Canada set for ‘home tournament’ in USA
Canada Sevens head coach Geraint John has announced his squad for the USA Sevens round of the HSBC Sevens World Series at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The event in Sin City is commonly referred to as Canada’s “home event” as it’s the closest World Series stop to Canada and thousands of parents, friends and fans embark yearly on the tournament to cheer on Canada’s sides.
Through the first three events of the season John’s side sits 13th in series standings with 14 points after failing to make the top-eight in any of the first three rounds in Australia, Dubai and South Africa.
Stalwarts Nanyak Dala, Justin Douglas, Harry Jones, Phil Mack, Conor Trainor and John Moonlight will lead John’s team against three difficult opponents in Pool A in South Africa, Kenya and Wales, with the latter captaining the side in Nathan Hirayama’s absence through injury.
Jordan Wilson-Ross is the only player set to make their debut, in an otherwise experienced squad for John and Sean White, who has 24 appearances for Canada’s fifteen-a-side team, returns to the Sevens game for the first time since 2012.
Despite a number of John’s players sidelined due to injuries – including prolific scorers Hirayama and Sean Duke – Canada’s coach is confident in his selection.
“We can’t hide the fact Duke and Hirayama were in the top three last year and Hearn has been renowned for his re-starts, but there’s circumstances that have happened and we have to move on as a team,” said John.
“Yes we have a few injuries right now, but it creates an opportunity for the next group of players to gain experience on the circuit.
“We know it’s going to be a physical challenge in Las Vegas because South Africa, Kenya and Wales are probably the three most physical teams on the circuit. I think the players that are in the team are physically strong.
“The key is for our players is to perform in Vegas like they have been in training and show what they’re capable of, especially those who haven’t had regular game time on the circuit.”
All games from the HSBC Sevens World Series stop in Las Vegas will be streamed LIVE at www.irbsevens.com.
Canada Squad: Conor Braid, Nanyak Dala, Justin Douglas, Sean Ferguson, Harry Jones, Phil Mack, Duncan Maguire, John Moonlight, Mike Scholz, Conor Trainor, Sean White, Jordan WIlson-Ross
Courtesy of IRB
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