Canada Rugby
Day One @ Mandela...So Far
Well, we knew it would be no easy task. The Blitzbokke came out firing and Cecil Afrika, flying, they kept possession from Canada who found themselves 17 points awry at the half. Our boys played it tough in the second half with Mack crossing to get it to 7 - 17, leaving the second half "tied"...
R.I.P., Nelson Mandela
He emerged into bright winter sunshine, stepped on to the lush field and pulled on a cap. His long-sleeve green rugby jersey was untucked and buttoned right up to the top, a style all his own. On the back, a gold No.6, big and bold. Within seconds, the chants went up from the fans packed...
What A Difference A Week Makes
Phil Mack featured here. Phil was the tourney's #5 leading scorer. Portugal took delight in avenging a heavy loss in XV's, this time last week to Canada, when they finally broke away in the last minute or so of play in the Dubai Sevens, Bowl semi final, last night. The match was 14 - 12 @...
And The Winners Are....
Australian Women's Sevens who came from behind, 7 - 27 to defeat N.Z. in the Dubai Finals by a score of 35 - 27. Canadian women lost in an upset to a last minute try by Russia, 10 - 15. This gave the ladies a fourth place standing. Canada had their two top players unable to make the trip due...
Day One - Canada Women In Dubai
Canada's NSWT moved into the quarter finals after day#1 action in Dubai. The outcome is good however, the team would not have been happy as to how it occured, beeating France handsomely, thence tying Brazil and getting whitewashed against Australia. What Head Coach John Tait said following...
Just Deserves
CW offers its congratulations to newly announced Rugby Canada VII's Captain for the Dubai Sevens starting tomorrow, John Moonlight. Moonlight, who has been a consistent performer on the circuit in recent seasons, is joined by Nanyak Dala, Adam Kleeberger, Harry Jones, Ciaran Hearn, Connor...
Focus On Sevens
Canada's NSMT puts their "International Season" behind them and now switches their focus to the Sevens Circuit. Nine players who have been on the XV's squad will be fronting up at Dubai this coming weekend. Although it is difficult to think in one's mind about the switch in style of the...
Pritch Runs Riot
'onya, Pritch, you old Parkes Boar! James Pritchard led the scoring parade this morning in Lisbon with 27 points as Canada wailed on Portugal, 52 - 8. Pritch had a brace of tallies as well as Ciaran Hearn. Score at the interval favored Canada 25 - 3. Pritch also kicked 7/9 attempts at goal. ...
Hubie (Une Beardo) Takes The Reins
CW, Home Away From Home for Hubert Buydens, is proud to offer congratulations to him on the announcement of his appointment as Captain Canada against Protugal tomorrow. Hubert still calls the Wild Oats his Home club, even tho he hangs his hat at Windsor whenever he is not on the road or...
NSMT Nutted On Last Play
Rugby Canada faced the second of three similarly ranked opponents today in Bucharest, when they played Romania. Unfortunately for the boys, the result turned out to be the same as it was, same place, same time, one week ago when Romania defeated Tonga 19 - 18. Today it was 21 - 20. Romania...
News From Around The Rugby World
VANCOUVER: Rugby Canada provides the opportunity for a fantastic learning experience for current and future coaches, when Graham Henry and Wayne Smith, RWC coaching team winners with N.Z. at 2011 RWC, visit Vancouver on December 2ND. The clinic's duration will be four hours and registration...
Sleeping Giant Opens One Eye!
A sold out, 19,000 at PPL Park in Philadelphia last Saturday witnessed one of the finest performances from the Eagles, all time, in this viewer’s recall. The U.S had The Maori on the rope in a well officiated match from Canada’s Chris Assmus. He discerned the constant infractions by The...
Developmental Squads Go Undefeated in NACRA 7's
Canada's Women and Men went undefeated in Sevens action this past weekend in the North American and Carribean Championships. The Women walloped Mexico 51 - 0 in the Final and the guys, headed by a brace from CW's Mike Scholz, defeated U.S.A., 27 - 5. There are Utube clips floating around...
