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Canada Selects Team for Russian Contest
Rugby Canada Press Release
posted Nov 27 2009
Canada has selected its team to take on Russia in a first ever test match between the two countries. The twenty-two man roster includes four potential new caps off the reserves bench and features a positional change as speedy fullback James Pritchard moves to the inside centre spot.
Coach Kieran Crowley and his selectors made the team selections after losing two players on the current tour in the form of Bryn Keys (ankle) and Nanyak Dala (leg).
At a press conference on Thursday Crowley said despite the two losses in recent weeks to Japan, the team has responded well to the adjustments and that he thinks the performance will improve on Saturday.
“Certainly we had some problems in those games, but we have learned quite a bit from the video and we have addressed the issues necessary for this game,” said Crowley.
Captain Pat Riordan said it was exciting to be captaining the side once again for a match against a first ever opponent. Earlier in the year Canada played Georgia in a first test, which was a comprehensive 42-10 victory in Denver, Colorado.
“It’s exciting to play a team for the first time, and to be the captain of the team makes it even better,” he said.
The front row features Kevin Tkachuk at loose head prop, Captain Pat Riordan in his normal hooker spot and Doug Wooldridge retaining his starting role at tight head prop for a second straight week.
In the second row Tyler Hotson and Jebb Sinclair provide the thrust in the engine room.
The back row features Chauncey O’Toole, getting his first start of the current tour, along with Adam Kleeberger and No. 8 Aaron Carpenter.
Sean White makes his second starting role at scrum-half and will work with Ander Monro at fly-half.
Pritchard, as mentioned, is at the inside centre and partners with Matt Evans, who is making his second straight start.
On one wing Justin Mensah-Coker will provide the speed element along with Sean Duke, while at fullback Nathan Hirayama makes his first start in the 15 jersey after previously featuring as a fly-half in other matches for Canada.
On the bench Dan and Mike Pletch provide front row cover, along with Tom Dolezel, who receives his first nomination to the national team roster. Brian Erchisen of the Meraloma club also gets his first nod onto the bench, along with Mark MacSween, who is also uncapped and is on the replacements bench for the second straight week as a back row player.
Phil Mack will be the cover for scrum-half while Mike Scholz is also a first timer on the Canadian bench.
Tickets for the Canada vs Russia game are now available on the day of the game at Swangard Stadium - Saturday - 3PM. With good pre-sales organizers are encouraging people to arrive early to buy the remaining tickets to avoid disappointment and long lines. The Ticket Booth will open at 1 PM .
Canada Team to play Russia
1.Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors - Scotland)
2. Pat Riordan © (University of Victoria)
3. Doug Wooldridge (Cowichan RFC)
4. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers)
5. Tyler Hotson (Plymouth Albion - UK)
6. Chauncey O’Toole (Castaway Wanderers)
7. Adam Kleeberger (Rotherham Titans – UK)
8. Aaron Carpenter (Coventry RFC – UK)
9. Sean White (James Bay AA)
10. Ander Monro (Castaway Wanderers)
11. Justin Mensah-Coker (Moseley – UK)
12. James Pritchard (Bedford Rugby Club – UK)
13. Matt Evans (Hartpury College – UK)
14. Sean Duke (University of Victoria)
15. Nathan Hirayama (University of Victoria)
Replacements
16. Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians)
17. Dan Pletch (Oakville Crusaders)
18. Tom Dolezel# (London St. Georges)
19. Brian Erichsen# (Vancouver Meraloma)
20. Mark MacSween# (Balmy Beach RFC)
21. Phil Mack (University of Victoria)
22. Mike Scholz# (Oakville Crusaders)
#denotes uncapped player
Staff
Kieran Crowley – Head Coach
John Tait - Assistant Coach
Matt Barr - Strength and Conditioning Coach
Brent Johnston – Manager
Rodger Swany – Assistant Manager
Kim Mark Goldsworthy – Massage Therapist
Carrie Smith – Physiotherapist
Peter Huigenbos – Video Analyst
Canada Starts Slide Down World Rankings with Second Loss to Japan
[ed. Canada has switched ranking positions with Japan as Japan goes up to 13th place and Canada falls to 14th with an upcoming match against 16th placed Russia later this month. This report is from the Japan Rugby Union website, I'd put a link to the Rugby Canada report but it's a direct copy of the Japan Rugby Union report without any credit given.]
posted Nov 21 2009
from www.rugbyjapan.com
Japan made it two wins out of two as they beat Canada 27-6 at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground on Saturday.
