Canada Names Men’s Team for Toulouse 7s: Last Tournament Before Relegation Tournament in London
Canada are going to the relegation tournament in London, they’re 25 points behind Uruguay for 11th so it’s mathematically impossible to catch them, even if Canada won the tournament and Uruguay finished last. So the Toulouse tournament serves two purposes, stay ahead of Japan who are 8 points behind Canada and in the automatic relegation position. If Japan made the Cup round and Canada didn’t there could be a danger of that happening. Japan are in a pool with Samoa, Australia and Ireland so that scenario is unlikely to happen. The second purpose in Toulouse is to get Canada ready to win the relegation tournament the following weekend that will include Tonga, Canada, likely Kenya, and either Uruguay or Spain.
Brock Webster is back, Jack Carson is back after winning the BC Premier with UBC last weekend. Jake Thiel is still out and the question is will Canada fly him out for London if he recuperates? Canada are in a pool with Uruguay and Kenya so it’s a perfect chance to show how competitive they’ll be in London. NZ are likely to win the pool, they’ll likely win the series this year with a +24 lead over Argentina in 2nd place.
CBC Sports will live stream the tournament, first match is 3.23am PT Friday morning May 12th. Canada kicks off at 4:29am PT on Friday. The pivotal match vs Uruguay is at 8:54 am PT and the Kenya match will be Saturday morning at 3:21 am PT.
from Rugby Canada
Canadas Mens Sevens Team roster for the HSBC France Sevens, the second to last mens tournament in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023, has been named by interim Head Coach Sean White.
The team will face New Zealand, a four-time gold medallist on the 2023 Sevens Series, Uruguay and Kenya in Pool A over May 12 to 14 at Stade Ernest-Wallon.
Brock Webster, who is second in points scored for Canada this season, returns to the roster after recovery from injury. Also back with the squad is Jack Carson, following up a successful season with the University of British Columbia that included winning the Canadian University Championship in December and claiming the BC Premier League championship last weekend.
Max Stewart, who made his debut in March at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, will continue his rookie World Rugby Sevens Series season in France with his third appearance with the Canadian team. Out with injury are Cooper Coats, Jake Thiel and Matt Percillier.
Weve had a really great training block heading into the final two weekends of the 2023 World Rugby Sevens Series, said White. Our focus has always remained on our processes and how we as a team can continue to compete in the daily training environment. The players have accepted the challenge and their never back down attitudes over the past few months have put us in a great spot to go and get the job done.
Canada opens pool play against New Zealand on Friday May 12 at 4:29 a.m. PT / 7:29 a.m. ET, followed by Uruguay on Friday May 12 at 8:54 a.m. PT / 11:54 a.m. ET and Kenya on Saturday May 13 at 3:21 a.m. PT / 6:21 a.m. ET.
SCHEDULE / COVERAGE
For the most up to date information on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and live coverage, visit the official website world.rugby/sevens-series. There you will find details regarding the event format, schedule, and the latest news.
WHERE TO WATCH
Broadcast coverage of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series will be available in Canada via CBC. All events are available to live stream via cbcsports.ca, the CBC Sports app, and the free CBC Gem streaming service.
CANADAS MENS SEVENS ROSTER
1. Anton Ngongo (Victoria, BC) Castaway Wanderers
4. Phil Berna (Vancouver, BC) Vancouver Rowing Club
5. Alex Russell (Chichester, ENG) McGill University
6. Josiah Morra (Toronto, ON) Castaway Wanderers / Toronto Saracens
7. Brock Webster (Uxbridge, ON) Oshawa Vikings RFC
12. David Richard (Milton, ON) Mississauga Blues RFC
19. Matthew Oworu (Calgary, AB) Pacific Pride
21. Max Stewart (Cape Town, RSA) Pacific Pride
23. Thomas Isherwood (Okotoks, AB) Foothills Lions RFC
33. Kal Sager (Peterborough, ON) Peterborough Pagans / Trent University
44. Lockie Kratz (Victoria, BC) Castaway Wanderers / NOLA Gold
64. Elias Hancock (Ottawa, ON) Bytown Blues
99. Jack Carson (Victoria, BC) University of British Columbia