GIVING THE GIFT OF GRASSROOTS RUGBY

Monday, May 14, 2012 - Submitted by RC Communications
Two big names in Australian Rugby have come to Canada this week to offer some wisdom and training to Ontario’s coaches and young athletes.

Matt Burke and Damien Fitzpatrick are set to host a series of clinics with Velocity Trade director, Guy Reynolds, aimed at promoting and strengthening rugby in Ontario while providing youth with positive sporting experiences.

The five-day trip consists of visits to various rugby clubs, including training sessions with Ontario U19, Oakville Crusaders, Toronto Scottish and Mooredale RFC. The Trio also stopped at Crescent School in Toronto, and various schools throughout Oakville.

The trip was made possible by the passionate support from Reynolds and organized on behalf of the Australian Schoolboys Rugby Union. Velocity Trade Principle Partner Simon Law described Guy’s passion behind the visit.

"Guy was the founder of Macquarie Sports and as such has organized sporting clinics and associated programs for more than 20,000 children each
year, using major sporting identities as both coaches and role models,” Law said. “These programs aim to enhance the fitness and well-being of young people, by providing positive role models to inspire and motivate young people to strive to do their best.”

Guy Reynolds believes Canada has a lot of potential for the future, and he knows his rugby. His love for the sport is world-renown. He received a Commander of the Royal Crown of Tonga for services to rugby and an Order of Australia membership for services to sport.

For Matt Burke, the trip to Canada is a “privilege”. The two time World Cup Champion has taken several similar trips to Japan and Fiji. He intends to give back to the sport that provided him with so much in his life.

“It is important those of us who have benefited so much from rugby in our lives, recognized the impact of good training and skills at the grass roots,” Burke said. “Giving something back to junior rugby is a great honour and privilege.”

Apart from his 1995 and 1999 World Cup Championships, Burke has a long list of accomplishments, including 81 caps and over a decade of experience, as well as an appearance to the 2003 World Cup finals. He is still Australia’s most-capped fullback.

Andrew Hall is the Technical Director for Rugby Ontario. He described Damien’s Monday visit to the Ontario U19 as a privilege to the young athletes.

“Having someone of his stature come and work with our players and coaching staff is a rare event in Ontario and I am sure that they will get a great deal out of the experience,” Hall said.

Damien Fitzpatrick has a stunning resume of his own at just 23 years of age. He captained the Australia Schoolboys Rugby Club in 2007 and Australia to the Junior World Championships. He made his Super 14 debut at age 19 and was selected in the Wallabies pre-tour squad at the end of 2009. He is currently a starting hooker for the New South Wales Blues. Simon Law described Damien as “115 kilograms of pure hatred.”

Guy and Damien’s decision to come to Canada on their own budgets is an opportunity Andrew Hall is proud to receive, and he is confident Ontario’s U19 players will feel the same way as they will walk away from the visit with valuable wisdom that can only be gained from players like Matt Burke and Damien Fitzgerald.

“Rubbing shoulders with professionals and legends of the game is one of rugby’s endearing qualities and for those in Ontario who get to interact with Matt and Damien I am sure they will be inspired to push themselves to be the best rugby players the can be,” Hall said. “Events like this do not come around too often and I hope the players take every opportunity to tap into Matt and Damien’s collective knowledge.”

WOLF PACK PARTNERS WITH PEAK POWER

Monday, May 14, 2012 - Submitted by Wolf Pack Communications
It is with great pleasure that the Prairie Wolf Pack announce a new partnership with Peak Power out of Calgary, AB.  The announcement comes as a big boost to the Wolf Pack, as the program has been actively sourcing partners who can offer something special to the players.  

Peak Power are a full service strength and conditioning outfit who have been working out of Calgary for a number of years.  They have provided services to many of the local rugby clubs, varsity athletes, Canadian alpine skiers and a number of other sports.  They will offer the Wolf Pack players (from all regions) the guidance and direction for their off field training and conditioning.

Wolf Pack director Ryan Smith had this to say about the partnership - “I had the opportunity to work with Mike and Shawn at Peak Power in the buildup to the RWC 2011 and for me, it was the biggest difference I’ve seen from that part of my training in 9 years with the national team”. 

“To be able to partner with Peak for the next couple of years, we are now able to offer our players the same level of expertise, professionalism and high calibre training atmosphere as the rest of the national team players”.    