Georgia Upsets Canadian Visitors
Phil McKenzie grits against the Lelos. The game report on this one can be read on Rugby Canada or BC Rugby News websites, where reporters viewed the contest. One always knew this would be tough for Canada despite a stronger Canadian forward selection. Georgia has six of its starting...
Bring On Georgia
Ardron in action! We predict his return to the #8 position will reap reward. Rugby Canada has announced the NSMT to play Georgia tomorrow. The team is; 1- Hubert Buydens, (Saskatoon Wild Oats/Manawatu Turbos) Saskatoon, SK 2- Ray Barkwill, (Niagara Wasps RFC/Ontario Blues) Niagara Falls,...
.........And Learn, They Did!
You may have read it on this site a few days ago that much would be learned from the Women's game #1 loss to France. Clairvoyant, it was - quickly assimilated and acted upon. We dip our lids to the NSWT that defeated France 11 - 6 yesterday. Under inclement skies, the ladies scored the...
Going Forward - Rugby Canada's Plans For Elite Players
It is with interest that I read a recent article posted on Rugby Canada’s website, written by Meghan Mutrie, whether or not an “official voice” of R.C., I know not. The complete article can be read here and I’ll let the reader form their own opinions and questions. Basically, she proposes...
CW "Props Up" R.C.
CW has learned that "newly acquired" prop, DJ Sears has been called up to the National Team squad for the European Tour. Djustice will have the company of another "youngster", Jake Ilnicki who showed some game when he entered the fray late, against The Maori. These men, (19-22 years of age)...
"Never On A Sunday", Chant Maori.
Yesterday, some 22,500 took in the Canada Vs NZ Maori game in Toronto, a crowd somewhat paling the mere 3500 at Westhills for the ARC’s and probably nixing any future big matches for the west coast. On the tele, the atmosphere appeared to be magic with the exception of some voice...
Also, On Saturday
Let’s rewind to Saturday's 'Big Picture'. The NSWT lost a close one to France, ranked fourth place in XV’s standings and host of the RWC later this year. Canada, ranked sixth, got off to a slow start and reading between the lines on match reports, it was a game they still thought they could...
Where Did It Go??
Looking for the game? We were too! The Canada Vs N.Z. Maori match will be aired live on Ch #5 and #225 (HD), TOMORROW at 10:00 a.m. Rugby Canada has used its perogative of NOT announcing the lineup until tomorrow as this is not a certified "International Test"! One wonders what difference...
Young Guns Lead The Way
A feast of rugby takes place tomorrow. It all starts at 10:00 a.m. PST when Canada plays NZ Maori in Toronto. Unfortunately, at this late stage, we are still unable to procure a starting XV for the Maple Leafs but we know for sure there will be some Tricolor connections involved. We wish...
NACRA Sevens Squad Announced
CW ("ex") and Toronto Nomad, Lucas Hammond (Ed. - Aplogies to Lucas, as we hear he has transferred to UVic this season), has been announced as Captain of the Canadian team to play in the upcoming North American Caribbean Rugby Association Sevens, to be held in the Caymans on November 9,10. ...
Overseas Update
Former Tricolor, 'Jab' Sinclair tastes the nectar of victory! It’s been a dream start to their Ospreys careers for Jeff Hassler and Tyler Ardron. Both signed in the offseason to provide depth at the Welsh region and both have more than achieved that goal only weeks into the season....
Canada Squad Announced
Ardron on the fly Vs Maori Rugby Canada announced today the squad of twenty six players for final selection for the NZ Maori game in Toronto next weekend. The squad is as follows; Tyler Ardron, (Ospreys/Ontario Blues) Lakefield, ON Ray Barkwill, (Niagara Wasps RFC/Ontario Blues)...