Jones names roster to continue ARC

Canada is set to face Chile, Argentina XV and USA over the next three consecutive Friday’s in Langford and Seattle.
 
Number 8 Luke Campbell is unavailable for selection due to an injury, giving Austin Elite’s Travis Larsen – brother of Josh Larsen – a chance to potentially win his test match debut in the back row. Prop Liam Murray and New Zealand-born hooker Jordan Olsen – who qualifies via his Canadian parents – could also represent the maple leaf for the first time if selected. 
 
Veteran playmaker Gordon McRorie is set to make his 2019 debut for Canada after missing the first two test matches. The 30-year-old, who is comfortable at scrumhalf and flyhalf, sits 4thall-time on the points race for Canada with 257 in 36 test matches dating back to his first appearance against Japan in 2014.
 
Jones’ roster will be bolstered by the return of veteran forward Hubert Buydens. The 37-year-old from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan has helped NOLA Gold reach the top of the Major League Rugby standings with a 3-1 record to start the 2019 season.
 
While this year’s ARC does technically include a ‘rest week’ after the South American legs of the competition, many of Jones’ charges returned to their Major League Rugby teams to compete in last weekend’s action.
 
“We appreciate the support and collaboration we have received from the Major League Rugby Clubs, especially the Toronto Arrows, in allowing us access to our athletes throughout the six week tournament,” said Jones.
 
With MLR games on Sunday evening across North America and the test matches being held on Friday night, Jones and his staff only have a few days to prepare on the ground in Langford this week.
 
“The timing of these games is not quite ideal to ensure our athletes are prepared for a test match, but it’s what we have in front of us and we’re working hard to ensure we can put forth a strong performance over the next three weekends,” he added.
 
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Tickets for the two fixtures in Langford, BC can be purchased at https://rugby.ca/en/tickets. With Westhills Stadium currently under construction, the total capacity for these two test matches is 1,000, therefore seating is limited.
 
Canada Roster:
 
Kyle Baillie – (NOLA Gold) Summerside, PEI
Noah Barker – (Glendale Raptors) Courtenay, BC
Justin Blanchet – (Bedford Blues) Montreal, QC
Nick Blevins – (Calgary Hornets) Calgary, AB
Hubert Buydens – (NOLA Gold) Saskatoon, SK
Andrew Coe – (Markham Irish) Toronto, ON
Dustin Dobravsky – (Castaway Wanderers) Hanover, Germany
Guiseppe du Toit – (Toronto Arrows) Maple Ridge, BC
Doug Fraser – (Austin Elite) Ladysmith, BC
Ciaran Hearn – (London Irish) Conception Bay South, NL
Eric Howard – (NOLA Gold) Ottawa, ON
Cole Keith – (Toronto Arrows) Sussex, NB
Will Kelly – (Dragons) Ancaster, ON
Conor Keys – (Rotherham Titans) Stittsville, ON
Ryan Kotlewski – (Westshore RFC) Calgary, AB
Travis Larsen – (Austin Elite) Parskville, BC
Kainoa Lloyd – (Toronto Arrows) Mississauga, ON
Jamie Mackenzie – (Toronto Arrows) Oakville, ON
Gordon McRorie – (Unattached) Calgary, AB
Liam Murray – (James Bay AA) Langley, BC
Jordan Olsen – (Northland) Whangarei, NZ
Pat Parfrey – (Unattached) St. John’s, NL
Nakai Penny – (Seattle Seawolves) Penticton, BC
Will Percillier – (Stade Francais) Mill Bay, BC
Benoit Piffero – (Blagnac Sporting Club) Montreal, QC
Lucas Rumball – (Toronto Arrows) Mississauga, ON
Theo Sauder – (Toronto Arrows) Vancouver, BC
Mike Sheppard – (Toronto Arrows) Brampton, ON
 
2019 ARC Schedule:
 
February 2
Canada 17 - 20 Uruguay
 
February 9
Canada 10 - 18 Brazil
 
Canada vs. Chile
February 22
Westhills Stadium
Langford, BC
Kick-off: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Broadcast: 
Live on TSN 5
 
Canada vs. Argentina XV
March 1
Westhills Stadium
Langford, BC
Kick-off: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Broadcast:
Live on TSN 5
 
Canada vs. USA
March 8
Starfire Sports
Seattle, USA
Kick-off: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Broadcast:
Live on www.tsn.ca/TSNApp
Tape delay 11pm ET/8pm PT on TSN 2