John Kirwan’s team scored four tries, two in either half, to confirm their best-ever 13th spot in the International Rugby Board world rankings.
Japan kicked off in ideal conditions but just as last week were penalized early on.
Canada kicked for touch but good defense and a strong scrum ensured the Canadians couldn’t capitalize.
Japan made no such mistake when they got into the Canada 22 in the ninth minute.
Alisi Tupuailei broke through the Canadian defensive line before passing onto Go Aruga, who sprinted over for the opening try.
Hitoshi Ono almost increased the lead in the 14th minute. Phil O’Reilly ripped the ball away from a Canadian player in a maul and Ryan Nicholas bounced off a number of would-be tacklers to set up field position only for the Japan lock to be tackled just short of the line.
Six minutes later Japan did increase their lead.
Hirotoki Onozawa followed up a good chip from Shaun Webb and forced a scrum five.
Two phases later Kensuke Hatakeyama dived through a pile of bodies and was adjudged to have grounded the ball.
Nicholas added the extras as Japan went 12-0 up.
James Pritchard reduced the lead with a penalty in the 23rd minute after Japan were caught offside from a clearance kick by Webb.
The Japan flyhalf was mixing his options well, while Tupuailei and Nicholas were constantly causing problems for the Canadian defense.
With no further scores, Japan went into the break leading 12-3.
Having lost Kosuke Endo halfway through the first half, Japan were forced to make another change in the backs at halftime with James Arlidge coming on for Aruga.
The enforced changes didn’t seem to affect Japan.
Michael Leitch crossed in the 48th minute after a good break from Takashi Kikutani, the Japan captain timing his run and pass to perfection.
Webb added the conversion as Japan went 19-3 up.
Ander Monro slotted over a penalty for Canada in the 56th minute to reduce the deficit to 13, only for Webb to reply with one of his own five minutes later.
The Canadians then spent several minutes camped in the Japan 22 only to see their pressure turn into points at the other end.
Webb intercepted a wayward Canada pass and raced 80 metres before being tackled. Onozawa was in support and the ball was recycled before Arlidge and Nicholas put Ayumu Goromaru away for Japan’s fourth try.
Good defense made sure Canada were unable to cross at the death, having once again camped in the Japan 22.
Japan 46 - Canada 8: Japan Hammers Canada
[ed. comments below]
posed November 15 2009
Not a good result for Kieran Crowley and crew as the Japan Rugby Union crows on their site, "Japan Hammers Canada", other news services have similarly stunning headlines: "Canada's rugby squad routed by Japan?" the Globe and Mail; "Japan scored six tries as they thrashed Canada" from Planet Rugby; "Canada no match for Japan" from Sport24 South Africa. Predictably the Rugby Canada headline is more muted, "Canada Falls to Japan".
According to the Japan Rugby Union site this is the "best ever win over Canada". Not a good portent of things to come and is this a valid indicator of the current direction of the Senior Men's team? If it is then there should be questions asked before 2011 is upon us. Two reports of the game from the respective rugby unions are telling. The Japanese english report is on a very simple site, almost amateurish, but full of content. The Canadian report is on a glitzy professional looking site but lacking in content, actually you would be excused if you thought it was a social outing with rugby played as a consequence. If post-game receptions, capping ceremonies, fundraising dinners, teambuilding exercises and tour social functions were in the olympics we'd be a shoe in for the medal stand. On the field we're not doing so well but there doesn't seem to be much hand-wringing and despair from the people in charge, I suppose as long as everyone's having fun, that's the important thing... right [insert sarcastic tone here]?