Shawn Preston who worked with Ryan for the year prior to the World Cup, had this to say about the deal:

“We are excited to build an ongoing relationship as the official regional provider of Strength and Conditioning services to the Wolf Pack Athletes.  After being appointed by Rugby Canada to work personally with Ryan Smith in preparation for the 2011 Rugby World Cup we have taken a greater interest in the development of local and regional Rugby talent.  We see the potential for future National team members emerging from this region as a reality, and a goal of ours is to be a part of this.  There is no better avenue than to be on the forefront of this process than joining forces with the Prairie Wolf Pack.  
Our role is to Train and Educate the Wolf Pack Athletes at practices, training camps, and games.  We will also provide high performance training options for the Wolf Pack Athletes to access.  Components of our program will encompass Speed Development, Conditioning, Olympic Lifting Instruction, and Strength Programming. The program will be designed to reduce injury and optimally in turn increase on field performance.  We want to help maximize every Wolf Pack Athletes’ potential for Performance on the field and to do that we found that we must offer every option of High Performance Training to the Club”.  

For details on maximizing your potential athletic abilities please visit www.sportdevelopment.com

For details on the Wolf Pack program visit
www.wolfpackrugby.com 

Apparently during last nights broadcast, Gareth Rees mentioned that Chauncey O'Toole is going to concentrate on 7s over the next year. I assume he would still probably be available for 15s test matches, but not look for employment in Europe anymore.

CAN U20 FALL TO THE ROCK

Monday, May 14, 2012 - Submitted by RC Communications
The Rock fresh off their close win over the Maple Leafs yesterday afternoon returned to Bear Mountain Stadium in Langford BC tonight to face the National Under Twenty squad. This match gave the young players some vital experience before the fast approaching World Junior Rugby Trophy in June. 
 
Tonight’s match was an opportunity for these players to play in front of U20 Head Coach, Mike Shelley as he continues the selection process for the Junior World Rugby Trophy.
 
The matched started with both teams battling hard for possession. 
11:18 in the first after an excellent break from Llyr Morris, Andy Neynhuis fended off one of the U20 players and got over the line with a big reach scoring the first try of the game.  Morris successfully made the conversion. 
 
The Rock continued driving forward, taking advantage of their slightly larger stature over the younger U20 squad. 
 
At 20:40 Canada was called for leaving their feet.  The Rock took advantage when Morris made the kick straight in front of the posts from about 33 meters out increasing The Rocks lead 10-0.
 
The Rock continued playing a very organized and disciplined game, and at 23:43 Ellis Gray managed to take advantage of a two on one, scoring The Rock’s second try of the game. Morris made the conversion increasing The Rock’s lead to 17-0.
 
At 30:40 Andy Nainhuse scored his second try of the match after a great individual effort. Neynhuis managed to take advantage of a Canadian turnover before slipping multiple tackles. The Rock led the game 22-0.
 
Late in the first Canada was able to get the ball out wide to Jon West who took off on a great run scoring Canada’s first try of the match.  Doug Crowe successfully made the conversion.  The score at the end of the first was 22-7 in favor of The Rock.
 
The Second half started much like the first, with The Rock’s big forwards charging hard into the Canadian end and at 5:01 in the second The Rock broke through the Canadian defense to score the first try of the half, giving themselves a 27-7 lead.
 
Walker Blizzard increased the Rocks lead after catching a U20 player flatfooted and was able to run the ball between the posts. Morris added the extra two points bringing the Rock to 34 points. 
 
As the second half continued Canada started to find their game and at 
25:15 Patrick Kay was able to step out of a tackle getting Canada on the board in the second. Doug Crowe made the conversion bringing the score to 34-14.  
 
Two minutes later Canada was really starting to click and at 26:44 Mike Feualifau made a good break before feeding Jon West who scored his second try of the game.  The conversion was good closing the gap 34-21.
 
The Rock answered by applying solid pressure before Morris scored the final try of the game at 37:43, Scott Forrest made the conversion.  
 
The final score was 41-21 in favor of The Rock. 
 
Although The National U20 squad didn’t come out on top there was plenty of positives to pull from the game. 
 
“This was a great chance for us to play against more physical side than we expected” Said Mike Shelley “We approached this game by telling our players to do on the field what we have been doing in training, and I think we achieved that.”
 
The National U20 team will have more opportunities to prepare for the Junior World Rugby Trophy as they play two test matches against USA on May 23rd and 26th. 
 
