Canada’s Sevens team set ahead of Olympic Qualifier

Bernadette Larose 25/06/2019

Rugby 7s Senior Men

LANGFORD, BC (June 25, 2019) – Canada’s Men’s Sevens team has been named for the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Olympic qualifier in the Cayman Islands on July 6-7th, 2019.

Canada finished their 2018-19 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series on an uptick, cracking the top eight in London before finishing it off with a Challenge Trophy win in Paris. Having finished ranked 11th they will now go on to fight for Olympic qualification at the RAN Sevens.

Bringing energy and pace to spare—Andrew Coe, Cooper Coats, and Josiah Morra join the lineup after all three had impressive showings at the last two stops on the series.

"We're all really focused heading into this tournament. There's a lot of good energy in the squad right now but we know we have a job to do," said interim head coach Henry Paul.

“We have seen some exciting attacking rugby from this group, but I think there is more that we are capable of producing. There's a lot of experience, talent, and drive here with a couple younger guys that are an exciting addition. We've been working hard these past couple of weeks to get ourselves ready on every level and I think it'll show in our performance."

The likes of veterans Harry Jones, Nate Hirayama, and Adam Zaruba bring their experience to the roster and an added hunger for qualification, having just missed out back in 2016.

“Obviously 2016 didn’t go the way we wanted it to,” said Harry Jones. “We’re doing everything we can to not only qualify for Tokyo 2020, but to prepare ourselves to medal at the Olympics.”

Canada will face off against Bermuda, Mexico, and Barbados on day one of competition (July 6) with playoffs and finals rounds on day two (July 7). Fans can watch the tournament LIVE on Rugby Americas North YouTube and Facebook channels. Stay tuned to Rugby Canada's channels for any updates.

Canada Roster:

Phil Berna – UBC Thunderbirds (Vancouver, BC)

Cooper Coats -- Halifax Tars (Halifax, NS)

Andrew Coe – Markham Irish (Toronto, ON)

Mike Fuailefau – Castaway Wanderers (Victoria, BC)

Nathan Hirayama –Unattached (Richmond, BC)

Harry Jones – Capilano RFC (North Vancouver, BC)

Isaac Kaay – UVIC Vikes (Kamloops, BC)

Pat Kay – Castaway Wanderers (Duncan, BC)

Josiah Morra -- Toronto Saracens (Toronto, ON)

Matt Mullins – James Bay AA (Belleville, ON)

Jake Thiel – Abbotsford RFC (Abbotsford, BC)