The Langford-based Canadian men’s rugby team is crossing the strait for the big-city spotlight of B.C. Place today and Sunday as host of the HSBC Canada Sevens.
Victoria players Anton Ngongo, Brennig Prevost and Lachlan Kratz will be basking in the home-province glow. Claremont Secondary graduate Ngongo is from Castaway Wanderers, Glenlyon Norfolk School-product Prevost from the UVic Vikes and Oak Bay Secondary grad Kratz is a pro with NOLA Gold of New Orleans in Major League Rugby. Also on the roster are Matthew Oworu and D’Shawn Bowen from Island-based Pacific Pride.
In the past, the Canada Sevens has drawn single-day crowds approaching 40,000 at B.C. Place.
“The opportunity to compete against the world’s best teams in front of a passionate Canadian crowd is a thrilling prospect for this group of players,” Canadian head coach Henry Paul said in a statement.
“Having played in front of a reduced crowd in 2021, the team is excited to be back in front of a full-capacity B.C. Place this weekend for what is sure to be an incredible two-days.”
Veterans Jake Thiel and Cooper Coats draw in after missing last week’s Singapore Sevens in which Canada went 0-5.
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 Paul.
Canada comes into B.C. Place at 14th in the HSBC World Series standings following the rough run last week in Singapore. The South Africa Blitzboks top the table, followed by Australia and Argentina.
The host Canadians are in a difficult Pool C this weekend in Vancouver along with South Africa and Australia and will need to target a win over Spain.
The team to watch at B.C. Place will be the swift two-time defending Rio and Tokyo Olympic-champion Fijians, who beat New Zealand 28-27 last weekend in the final at Singapore.