Canadian U20 Roster:
Name (Club) (Hometown)
 
1.Noah Barker - Vancouver Rowers ( Courtenay, B.C)
2.Eric Selvaggi - Aurora Barbarians (Woodbridge, ON)
3.Jake Ilnicki *C - UVic Vikes/ Williams Lake Rustlers (Williams Lake, BC)
4.Jacob Rumball - Balmy Beach Rugby Club (Toronto ON)
5.Matthew Heaton - St-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC (Godmanchester, QC)
6.Andrew McGinn – JBAA (Victoria, BC)
7. Chase Kelliher - Capilano RFC (North Vancouver, BC)
8.Tua Vaa - Velox RFC (Victoria, BC)
9. Caleb Hanson – Rowing Club (Courtenay, BC)
10. Doug Crowe – Rowing Club (Courtenay, BC)
11. Josh Hart - Cowichan RFC (Minitonas, MB)
12. Graydyn Bowd – Rowing Club, Red Deer Titans (Red Deer, AB)
13.Luc Pearson - Lindsay R.F.C (Lindsay, ON)
14.Tomas Costanzo - St Ann de belle (Montreal QB)
15.Mike Dalsin – Castaway Wanderers (Victoria, BC) 
16. Casey Reed -Moosejaw Nads (Airdrie, AB)
17.Kurt Gibbons - Markham Irish (Markham, ON)
18.Luke Campbell - UVIC/JBAA (Victoria, BC)
19. Fuku Vikilani - Burnaby Lake Club (Vancouver, BC)
20.Lucien Nel -  Worcester, South Africa
21. Patrick Kay -UVIC Vikes (Duncan, BC)
22. Michael Feualifau -UVIC Vikes (Victoria, BC)
23.Jon West - Markham Irish RFC (Scarborough ON)
 
Coach - Mike Shelley
Manager - Des Lynch
 
The Rock Roster:
Name (Club) (Hometown)
 
1.Jim Bang – Montréal Irish (Montréal QC)
2.Chris Seyler- Ottawa Irish (Ottawa, ON)
3.Keelan Chapman - St-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC (Montréal QC)
4.Ryan Monohan – Baymen RC (Conception Bay South, NL)
5. Andy Neynhuis - Fredericton Loyalists (Fredericton, NB)
6. Jasmin Kukavica - Fredericton Loyalists (Fredericton, NB)
7. Mike Hamson - Halifax Tars (Halifax,NS)
8. Jon Antoneccia - St-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC (Montréal QC)
9. Scott Forrest *C - Halifax Tars (Halifax,NS)
10. Llyr Morris - Mudmen RFC (Charlottetown, PEI)
11. Evan Lacey – Swilers (St.John’s NL)
12. Bryce Thomassin - St-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC (Pointe Claire, QC)
13. Hayden Thomassin - St-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC (Pointe Claire, QC)
14. Walker Blizzard - Trojans (Saint John, NB)
15. Ellis Gray - Halifax Tars/Dalhousie Men (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
 
Coach - Dr. Pat Parfrey
Coach Simon Blanks
Coach - Brian Krawetz
Doctor/Asst. Coach - Dr. John Gillis
Manager - Rick Graham
 

It is either that or go back and play for CW. From Glasgow and the Ospreys to the 7s tour. If he is going to concentrate on 7s, Crowley should look to break-in a couple of new back rowers.

Coetzee said he was very pleased with the debut of Canada and London Irish loose forward Jebb Sinclair last Saturday.

"It's still too early in the week to say he'll be in the starting line-up against the Waratahs," said Coetzee. "But he won't let the side down. He's done so well considering he was not at all our training sessions last week but we got what we expected from an international player. He played on instinct."

There’s no doubting the motivational abilities of the Rock coach, Dr. Pat Parfrey. “Run you _ _ _ _ [insert favourite descriptor here]” can be heard around the stadium. A few chuckles can be heard among the sparse pods of rugby faithful attending the game. Whatever Parfrey brings to the coaching table, it works wonders. As proof we witnessed the decimation of the national U20 hopefuls at the hands of the older, harder and often more skilled Rock development squad. The final tally was 41-21 but it was 34-7 in the second half before U20 coach Mike Shelley brought on some of his first stringers who added a couple of tallies.

