The Langford-based Canadian men’s rugby team is criss-crossing the Pacific, getting off to a rough 0-3 start in group play in the Singapore Sevens on Saturday, before returning to host the Canada Sevens next weekend at B.C. Place.
Young Victoria players Anton Ngongo, Brennig Prevost and Lachlan Kratz are suiting up for Canada in Singapore. Ngongo is with the Castaway Wanderers, Prevost from the UVic Vikes and Kratz is a pro with NOLA Gold of New Orleans in Major League Rugby. As well, Matthew Oworu and D’Shawn Bowen are with Langford-based Pacific Pride.
Dave Richard took a pass from Prevost to the house for Canada’s lone try in the opening 31-5 loss to South Africa, Claremont Secondary graduate Ngongo scored a try in the 33-12 loss to the U.S. and Oak Bay Secondary graduate Kratz scored a try in the 24-7 loss to Kenya. Glenlyon-Norfolk School graduate Prevost led Canada with six tackles and five restarts and Kratz with seven runs. Canada was set to play France in the consolation round late Saturday.
Canada, looking long-term to Paris 2024 Olympic qualification, is in the midst of a major rebuild after the retirement of several foundational veterans following the quarter-final appearance in the Tokyo Olympics last summer.
“Some younger, up-and-coming players will continue to gain vital experience at the highest level,” said Canadian head coach Henry Paul, in a statement.
Canada went into Singapore 13th in the HSBC World Series standings.
The No. 8 Canadian women, meanwhile, continue preparations to host the HSBC World Series Canada Sevens April 30- May 1 at Starlight Stadium.
CONVERTS: The third-place Castaway Wanderers hosted fourth-place UBC Old Boy Ravens Saturday in a B.C. Premier League game at Windsor Park with all gate proceeds going to the local Ukrainian community in support of families relocating to the Island.
