Canada’s Rugby Sevens squad ready to hit the pitch at Delhi CWG
By ANIThursday, September 16, 2010
NEW DELHI - The Canadian Men’s Rugby Sevens team is poised to mount a strong challenge against many of the world’s top rugby nations at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, next month.
The Rugby Sevens tournament in Delhi will be the first opportunity to witness this unique brand of high-octane action in a multi-sport setting since it was added to the Olympic program a year ago. Canada will be up against rugby powers like the three-time defending gold medalist All Blacks from New Zealand, along with the perennial medal threats from England, Australia, Fiji and South Africa amongst the 16-team tournament.
“I know that the Rugby Sevens tournament in Delhi will be one of the hottest spectator draws of these Games,” said Martha Deacon, Canada’s Chef de Mission. “It’s a great test for our talented Canadian squad.”
Head Coach, Geraint John, says the introduction of Rugby Sevens into the Olympic program in 2016 has brought renewed energy to this fast-paced brand of rugby. He expects the Canadian squad to show well on the Commonwealth Games stage where so many top teams are competing. “Six of the seven players who started for us in the Bowl Championship (consolation final) at the Hong Kong Tournament in March will be with us in Delhi. We won that final over Wales and we’ll be carrying that momentum into the Commonwealth Games next month.”
Players named by Rugby Canada to Team Canada for the 2010 Commonwealth Games were selected based on their performance in domestic and international competition over the last six months. They include:
Nanyak DALA Saskatoon, SK
Thyssen de Goede (Victoria, BC)
Sean Duke (Vancouver, BC)
Ciaran Hearn (Conception Bay, NF)
Nathan Hirayama (Richmond, BC)
Phil Mack (Victoria, BC)
Ian Schoults (Calgary, AB)
Neil Meechan (Maple Ridge, BC)
Justin Mensah-Coker (Vancouver, BC)
John Moonlight (Pickering, ON)
Taylor Paris (Barrie, ON)
Conor Trainor (Vancouver, BC)
Coach - Geraint John
Assistant Coach: Quentin Fyffe
Team Manager: Rodger Swany (ANI)
