The University of Victoria Vikes figure prominently in Canada’s line-up for the 2017 Americas Rugby Championship, opening next weekend at Westhill Stadium.
Canada’s Senior Men’s Head Coach Mark Anscombe has named a 29-player squad.
Vikes Gradyn Bowd, Liam Chisholm, Conor Keys and Oliver Nott are named to the team, along with Castaway Wanderer Ray Barkwill. Players from James Bay Athetic Association and the Westhore are also among those from across Canada to hit the pitch.
“Due to the nature of the long campaign we have named an extended squad in order to cover the full five-week tour,” Anscombe said. “We have an extended squad named to get us through the early stages and we’ll reassess for the last two games when we travel to South America.”
Canada plays its first three games of the tournament on home soil, facing Argentina Feb. 4 and Chile Feb. 11 at Westhills Stadium in Langford. The team then heads to the Mainland to face the US Feb. 18 at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, before heading to South America to face Uruguay and Brazil in the final two weeks.
The ARC provides Canada with an additional four test matches a year. The game against Argentina is not a sanctioned test match. The competition provides more exposure and opportunity for Canada’s senior men’s squad as they work toward 2019 Rugby World Cup qualification.
Last year, Canada finished third with wins over Uruguay, Brazil and Chile. The tourney is a quality breeding ground for players with many of last year’s debutants going on to play for Canada in June and the annual November Tour.
“It’s all building to the qualifier,” Anscombe said. “We’ve got an opportunity to see what these young guys have got. By giving some guys opportunities here we’re extending the depth of our squad, seeing if guys can handle the step up and we’ve got to make sure we’re ready to go when the qualifier hits and they understand the level of rugby that’s going to be required from them to be successful.”
When & where
• Canada’s 2017 Americas Rugby Championship Schedule:
Feb. 4 – Canada vs. Argentina, Westhills Stadium at 5 p.m.
Feb. 11 – Canada vs. Chile, Westhills Stadium at 5 p.m.
Feb. 18 – Canada vs. USA, Swangard Stadium at 5 p.m.
Feb. 25 – Uruguay vs. Canada, Estadio Domingo Burgueno
March 4 – Brazil vs. Canada, Pacaembu Stadium
• Buy Westhills and Burnaby tickets at www.events.rugbycanada.ca/