Here are the two reports:
Japan Rugby Union (English version): http://www.rugbyjapan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=720&Itemid=2
Canadian Rugby Union: http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=39977
Canada Names Team to Face Ireland on Saturday in Vancouver
Rugby Canada Press Release
posted May 21 2009
[ed. this should be a telling test of the Canadian team prior to this summer's activity, particularly the two games against the USA. I think Canada is strong in the loose forwards and we should get some good production there. I'm particularly interested to see how the centre pairing of Smith and Hearn works and how Spicer does at #10, these will be key performances. Also the debacle of the scrums is still fresh on people's minds from the November tests so the tight five will be under scrutiny. Looking forward to a great afternoon of entertainment.]
Canadian Senior Men’s Coach Kieran Crowley has named his squad for Saturday’s Test Match against Ireland.
The roster features a number of experienced players that ventured on November’s Fall Tour. Receiving his first cap, however, will be Castaway Wanderer Chauncey O’Toole sliding in on the team’s flank.
Uncapped James Bay scrum half Phil Mack and University of Victoria prop Andrew Tiedemann have been named as substitutes for the match.
Coach Crowley spoke highly of the new faces in the lineup and how the young players have impressed the coaching staff during preparations for Saturday.
“Chauncey has played some outstanding rugby in the last five weeks. His performances in training have pushed him up there and he deserves a shot, it’s a reward for the all the hard work he’s put in,” Crowley said before speaking about Andrew Tiedemann’s recent form. “[Andrew] has come through the Under-20 program and played quite well this year. He can cover both sides of the scrum as a prop which is very important.”
Despite a disappointing loss against Ireland during the Fall Tour, Coach Crowley says the team is confident heading into Saturday’s match.
“What happened in the past is history,” Crowley said. “It’s what is going to happen on Saturday now. .. So we’ve been concentrating on preparations for Saturday. It’s a case of getting our system back in place and getting our combination's together. “
The Irish side will feature a young squad with their back line averaging the age of 25. Munster scrum half Peter Stringer is the eldest veteran in the back line at the age of 31.
Irish Coach Declan Kidney told the IRFU web site that the games against Canada and USA this summer will provide valuable experience for his youthful side.
"There is a lot of youth in this back-line for Saturday, but with players like Brian (O'Driscoll), Gordon (D'Arcy) and Ronan (O'Gara) being around for so long and winning so many caps, these players have not been able to get the opportunity to get international experience,” Kidney said. "Saturday gives these players that chance to put down a marker to challenge for places and we see this as the start of our preparations for Rugby World Cup 2011 and building a squad for that tournament."
Irish Captain Rory Best said his side is well prepared for the physical threat that Canada will have despite the Irish team having so many new faces on the roster.
“Saturday is a big challenge as Canada will certainly be a physically imposing side and will want to try and test us in all areas of the park, especially up front,” Best said. "We have to be able to meet that challenge and put in a performance. We have had a short time together, but I think there is a good blend in the team with players like Peter (Stringer) and Denis (Leamy) along with Mick O'Driscoll and Bob Casey adding experience to some of the younger players which will be important."
