Several players from the recent Americas Rugby Championship held at West-hills Stadium in Langford - including impact performers Connor Braid of Victoria, Tyler Ardron and Ray Barkwell - have been included for Canada's fixtures in Great Britain during the annual November Test match window.
"We've lost a lot of experience [through retirements] from the last World Cup and we want to see this next generation of players develop," said Canada head coach Kieran Crowley of Mill Bay.
Canada opens Nov. 9 against Samoa at Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay, Wales, and plays Russia at that same venue on Nov. 17. The tour concludes with a game against the New Zealand Maori on Nov. 23 at historic Iffley Road, Oxford.
"Samoa is ahead of us in the world rankings and all their players are pros, so that first game is going to be a big challenge," said Crowley.
"Russia is improving. And the Maori are very strong and will be a massive challenge for us. But we are taking the players we expect to climb onto the main-stage for us the next few years. These are the kinds of opportunities to gain the experience they need."
Among those named to the 26-player roster are Matt Evans of Duncan, Phil Mack of the UVic Vikes, Braid, Sean White and John Moonlight of James Bay Athletic Association and Nanyak Dala, Hubert Buy-dens and Ciaran Hearn of the Castaway Wanderers of Oak Bay.
The national team is based at the Rugby Canada Centre of Excellence in Langford. [email protected]