Even though their opposition were older, the physicality the U20 faced today is similar to what they'll face at the hands of teams like Georgia. Basically it's time to toughen up. In fairness to the U20 program these weren't necessarily the first string, but players looking to impress the coaching staff. It was a good chance to see who had it, who didn't and who merited further looks. One player that really stood out today was Pat Kay, to be honest when watching him play at #10 in the BC Premier for the Vikes, I wasn't completely sold on his "star" quality, but then I was comparing him to the likes of Nathan Hirayama and Sean Duke. When he came on in the second half of this game he basically owned it and helped turn the tide in favour of the U20 team. The same could be said, to a lesser extent, of his UVic teammate Mike Feualifau, average at the BC Premier level, but outstanding at this level. Another player who impressed many in the stands was Jon West, he wasn't even on the 22 man roster and showed up in a jersey with no number, but he quickly made himself noticed with his play. Those 3 I would say are certainties for selection on the U20 squad. Of the starting XV, the only player that caught my eye was wearing the #11 jersey, Josh Hart.

For the Rock there were a number of impressive performances, I wasn't watching them as closely so I don't have the names but hopefully will get a chance to see them in action again later in the week.

The Americans show up in over a week with 2 games to be played, a mid-week at Shawnigan (23rd) and a weekend game (26th) at Bear Mountain. The last chance to impress the coach before selections are made for the June tournament in Salt Lake City.

Two players who I feel are vital to the success of the U20 effort, Taylor Paris and Conor McCann, are noticeably absent during this build up period. Taylor may be injured, but hopefully will be fit for the tournament. He missed the 2011 tournament due to injury and was sorely missed. Both of these players may be torn, the senior tests are at the same time as the U20 tournament and both are good enough to be in the loop for selection. The senior gig is obviously a higher profile and they would be eyeing that possibility but the U20 program desperately needs them, and I mean desperately. I'm not sure what goes on among the coaches at Rugby Canada but Kieran Crowley needs to sit these two down and say "you're good enough for senior consideration but the U20 program needs you, put in the effort there and I'll keep you in mind for the November tests". Mike Shelley needs to show up at their door with flowers and a box of chocolates, a team is not built on two players but after watching the Romania games and this game last night, it's not going to get done without these two... my view anyway.

other than UVic and UBC, what colleges are good in rugby up there?

Pretty sure Guelph in Ontario has a solid team.

Nope. Weren't they stood down last year for some sort of internal rule violation?

Western and Queens are the two perennial giants in Ontario.


Agree with BC rugby news' stance on Mike Fulieafau. Just doesn't cut it imo. I was shocked to see another Samoan's name in the U20s as well, Tua Vaa. I've seen him play a few times and feel there must be plenty better 8s about in this country. He'll improve, but I'm not convinced he'll become the next Toby Faletau (who's Tongan, but who has a similar body type).

Yeah, from club games I mean (I didn't see the U20s). I just don't know if he has what it takes to play at the next level. Definitely doesn't have the build to be a power runner, and doesn't seem to have the gas to hit the line and make stuff happen like Trainor does.

Good call on the 'first up tackling'. I think it's a big problem here - defensive awareness, defensive coordination, and consistently making effective tackles. We don't shy from big hits, but it's like Canadian teams go to sleep from time to time, providing opportunities to more astute attacking teams. Watched a kiwi schools match the other day and wasn't overly impressed with even Hamilton Boys' attack vs. St. Peter's, but both sides tackled like their lives depended on it. I've seen similar physicality and even skill sets in Canada, but the vision to spot threats and position for subsequent phases, the discipline and determination to shut down attacking options - not to mention ability to dominate the contact area 1 v 1 - is often missing.

...
The Rock Roster:
Name (Club) (Hometown)
 
1.Jim Bang – Montréal Irish (Montréal QC)
2.Chris Seyler- Ottawa Irish (Ottawa, ON)
3.Keelan Chapman - St-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC (Montréal QC)
4.Ryan Monohan – Baymen RC (Conception Bay South, NL)
5. Andy Neynhuis - Fredericton Loyalists (Fredericton, NB)
6. Jasmin Kukavica - Fredericton Loyalists (Fredericton, NB)
7. Mike Hamson - Halifax Tars (Halifax,NS)
8. Jon Antoneccia - St-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC (Montréal QC)
9. Scott Forrest *C - Halifax Tars (Halifax,NS)
10. Llyr Morris - Mudmen RFC (Charlottetown, PEI)
11. Evan Lacey – Swilers (St.John’s NL)
12. Bryce Thomassin - St-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC (Pointe Claire, QC)
13. Hayden Thomassin - St-Anne-de-Bellevue RFC (Pointe Claire, QC)
14. Walker Blizzard - Trojans (Saint John, NB)
15. Ellis Gray - Halifax Tars/Dalhousie Men (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
 ...