Canada’s Roster to face Ireland:
15. James Pritchard (Bedford Blues)
14. Dean van Camp (Velox Valhallians/Port Perry, ON)
13. Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers/Conception Bay, NFLD)
12. Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish/Caledon, ON)
11. DTH van der Merwe (James Bay AA/Regina, SK)
10. David Spicer (University of Victoria/Victoria, BC)
9. Ed Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates/Victoria, BC)
8. Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harelquins, Brantford, ON)
7. Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria/White Rock, BC)
6. Chauncey O'Toole (Castaway Wanderers/Belle Isle, NB)
5. Mike Burak (Cornish Pirates/Vancouver, BC)
4. Tyler Hotson (UBC Old Boy Ravens/Vancouver, BC)
3. Scott Franklin (Cornish Pirates/Regina, SK)
2. Pat Riordan (University of Victoria/Burnaby, BC)
1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors/Regina, SK)
Replacements:
16. Andrew Tiedemann (University of Victoria/St. Albert, AB)
17. Luke Tait (Stade Montois - France/Barrie, ON)
18. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers/Fredericton, NB)
19. Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers/Saskatoon, SK)
20. Sean Michael Stephen (Plymouth Albion/Oakville, ON)
21. Phil Mack (James Bay AA/Victoria, BC)
22. Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy)
Coach: Kieran Crowley
Assistant Coach: John Tait
Scrum Coach: Kevin Wirachowski
Skills Coach: Morgan Williams
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tyler Goodale
Managers: Des Lynch, Rodger Swany
Ireland’s Roster:
15. Gavin Duffy (Galwegians/Connacht)
14. Barry Murphy (UL Bohemians/Munster)
13. Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
12. Ian Whitten (Ballymena/Ulster)
11. Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster)
10. Ian Keatley (Galwegians/Connacht)
9. Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
8. Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
7. Niall Ronan (Shannon/Munster)
6. John Muldoon (Galwegians/Connacht)
5. Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster)
4. Bob Casey (London Irish)
3. Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
2. Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster) (capt)
1. Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)
17. Mike Ross (Harlequins) 18. Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon/Ulster)
19. Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
20. Eoin Reddan (London Wasps)
21. Niall O'Connor (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
22. Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Canadian Team Head Coach Kieran Crowley has named his squad for the upcoming two tests against Wales and Ireland - and three games of the Churchill Cup
Rugby Canada Press Release
posted May 6 2009
With a tough schedule of seven matches in nine weeks, Canadian Team Head Coach Kieran Crowley has named his squad for the upcoming two tests against Wales and Ireland - and three games of the Churchill Cup.
Starting his second year at the helm Crowley has had more opportunity this go around to assess both his needs and the abilities of his players ahead of the first assembly of the 2009 season.
There is a lot of depth on this team - with a pair of big names marking their return at the end of the Churchill Cup - just ahead of the key home and away series against the USA in July. Stan McKeen - now playing his rugby at Oxford University - and Clermont Auvergne's big back row Jamie Cudmore will be marking their first experiences under Crowley.
Crowley points to the veterans in the side that will provide stability - including a tested set of backs with the likes of Ed Fairhurst, Ander Monro, Ryan Smith Justin Mesah-Coker and James Pritchard all putting their hands up - while recent additions to the team such as Ciaran Hearn, Sean Duke and Matt Evans will slot into the mix.
In the forwards Mike Burak of the Cornish Pirates will join teammates Kevin Tkachuk, Aaron Carpenter, Scott Franklin, Mike Pletch, Adam Kleeberger, Sean Michael Stephen and team Captain Pat Riordan.
Crowley will also have a fully healthy DTH van der Merwe back in the side - the James Bay player fresh off a quick trial with Scottish side Glasgow.
Crowley is pleased with the side he has selected - saying the depth in the side will "allow us to play to our strengths."
He looks at the schedule with some relish - as it gives him a very big build-up to the pair of World Cup qualifiers - as Canada will play the pair of full tests against Ireland and Wales - followed by contests against Georgia and Ireland A.
"(Having five) games gives us a chance to work and find out about guys," explained Crowley. "They are playing at a higher level - a massive step up for the guys."
As far as finally working a pair of big back row players into the mix in the form of Cudmore and McKeen - he is looking forward to finally seeing how the big guns will fit into the side.
"I know a lot about them - but until you get them on the training paddock - and seeing what they do with the rest of the guys it is a different situation," said Crowley.
He says compared to last year when he had only a few short days prior to the start of the 2008 Churchill Cup to meet his team and start incorporating some basic plans - this year he has had the benefit of working with the twenty-two carded athletes on a daily basis for a number of months - and had a tough European tour to give him an honest assessment of his team.
"It's been good this time around," he admits. "Obviously I was introducing myself to the guys last year - but now we have a rapport - it certainly makes things a bit easier."
There will be a number of players marking their second season into the Canadian team - including Tyler Hotson, Bryn Keys, Jebb Sinclair, and Frank Walsh. First timers include Chauncey O'Toole, and Andrew Tiedemann, while players returning from injury or long term lay-off include second row Luke Tait and centre David Spicer.
