Ethan Hager replaces Josiah Morra on Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team Roster ahead of Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifier in Langford
Rugby 7s Senior Men
Ethan Hager is set to make his international sevens debut at the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens, the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifier taking place this weekend, August 19-20 in Langford, BC. Hager joins the roster after veteran Josiah Morra was ruled out due to injury.
August 17, 2023 (Langford, BC) – Hailing from Brantford, Ontario and representing the Brantford Harlequins Rugby Club, Ethan Hager is set to make his international sevens debut at the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens, the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifier taking place this weekend, August 19-20 in Langford, BC. Hager joins the roster after veteran Josiah Morra was ruled out due to injury.
“Ethan’s recent experience in high-level competition, dedication and hardworking attitude has earned him this opportunity with our team,” said Interim Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team, Sean White. “Our entire coaching staff has been so impressed with how hard he works throughout every training session. We look forward to seeing the impact he can have on the field this weekend.”
A former player with the University of Victoria Vikes, Hager will bring plenty of experience to Canada’s squad despite this tournament being his international debut with Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team. The 6’2” winger was a first-round pick in the 2022 MLR draft, selected eighth overall by the Dallas Jackals.
Most recently, the Brantford native was playing with the Steeltoes Rugby Club in the Premier Rugby Sevens competition, with the club claiming the league’s Eastern Conference title in July before falling just short in the PR7s championship game.
Earlier in 2023, Hager was named to a Rugby Canada Maple Leaf West 7s that competed in the Men’s Elite Division at the LA Seven Invitational Tournament in February. At the tournament he played alongside players with experience from Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, Brennig Prevost, Anton Ngongo and Max Stewart. The Western Canadian side competed against development squads from Japan, USA, France and Ireland.
While attending the University of Victoria from 2017 to 2022, Hager collected a bronze medal at the 2018 Canadian University Rugby Championships before capturing a gold medal the following season and was named to the 2019 Canadian University All-Star Team. Hager was also named to Canada’s FISU Men’s 7s Roster that same year, competing in Napoli Italy against the top university and collegiate players from around the world.
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team opens the 2024 Olympic Qualifying tournament in Langford on Saturday August 19 at 10:52 a.m. PT versus St. Vincent & The Grenadines. Canada will conclude pool play on the same day with games against Barbados at 1:58 p.m. PT and Jamaica at 4:42 p.m. PT.
The top two teams from each men’s pool will then play in the semi-finals on Sunday August 20, with the winners progressing to the gold medal final, which will determine the team that will earn a spot at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.