Sinclair has the start at 8 for the stormers this weekend!

http://planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,38 ... 99,00.html

Out of curiosity is he the first Canuck to ever play in super rugby?

What about the centre South Africa poached in the 90s?

Christian Stewart. Canuck of Saffer parentage (I think - wiki says he was born in Toronto) who moved back and got Bok caps after Canuck caps, when you could still do that.

Did he grow up in Safferland, or did he actually learn to become so good here?

Ah him, was he involved in the punch up in '95?

NSMT ROSTER ANNOUNCED FOR UPCOMING SUMMER TEST MATCH SERIES

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Submitted by RC Communications
Rugby Canada is pleased to announce the roster for the upcoming series of International test matches taking place across Canada this summer. The National Senior Men will be taking on teams from the United States, at Richardson Stadium in Kingston, ON, Italy, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, and Georgia, at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, BC.

Head Coach Kieran Crowley has selected 26 players to compete in these three International test matches. Overall, 17 players will be returning from the 2011 Rugby World Cup squad to compete.

Returning players include: DTH Van der Merwe, Jebb Sinclair, and Conor Trainor, the young player who managed to score two tries against the New Zealand All Blacks, the eventual World Champions.

World Cup members missing from the roster are World Cup Captain Pat Riordan and Ryan Smith, who have both retired, as well as some other members of the 2011 squad not present due to unavailability or injury. These vacant spots have been filled with exciting, young players, eager to impress the coaching staff and fans alike.

“With retirement and unavailability of some players, we are looking at testing some of our younger players in these Internationals to get a measure of where they are with their development,” said National Men’s Head Coach Kieran Crowley. “We don’t get too many opportunities to play quality teams like this.”

This series provides opportunities for young players like Brett Beukeboom, Tyler Ardron, and Jeff Hassler, who are looking to earn their first cap this summer.

“These players have been selected because they have proven themselves in the past, whether on the National Sevens squad, the U20 National Team, or in the CRC,” said Crowley. “This is a great opportunity for players to push themselves in preparation for the future.”

Over the last couple of years, the National Senior Men’s team had been focusing on the 2011 World Cup, however now their focus is set on the June test matches.

“We are going to try and win, as well as continuing the development of our players,” said Crowley. “The coaching staff is looking to get a performance from our athletes that will give us the results we want.”

“These matches will be a great test for our group, as it is the first time since the Rugby World Cup the team has been on the field,” said National Program Manager Gareth Rees. “Games such as these, are a great measuring stick for Canada to find out how we rank against similarly ranked teams as well as a fully-professional, six nations competitor.”

Roster - NAME - CLUB TEAM (HOMETOWN)
1.Ryan Hamilton – BC CRC Team (West Vancouver, BC)
2.Mike Pletch – Ontario Blues (Lucan, ON)
3.Hubert Buydens – Prairie Wolf Pack (Saskatoon, SK)
4.Doug Wooldridge – Ontario Blues (Lindsay, ON)
5.Tom Dolezel – Ontario Blues (London, ON)
6.Andrew Tiedemann – Prairie Wolf Pack (St. Albert, AB)
7.Jon Phelan – The Rock (Montreal, QC)
8.Tyler Hotson – Plymouth Albion (Vancouver, BC)
9.Brett Beukeboom – Ontario Blues (Lindsay, ON)
10.Jebb Sinclair - DHL Stormers  (Charters Settlement, NB)
11.Chauncey O’Toole – The Rock (Belleisle, NB)
12.Nanyak Dala – Prairie Wolf Pack (Saskatoon, SK)
13.Aaron Carpenter – Plymouth Albion (Brantford, ON)
14.Tyler Ardron – Ontario Blues (Lakefield, ON)
15.Sean White – BC CRC Team (Victoria, BC)
16.Ed Fairhurst – BC CRC Team (Vancouver, BC)
17.Connor Braid – BC CRC Team (Victoria, BC)
18.Matt Evans – Cornish Pirates (Duncan, BC)
19.DTH Van der Merwe – Glasgow Warriors (Victoria, BC)
20.Mike Scholz – Ontario Blues (Oakville, ON)
21.Conor Trainor – BC CRC Team (Vancouver, BC)
22.Sean Duke – BC CRC Team (Vancouver, BC)
23.Jeff Hassler –Prairie Wolf Pack (Okotoks, AB)
24.Ciaran Hearn – The Rock (Conception Bay, NL)
25.Phil Mackenzie – Esher RFC (Oakville, ON)
26.James Pritchard – Bedford Blues (Parkes, NSW, Australia)
27. Jamie Mackenzie - Esher RFC (Oakville, ON)