Canada takes on Ireland in Vancouver on May 23rd, followed by a match against Wales in Toronto on May 30th. From there Canada opens the 2009 Churchill Cup against Georgia on June 6th and Ireland A on June 14th. Canada will play a third match depending on the results of pool play - on June 21st - all the games taking place in Denver, Colorado. Following a short break Canada then flies to Charleston, South Carolina for a July 4th World Cup Qualifier - and the return of the double set in Edmonton on July 11th.
Men’s Squad for Ireland/Wales/Churchill Cup
Mike Burak (Cornish Pirates/Vancouver, BC)
Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harelquins, Brantford, ON)
Jamie Cudmore (Clermont Auvergne, Squamish, BC)
Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers/Saskatoon, SK)
Sean Duke (University of Victoria, Victoria, BC)
Matt Evans (Hartpury College- UK/Cowichan, BC)
Ed Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates/Victoria, BC)
Scott Franklin (Cornish Pirates/Regina, SK)
Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers/Conception Bay, NFLD)
Tyler Hotson (UBC Old Boy Ravens/Vancouver, BC)
Bryn Keys (Velox Vallhallians/Abbotsford, BC)
Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria/White Rock, BC)
Phil Mack (James Bay AA/Victoria, BC)
Stan McKeen (Oxford University/Vancouver, BC)
Justin Mensah-Coker (Plymouth Albion/Vancouver, BC)
Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy)
Chauncey O'Toole (University of Victoria/Frederiction, NB)
Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians/Lucan, ON)
James Pritchard (Bedford Blues)
Pat Riordan (University of Victoria/Burnaby, BC)
Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers/Fredericton, NB)
Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish/Caledon, ON)
David Spicer (University of Victoria/Victoria, BC)
Sean Michael Stephen (Plymouth Albion/Oakville, ON)
Luke Tait (Mont de Marsan - France/Barrie, ON)
Andrew Tiedemann (University of Victoria/St. Albert, AB)
Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors/Regina, SK)
Dean van Camp (Velox Valhallians/Port Perry, ON)
DTH van der Merwe (James Bay AA/Regina, SK)
Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC/St. John's, NFLD)
Doug Wooldridge (Cowichan RFC/Lindsay, ON)
Unavailable
Andrew Fagan (St. John's, NFLD)
Thyssen De Goede (James Bay AA/Victoria, BC)
Luke Cudmore (Capilano/Squamish, BC)
Jason Marshall (Capilano/West Vancouver)
Pat Fleck (Meraloma/Vancouver, BC)
Phil Mackenzie (University of Victoria/Oakville, ON)
Staff
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley
Assistant Coach: John Tait
Skills Coach: Morgan Williams
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tyler Goodale
Scrum Coach: Kevin Wirachowski
Managers: Des Lynch, Rodger Swany
Video Analyst: Peter Huigenbos
Domestic based players assemble for mini-camp ahead of tough fall tour
Rugby Canada Press Release
posted Sept 10 2008
With one of the toughest tours of the modern professional rugby era just two months off, Rugby Canada senior men's team coach Kieran Crowley is bringing in fifty of the top domestic based players from across the country - as well as top prospects from Canada’s U20 program for a three day mini-camp in Victoria starting on Thursday September 11th.
Canada will be taking on Portugal, Ireland, Wales and Scotland in October and November, and as part of the preparation for that tour Crowley is bringing in a phalanx of guest coaches to work with the players in position specific groups to heighten the skill levels of some of the potential selections.
It will be the most comprehensive camp undertaken by Crowley, who took the helm of the senior team in March of this year, guiding Canada to a 1-4 record including the Barclays Churchill Cup, the match against the French Barbarians and Gloucester RFC. Canada beat the USA to take fifth spot at the Churchill Cup finals day in Chicago this past June.
"I think it is crucial that we bring together all the resources we can prior to this tour to ensure the players are prepared as possible for the challenges of Portugal, Ireland, Wales and Scotland," Crowley said from Victoria. "Having a group of Canada's top rugby minds together for an intense camp will be invaluable both for the players and the coaches themselves, to work in such a high performance environment."
