Star Players
Another priority of Canadian rugby is the development of talent from grass roots level to professionalism. Rugby Canada outlines a simple eight-step plan in order to develop ability, and then nurture that ability before turning it into professional talent. Canada has four semi professional clubs spread across four regional divisions. Canada also has an additional two fully professional clubs that were founded by the IRB in order to stimulate rugby's growth in North America. The development system has been working well Canadian U-20 teams regularly compete in the final for the junior world trophy, however in 2014 they came six which acts as an anomaly among a mostly positive trend line. The bulk of the Canadian squad play rugby for Canadian clubs, which is good and has proven positive results by: keeping faith in the developments system, developing friendly atmosphere at games, and bringing the squad closer together before the international season commences. The majority of the squad that play for clubs in Canada have big families who bring friends down to the game creating a friendly atmosphere. However there are also stars from overseas clubs such as Clermont’s lock/flanker Jamie Cudmore, Captain Tyler Ardron who plays for the Ospreys, or Glasgow’s pacey winger DTH van der Merwe. Although not all the talent comes from overseas clubs, British Colombia’s livewire winger Sean Duke being a crowd favourite.
Canada have participated in all 7 instances of the event, their best result coming in 1991 when they made it to the quarter finals in 1991. Canada has been consistent for the most part in the fact that they have always won one game at a world cup bar 1991. In order to break this record Canada will need to start off strongly, and develop confidence. This is a good team that have played together for a long time, however they are inexperienced against group heavyweights France, and Ireland. Canada have all the ability to win 2 games, and potential upset a top tier nation, however they will have to be confident in their systems.
How They've Fared
19/09 Vs. Ireland
Millenium Stadium
26/09 Vs. Italy
Elland Road
01/10 Vs. France
Stadium MK
06/10 Vs. Romania
Leicester City Stadium
Trevor Hunter