Schedule:
CANADA vs. USA
Saturday, June 9th @2pm
Richardson Stadium – Kingston, ON
Tickets available at www.kingstonrugby.ca

CANADA vs. ITALY
Friday, June 15th @7pm
BMO Field – Toronto, ON
Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.ca

CANADA vs. GEORGIA
Saturday, June 23rd @2pm
Swangard Stadium – Burnaby, BC
Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.ca

My 22 for the June tests.

1. Buydens
2. Hamilton
3. Tiedemann. (not sure who to start here)
4. Hotson
5. Phelan
6. Sinclair
7. O'Toole
8. Carpenter

9. White
10. Evans
11. Mackenzie
12. Trainor
13. DTH
14. Duke
15. Pritchard

16. Pletch
17. Woolridge
18. Ardron
19. Dala
20. J. Mackenzie
21. Braid
22. Hearn

OAKVILLE TRIO TO PLAY IN RUGBY CANADA SUMMER SERIES

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 - Submitted by insidehalton.com
Oakville’s Phil Mackenzie, Jamie Mackenzie and Mike Scholz have been named to the Canadian roster for this summer’s international test matches.
 
The Canadian squad will play the United States Saturday, June 9 in Kingston; Italy at BMO Field in Toronto Friday, June 15 and Georgia Saturday, June 23 in Burnaby, B.C.
 
The local trio are among 17 players who were also on Canada’s Rugby World Cup roster last year.
 
“These players have been selected because they have proven themselves in the past, whether on the National Sevens squad, the U20 National Team, or in the CRC,” said Crowley. “This is a great opportunity for players to push themselves in preparation for the future.”
 
Phil, who scored two trys in the World Cup, and Jamie McKenzie played professionally with Esher Rugby Football Club, a second division team in Surrey, England.
 
Scholz, who plays for the Ontario Blues, won a gold medal with Canada at the Pan Am Games in Rio de Janeiro last year.

2012 Summer Tests SEND TO FACEBOOK
Canada Announces Selection for Three Summer Tests - USA, Italy, Georgia

[ed. comments below]
posted May 16 2012

The roster for the three home tests this summer has been announced by Rugby Canada. Not too many surprises but we’ll go through the list.

Who’s missing

One name that jumps out immediately is Adam Kleeberger, no explanation on the RC release. You’d think he’s a shoe-in at loose forward. Also the young-uns, Taylor Paris and Conor McCann are not on the list which means they’ve been assigned to the U20s. A necessary step in their career I think. Hope they agree and show up in the U20 colours. Ander Monro, the maestro, as they refer to him at the Castaway Wanderers. He’s getting older, has a family to think about but not sure what the reasoning is in leaving him off. Nate Hirayama, the backup #10 I would think, so again what’s the story behind his exclusion? Is it politics, is it injury, is it careers and family... you’ll probably find the answer to these questions on the sideline.

By position

The RC release doesn’t give positions but generally lists them as such so let’s take a look.

Front Row

1.Ryan Hamilton – Capilano (West Vancouver, BC)
2.Mike Pletch – Castaway Wanderers (Lucan, ON)
3.Hubert Buydens – Castaway Wanderers (Saskatoon, SK)
4.Doug Woolridge – Ontario Blues (Lindsay, ON)
5.Tom Dolezel – Ontario Blues (London, ON)
6.Andrew Tiedemann – Castaway Wanderers (St. Albert, AB)

So who takes over for Pat Riordan at hooker, Mike Pletch I guess. He’s being playing well in the BC Premier, he satisfied his RC masters by touring with a CRC team, so checked off both boxes, playing skills and political favours. Only question is the hooker who was playing in Australia, Ray Barkwill, who toured with the Ontario Blues. Either he has commitments or didn’t get the job done on tour, not sure of the answer on that one. Everyone in the front row club is well known and all played in the BC Premier league at one point in time. Which reminds me, where is Jason Marshall, injured or didn’t pass the fitness test or back to France?