Aside from usual assistant coach John Tait and scrum coach Kevin Wirachowski, coaches from the North America Four, age grade Canadian team programs and former senior team players will all be in the mix as the players work in small units specific to their position. The camp will go through until Sunday, with nightly video analysis of the sessions, information sessions for the players and situational play culminating the three day assembly.
"Obviously we will work in our professional players once we are on the ground in the UK, but being able to work with all these players in this environment will be a key component to getting our patterns and skill sets tight before heading to Europe," said Crowley. "Obviously it is also giving us a chance for the long view as well - integrating younger players with an eye to the 2011 World Cup."
U20 head coach Tim Murdy, NA4 West coaches Tony Medina and Ian Hyde Lay as well as NA4 East assistant coach Andy Pocock are all in the mix. They will work with current Sevens coach Shane Thompson, former national team Captain Gareth Rees, former players Nik Witkowski and Jeff Williams. BC U18 coach assistant Sr Mens BC Coach vs Oxford University, Tom Larisch will also be on hand, with High Performance Director Geraint John and former Canadian team prop Gary Dukelow.
"It is fantastic that we were able to bring this group together for the common goal of raising the level of the game in Canada," offered Crowely.
Canada plays Portugal in Lisbon on November 1st, before heading to Limerick for a November 8th date with the Irish at Thomond Park. From there Canada takes on Wales in Cardiff on Friday November 14th and wraps it up with test against Scotland in Aberdeen at Pittodrie Park on November 22nd. It is the single largest tour outside of a World Cup year that Canada has undertaken since the so-called modern era began in the mid-1980's. There will also be a fundraising dinner in London on November 15th - the second straight year the men's national team will be honoured by such an initiative.
Players Attending Camp
Stu Ault (Castaway Wanderers)
Spencer Baker (Capilanos)
Mike Berg (University of Victoria)
Nick Blevins (Velox Valhallians)
James Buchanan (Calgary Hornets)
Emile Christensen (Bayside Sharks)
Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers)
Spencer Dalziel (James Bay AA)
Thyssen de Goede (James Bay AA)
Lucas De Beer (UBC Thunderbirds)
Sean Duke (Queens University)
Pat Fleck (Meralomas)
Dan Gordon (Toronto Scottish)
Ben Grant (University of Victoria)
Ryan Hamilton (University of Victoria)
Tyler Hawes (Calgary Canucks)
Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers)
Nathan Hirayama (University of Victoria)
Harry Jones (UBC Thunderbirds)
Creag Johnson (Velox Valhallians)
Bryn Keys (Velox Valhallians)
Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria)
Jordan Konn (San Diego)
Jordan Kozina (University of Victoria)
Tony LaCarte (Bayside Sharks)
Phil Mack (James Bay AA)
Jamie Mackenzie (University of Victoria)
Phil Mackenzie (University of Victoria)
Jason Marshall (Capilanos)
Mike McKay (University of Victoria)
Tom McKeen (University of Victoria)
Brock Nicholson (Vancouver Rowing Club)
Chauncey O'Toole (Castaway Wanderers)
Nolan Ott (Velox Valhallians)
Clay Panga (Velox Valhallians)
Mike Pletch (Oakville Crusaders)
Pat Riordan (University of Victoria)
Travis Robertson (Velox Valhallians)
Struan Robertson (University of Victoria)
Keegan Selby (Lindsay RFC)
Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers)
Sam Skulsky (SMUS)
Ryan Smith (Unattached)
John Thiel (Bayside RFC)
Andrew Tiedemann (St Albert RFC)
Nick Trenkel (Capilanos)
Dean van Camp (Velox Valhallians)
DTH van der Merwe (James Bay AA)
Sean White (James Bay AA)
Steve Woodward (Calgary Irish)
Doug Woolridge (Cowichan/Lindsay)
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley,
Assistant: John Tait
Scrum Coach: Kevin Wirachowski
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tyler Goodale
Program Managers: Des Lynch, Rodger Swany
Physiotherapists: Isabel Grondin, Chris May
High Performance Director: Geraint John
Guest Coaches: Gary Dukelow, Ian Hyde Lay, Tom Larisch, Tim Murdy, Tony Medina, Andy Pocock, Gareth Rees, Shane Thompson, Jeff Williams, Nik Witkowski
Canada to face Ireland in Limerick on November 8th
posted Jan 8 2008
from the Limerick Leader
THE Irish rugby team is set to face Canada in the first full international to be staged at the redeveloped Thomond Park next November.
