Mack returns to boost Canada sevens
New Canada sevens coach Liam Middleton has been able to recall some key players as he prepares for his first tour over the upcoming rounds of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Dubai and South Africa.
Phil Mack, Sean White and Admir Cejvanovic have all been called in, having missed the season opener on the Gold Coast in October. They take the places of Jake Webster, Jordan Wilson-Ross and Ciaran Hearn, the latter taking a well-earned breather after playing for Keiran Crowley’s test side during November.
Experienced scrum half Mack was injured playing 15s against USA in Sacramento in June, and is particularly looking forwarding to making his return.
“Obviously I’m really excited to get back on the field in Dubai and South Africa after having surgery and five months of rehab. I was disappointed not to be able to compete in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games and on the Gold Coast. We’re looking to gain series points to climb the ladder and it starts with two strong tournaments before the [Christmas] break,” said Mack.
Canada are still missing fellow playmaker Nathan Hirayama, while forward Nanyak Dala has also earned a rest following November test commitments.
THE MIDDLETON ERA BEGINS
Dubai will be coach Liam Middleton’s first tournament at the helm and he will be looking to build on a modest Shield victory in Australia, which followed narrow group defeats to USA, Argentina and England. In Dubai, his side will face Wales, South Africa and Portugal on day one.
Last season Canada finished a highest-ever sixth place in the HSBC Sevens World Series, and there is added incentive this season with the top four-ranked nations qualifying directly for the Olympic Games in 2016.
Canada squad: Admir Cejvanovic – (Burnaby Lake RFC/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC ; Justin Douglas – (Abbotsford RFC) Abbotsford, BC ; Sean Duke – (UVIC Vikes/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC ; Mike Fuailefau – (Castaway Wanderers/BC Bears) Victoria, BC ; Lucas Hammond – (Toronto Nomads/Ontario Blues) Toronto, ON ; Harry Jones – (Capilano RFC/BC Bears) North Vancouver, BC ; Phil Mack – (James Bay AA/BC Bears) Victoria, BC ; John Moonlight – Captain (James Bay AA/Ontario Blues) Pickering, ON ; Jack Smith – (James Bay AA/Ontario Blues) Lakefield, ON ; Conor Trainor – (UBCOB Ravens/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC ; Sean White – (James Bay AA/BC Bears) Victoria, BC ; Adam Zaruba – (Capilano RFC/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC
Courtesy of World Rugby
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