Canada's Men's Team Qualify for Tokyo 2020

06/07/2019

Rugby 7s Senior Men

GEORGE TOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS (July 7, 2019) - Canada's Men's Sevens team go undefeated at the Rugby Americas North Sevens tournament to send the team to their first Olympic games.

Canada vs Barbados

Canada started off the RAN 7s with a dominant performance against Barbados, taking game one 47-0. The chemistry between co-captains Nathan Hirayama and Harry Jones was on display early in the first, finding gaps in the line to add onto Canada's lead.

Matt Mullins came off the bench in the second and headed straight over the try line with two massive fends. An impressive take off the restart by Josiah Morra set Canada off on a clinical run ending in a Jake Thiel try.

Canada vs. Mexico

Canada notched their second win of the RAN 7s tournament against Mexico, 49-5. Absolutely dominant at the restart. Back-to-back tries by Mullins and Jones put Canada up 24-5 at the half.

Canada maintained their dominance in the second half with Hirayama, Berna, and Zaruba all crossing the whitewash.

Canada vs. Bermuda

Canada cruised to their third win of the day against Bermuda 55-0.

It was all Zaruba and Morra in the first half, with Morra continuing to impress at the restart. Cooper Coats took over kicking duties, adding two conversions to put Canada up 24-0 at the break.

Zaruba made it a hat trick in the second, kicking off the scoring with a quick try. Controlling possession all game, Isaac Kaay, Jake Thiel, and Pat Kay added on tries for Canada to end the match 55-0.

Canada vs. Guyana

Canada continue their dominance into day two with a comfortable win over Guyana, taking it 47-5.

Humid conditions translated into a couple errors for both teams but Canada exploited the gap in the Guyana line time and time again. A Fijian-style play by Hirayama saw him scooping the ball back with one hand to Cooper Coats who ran it in for the score.

In the second, sloppy hands slowed the pace of the game slightly and gave Guyana their lone score of the match. Canada tightened up quickly with Coe dotting down the finishing try to secure the win 47-5.

Canada vs Bermuda

A slower start for Canada in the semifinal match. Zaruba showed off his pace and strength, scoring Canada's first try before clearing two men out at the ruck to turn the ball over--resulting in a score by Jake Thiel. Canada were up 22-0 at the break.

Cleaning things up in the second, Zaruba set the tone with a quick try. Pat Kay utilized his quick step to beat two defenders and dart in for the score. The clinical work by the Canadians lead them to a 55-0 semifinal win.

Canada vs Jamaica

Canada notched their final win of the RAN7s tournament against Jamaica, 40-5 to punch their ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Jamaica's defensive line looked strong to start the Cup final but both Kay and Coe finally found space on the outside to kick off the scoring in the first. A patient Hirayama helped Canada keep control of the game, leading 19-0 at the break.

After a Jamaican try in the corner, Isaac Kaay electrified the Canadian team--kicking up a low ball to himself and running it in for the try. From there Canada took over with co-captains Hirayama and Jones dotting down with force as their Olympic dreams started to become a reality.

With the Cup final win, Canada went undefeated in the tournament and have now officially qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

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)