The match, part of Ireland's three-match autumn international series, is set to take place at the Limerick venue on Saturday, November 8.
Hopes also remain high that Thomond Park will also host a meeting of Munster and the New Zealand All-Blacks around the same time.
Ireland are due to face New Zealand in a full international at Croke Park on November 15, so any meeting of Munster and the All-Blacks would be likely to take place on either November 11 or 12.
The new-look Thomond Park will have a capacity of 26,000 when completed. The venue will have seating for 15,000 and terrace capacity of 11,000. The redevelopment of the stadium will cost €40 million.
The construction work is due to be completed this autumn, in time for Ireland's meeting with Canada in early November.
Canada are ranked 15th in the world at present. The Canadians lost three of their Pool games at the recent Rugby World Cup in France, going down to Australia, Wales and Fiji, but the side also secured a creditable draw with Japan.
NSMT – ISSUES, ANSWERS and a LEADERSHIP QUIZ
[ed. some readers have been sending in notes assuming the editor wrote this article. Not correct, we have a NSMT correspondent who specializes in this area. The views are his and don't necessarily represent the views of other writers for BC Rugby News or the editor. However we encourage a lively dialogue on this site and encourage well thought out and insightful articles.]
by BC Rugby News NSMT correspondent
posted Dec 18 2007
The Competition for our national coach is now closed. As expected the conversations about the national job have started in earnest, even overseas.
Planet Rugby ran an article on Thursday December 13, 2007 which had the heading - Suggitt facing stiff opposition
Wait a minute – this article proceeded to spew out parts of a reprint from the Rugby Canada website. Is someone here trying to make a PR statement about process, fairness, protocol and respect? Appearance isn’t factual so let us not get confused here.
For the record - Ric Suggitt is not re-applying for the national coaching job.
The Planet Rugby article went on to say – Suggitt: Forced to follow in Graham Henry’s footsteps
Again - false and misleading. By all accounts Graham Henry spent in excess of four hours (maybe days) reporting to his employers in Wellington about the tragedy in France. Ric Suggitt has spent a total of zero, none, no time whatsoever so any comparison in that regard is completely off the mark.
On December 13, 2007 in his weekly letter to the Canadian rugby public Al Charron made mention of some issues regarding the posting and hiring process. One wonders immediately why the former Captain who was actually on the ground in France this past fall wasn’t included on the selection panel. His tenure as a player included several world cups and all under different coaches. Sounds like a resume to me. Still - already he has hit the nail squarely on the head in his weekly edition to readers.
Specifically – salary issues, public responses, personality clashes, unsolvable issues, the amateur and professional situation, geography obstacles and available money just to highlight a few. The only item he did miss out on was the issue of inappropriate emails being circulated almost before the world cup ended by certain ranking members about the coach, the job and the pending outcome. But then if he had made mention - we wouldn’t have his commonsense letters to read each week would we?
Of all his recent writings this article was easily the best without question. It’s all there plain as day and here’s one of the most significant lines in the letter – quote:
“Though it must be said I don’t think even if Canada was to land the best rugby coach in the world that he could change a whole lot of our international results without Rugby Canada addressing the needs of grassroots rugby.”
Also - what is most disturbing is the mention about his personal frustration and questioning whether or not he wants to remain involved in the game. What is it that we seem to do in this country which alienates our alumni and former players?
His assessment about players leaving our shores to pursue contracts overseas is clear – yet recent media articles suggest that we are not the only ones carrying that burden.
The All Blacks have lost the likes of Kelleher, McAlister, Jack, Hayman, Mauger and Howlett since the cup concluded in France. Hayman is reportedly the highest-paid player in the UK, signing with Newcastle on a three-year contract worth $21,000-a-week.
The influx of foreign players prompted a host of Europe-based rugby officials, including IRB chairman Syd Millar to call fo
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