Second Row

7.Jon Phelan – The Rock (Montreal, QC)
8.Tyler Hotson – Plymouth Albion (Vancouver, BC)
9.Brett Beukeboom – Ontario Blues (Lindsay, ON)

Canada desperately needs some dominant 2nd row players. Jamie Cudmore, of course, comes to mind but I guess he’s saying he needs the summer off after a hectic professional schedule. Brett Beukeboom has been at Clermont Academy, haven’t really seen him much at this level. Tyler Hotson from UBC, then Plymouth Albion, moving onto another team apparently next year. I can’t think of any up and coming 2nd rows that have stood out. It’s an area that Canadian rugby is pretty thin at the moment. Jon Phelan is playing for the Rock this afternoon against CW so worth a look.

Loose Forwards

10.Jebb Sinclair - DHL Stormers (Charters Settlement, NB)
11.Chauncey O’Toole – The Rock (Belleisle, NB)
12.Nanyak Dala – Castaway Wanderers (Saskatoon, SK)
13.Aaron Carpenter – Plymouth Albion (Brantford, ON)
14.Tyler Ardron – Ontario Blues (Lakefield, ON)

Canada have a pretty good selection of loose forwards. Sinclair can go to second row or loose forward. As mentioned before Kleeberger is missing. Ardron is the new kid coming off the U20 stint.

Scrum half

15.Sean White – James Bay (Victoria, BC)
16.Ed Fairhurst – UBCOB Ravens (Vancouver, BC)

The world cup pairing, Ed is getting up there and Sean is the heir apparent. Surprised that someone like Eric Wilson is not getting more of a look. They’re hanging on a bit with this selection, again surprised that if Ed is selected then why not Ander?

Flyhalf

17.Connor Braid – James Bay (Victoria, BC)
18.Matt Evans – Cornish Pirates (Duncan, BC)

Two Vancouver Island boys, both young and this is a step up this summer to share the #10 role without Ander Monro present. This is probably the most interesting position to watch this summer, who will emerge as the new standoff? Again where is Nathan Hirayama?

The Backs

19.DTH Van der Merwe – Glasgow Warriors (Victoria, BC)
20.Mike Scholz – Castaway Wanderers (Oakville, ON)
21.Conor Trainor – BC CRC Team (Vancouver, BC)
22.Sean Duke – UVic (Vancouver, BC)
23.Jeff Hassler –James Bay (Okotoks, AB)
24.Ciaran Hearn – Castaway Wanderers (Conception Bay, NL)
25.Phil Mackenzie – Esher RFC (Oakville, ON)
26.James Pritchard – Bedford Blues (Parkes, NSW, Australia)
27. Jamie Mackenzie - Esher RFC (Oakville, ON)

Some of these are mix and match in terms of position. Many can play centre as well as wing or fullback. Good to see Sean Duke who should have been in the World Cup squad selected. Jeff Hassler has really been coming along well, playing 7s also for James Bay in the BC Premier. I thought he was one of the best backs in the BC finals game. Good to see DTH show up even though he’s reached “celebrity” status in the professional leagues. Conor McCann and Taylor Paris are missing but should be following DTH’s example and doing their duty for the U20 team.

So overall a good, capable mix of players. Good luck this summer in the three tests.

Schedule:
CANADA vs. USA
Saturday, June 9th @2pm
Richardson Stadium – Kingston, ON
Tickets available at http://www.kingstonrugby.ca

CANADA vs. ITALY
Friday, June 15th @7pm
BMO Field – Toronto, ON
Tickets available at http://www.ticketmaster.ca

CANADA vs. GEORGIA
Saturday, June 23rd @2pm
Swangard Stadium – Burnaby, BC
Tickets available at http://www.ticketmaster.ca

The Rock Vs Castaway Wanderers Tonight at 6pm @ Windsor Park: Lineups Included

posted May 16 2012
[ed. comments below]

If you're looking to watch some entertaining rugby tonight get down to Windsor Park in Oak Bay for the Rock vs CW at 6pm.

A quick glance at the lineups reveals some recognizable names. Zac Coughlan from James Bay reunites with the Rock, Ciaran Hearn will face-off against his CW teammates. There's a mix of their 1st and 2nd team so looks to be a fairly strong lineup. For CW Ken Goodland will face-off against his Rock teammates and Pita Savea from the Prems is playing. The CW lineup also looks like a mix of 1st and 2nd team players with some invites like Doug Fraser from the UVic Norsemen.

