with a 3-1 record and claiming the tournament title.
“There’s nothing better than playing in high-pressure matches. Said Head Coach Christiaan Esterhuizen, the [Vancouver] tournament was a great test for us, and we’re hoping to build on those performances as we continue our preparation for SVNS 2.
We’re obviously disappointed with the result in Kenya, but we’ve made significant strides defensively over the past few weeks. By improving that area of our game, we believe it will positively impact others as well. Our focus now is on finishing our attacking opportunities and maintaining the fast tempo we showed at the Teck Tri-Nations Challenge. If we can do that consistently, we’re confident we can perform well in South America.”
THE ROAD TO THE HSBC SVNS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
In November, Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team won gold at the Rugby Americas North Sevens Tournament. With the win, Canada qualified for the HSBC SVNS 3 challenger.
In January, Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team won gold at the HSBC SVNS 3 challenger – qualifying then for HSBC SVNS 2. SVNS 2 is a three-stop series featuring Canada, Kenya, USA, Germany, Uruguay, and Belgium, being played in Nairobi (Feb. 14-15), Montevideo (Mar. 21-22), and São Paulo (Mar. 28-29).
The top 4 teams at the end of HSBC SVNS 2 will join the 8 core teams on the HSBC SVNS Series for the three-destination SVNS World Championship. The Championship journey will kick off in Hong Kong (Apr. 17-19), before heading to Valladolid (May 29-31) and Bordeaux (Jun. 5-7). Finally, a Men’s and Women’s World Champion will be crowned to mark the dramatic finale of the newly formatted HSBC SVNS Series announced in 2025.
MONTEVIDEO MATCH SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 21
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Germany
8:55am PT / 11:55am ET
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Kenya
11:20am PT / 2:20pm ET
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs USA
1:45pm PT / 4:45pm ET
Sunday, March 22
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Uruguay
11:32am PT / 2:32pm ET
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team vs Belgium
2:02pm PT / 5:02pm ET
Follow the up-to-date match schedule here.
WHERE TO WATCH
All of Canada’s HSBC SVNS 2 matches in Montevideo will be available live on TSN+.
CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS TEAM MONTEVIDEO & SÃO PAULO SQUAD
3. Ethan Turner (Maple Ridge, BC) – Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
10. Adam Doane (Sutton, ON) – Aurora Barbarians
13. Brenden Black (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders
17. Jesse Kilgour (Oro-Medonte, ON) – Pacific Pride / Barrie RFC
18. Morgan Di Nardo (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Scottish / University of Victoria
22. Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC
23. Thomas Isherwood (Okotoks, AB) – Foothills Lions RFC / Westshore RFC
33. Kal Sager (Peterborough, ON) – Peterborough Pagans
37. Ian Jones (Bass River, NS) – Ajax Wanderers / Pictou County
44. Lockie Kratz (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers / UBCOB Ravens
55. Jack Shaw (Oakville, ON) – Castaway Wanderers / Oakville Crusaders
64. Elias Hancock (Ottawa, ON) – University of Ottawa / Bytown Blues
66. Andy Cooper (Vancouver, BC) – Meralomas RFC
NON-TRAVELLING RESERVES
D’Shawn Bowen
Glenn Roy
Henry Kirwan
Thomas Cuzange
UNAVAILABLE FOR SELECTION
Brock Gallagher
Demetri Patterson
Ethan Fryer
Harry Corkum
Johnny Franklin
Josiah Morra
Reece Thompson
Takoda McMullin
Talon McMullin
Please for the love of god can we bring in a coach that actually gives a shit. Heard the players were not pleased with the level of coaching and preparation for this tournament. Can RC try to pretend that they care at least
BUT HE HAS AN ACCENT!!! AND HE WAS A LOMA!!! HE’S GOTTA BE GOOD!????