The Rock

1. Jim Bang
2. Chris Burt
3. Stephen Cutcliffe
4. Jon Phelan
5. Teddy Cadigan
6. Jasmin Kukavica
7. Mike Hamson
8. Zac Coughlan

9. Dennis Maher
10. Patrick Parfrey
11. Patrick McNicholas
12. Llyr Morris
13. Ciaran Hearn
14. Kyle McGuirk
15. Ellis Gray

CW Invitational XV

1. Clayton Thornber
2. Doug Hepp
3. Thomas Pynn
4. Jason Hodge
5. Gord Kehoe
6. Kiel Horan
7. Riley Ilnicki
8. Ken Goodland (c)

9. Blaidd Jenkins (I)
10. Pita Savea
11. Jed Alexander (I)
12. Doug Fraser
13. Mack Poole
14. John Wolfe
15. Luke McLoskey

16. Sean Kinsella
17. Mike Crawford
18. Senna
19. Ian Manly
20. Sasha Gray
21. Vaughn Gaston
22. Fletcher Evans

du Toit beats kiwis in Japanese tourney


For a hometown player, the crowning moment of a youth rugby tournament in Japan was upsetting a powerful squad from New Zealand
 
THE TIMES MAY 15, 2012


Maple Ridge native Guiseppe du Toit and his teammates from Shawnigan Lake School recently pulled off one of the biggest wins in the history of the prestigious Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament in Japan.

The Canadian contingent surprised many by beating top-seeded Kelston Boys High School from New Zealand.

The three-time B.C. provincial championship squad from Shawnigan Lake travelled to the Sanix Tournament for the first time, knowing that it would be up against some of the best young teams on the planet.

"Going into the tournament we wanted to compete and measure ourselves against some of the best teams in the world," du Toit said.

"Our expectations were that it would be high-quality rugby, and that we would have to raise our own level of play to compete with the other teams."

The Sanix tournament is held annually in the Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan. Participation is by invitation only, and the overseas schools selected by their respective unions to represent their country are generally expected to be of a high standard and among the top five in each country.

It is a unique competition in world rugby for high schools, and is often referred to as a "mini World Cup."

Since no Canadian team to date has managed more than one win at the tournament, Shawnigan was not considered one of the favourites going into their draw.

However, the Canadians did something that no other team at the tournament managed to do when they pulled off a win against Kelston, widely regarded as the best high school team on the planet and Kelston Boys eventually went on to win the 2012 Sanix title.

For du Toit it was the crowning moment. "Personally, this was one of the highlights on the tour for me because my kicking had peaked just at the right time and I kicked 12 points, as well as a drop kick from the 40-metre line," he said. "Afterwards we were all ecstatic. It was one of them most intense and stressful games we as a team have ever played."

All in all, the Shawnigan team set a new Canadian record at the tournament by recording four wins in six games and finishing 10th overall, the highest place finish for a Canadian team ever.

Du Toit picked up his first rugby ball at age of four in his native country of South Africa. In 2000, he immigrated to Canada and continued playing rugby under Malcolm Knox, the coach of the Maple Ridge Bruins.

He has since taken on Canadian citizenship and recently had the opportunity to represented his adopted country for the first time on the U17 team that went to the 2012 International Rugby Festival at Wellington College in the UK in April.

Previous Canadian schools that have competed in the Sanix Tournament are limited to Carson Graham in 2007 (15th place, 16 teams) and 2009 (19th place, 20 teams), as well as Sinclair Secondary School in Ontario in 2008 (16th place, 16 teams).

© Copyright (c) Maple Ridge Times

I wonder if Pita Savea is eligible for RC selection? He's a beast. I haven't seen him play 10, admittedly, as Velox had him as a FB / wing iirc.



He's surely learning from Ander at CW now that he's moved.

Is Conor related to Tony McCann - a scrummie for Canada in the early 90s?

Born in Canada but raised in South Africa. He was a SA trained rugger. Called by RC, he played a bit on the Island (JBAA?) before starting with Canada. Played in the 91 and 95 RWCs for us. A good player.

Rod Snow played for Eastern Province (I believe) after the 95 RWC. I do not believe any Canuck has played Super Rugby before Sinclair. Bryan would know for sure.

I wonder if Pita Savea is eligible for RC selection? He's a beast. I haven't seen him play 10, admittedly, as Velox had him as a FB / wing iirc.[/img]