Canada Fall to Fiji in Pacific Nations Cup Semi-Final

Canada Fall to Fiji in Pacific Nations Cup Semi-Final

Sunday, September 14, 2025 (Denver, CO) – Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team were defeated 63–10 by world No. 9 Fiji in Sunday’s Pacific Nations Cup semi-final at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.

The Pacific Islanders scored nine tries in the contest to advance to next weekend’s Cup final. Replacement scrum-half Brock Gallagher provided a bright moment for Canada, crossing over for his first international try in the second half.

Fiji seize early momentum

Fiji struck early through Taniela Rakuro in the fourth minute and continued to apply substantial, sustained pressure throughout the opening 40. Peter Nelson kept Canada in touch with a seventh-minute penalty goal, but further tries from Mesake Vocevoce, Etonia Waqa, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Eroni Mawi saw the Fijians build a 43–3 lead at halftime.

Kainoa Lloyd made his return to the Canadian jersey in the opening frame – his first appearance in red and white since his involvement against Brazil in November 2023 – after Nelson briefly stepped off the pitch to receive treatment, while Canada also saw promising involvements from former sevens standouts Matthew Oworu and Josiah Morra.

Gallagher scores debut try

Fiji added to their total shortly after the restart through Joji Nasova, and tacked on two more scores via Rakuro and Ravouvou, but Canada responded with their best passage of play on the night just shy of the hour-mark. Morra’s aerial contest from the restart created front-foot ball, Oworu linked neatly in support, and Gallagher finished off the movement for his first test try. Nelson converted from wide out.

Canada continued to battle through the closing stages, but Fiji managed to add to their tally through Ravouvou’s hat-trick try, securing the win and the Cup final berth.

Leadership debut for Flesch

Sunday marked the first Canadian captaincy for 25-year-old Mason Flesch, who shifted into his preferred blindside flanker role. He led a side missing regular skipper Lucas Rumball and vice-captain Ben LeSage, both ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. Younger brother Noah Flesch also started in the midfield.

Post Match Reaction

Mason Flesch (Captain):

“It’s a very difficult scoreline to take in,” Mason Flesch said post-match. “We were really looking to back up our performance against Japan — we had a pretty competitive first half against them — and we were looking to build off that, but Fiji outworked us, especially in the first half.”

Looking ahead to Canada’s final match of the tournament, Flesch added:

“We’re expecting [Tonga] to be very physical and very direct … maybe not as much flair as Fiji, but definitely going to be more of a front-up, confrontational battle.”

Stephen Meehan (Head Coach):

“Playing a Tier 1 nation that performed at a high level gave us a lot to reflect on,” said Head Coach Stephen Meehan. “In the first half, there was a realization of what it truly feels like to face a top side. In the second half, we lifted our performance, and while there are positives to take, we know there’s still plenty of work ahead.”

“We need to focus on becoming a team that delivers those positive actions consistently—regardless of the opponent or the occasion. We have six days to regroup, and I know the players will want to start stronger against Tonga, given the disappointment they feel tonight.”

“On Monday and Tuesday, our video review will require open eyes and honest reflection. That performance wasn’t good enough. The challenge now is to build on the moments where we were strong, because when we played well, we showed just how good we can be.”

CANADA SCORING SUMMARY  

Tries: Brock Gallagher (59')
Conversions: Peter Nelson (60')
Penalty Goals: Peter Nelson (7’)

UP NEXT FOR CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM  

Next up for Canada: a third-place play-off contest against Tonga at America First Field in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kickoff for Canada’s Pacific Nations Cup finale will go at 6:35 p.m. ET / 3:35 p.m. PT.

The competition has already seen Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team officially secure qualification for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, following Japan’s victory over the United States on September 6 and Canada’s own 34–20 win over the United States at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium on August 22. With qualification confirmed, Canada became the 21st nation to book its place at rugby’s pinnacle competition and will make its 10th Rugby World Cup appearance, having competed in every edition except 2023.

While the primary objective of securing World Cup qualification has been achieved, the team remains firmly focused on progressing further in the Pacific Nations Cup.

More information about the Pacific Nations Cup can be found here.

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM MATCH DAY ROSTER VS FIJI

1.  Calixto Martinez (White Rock, BC) -  Bayside RFC / Old Glory DC
2.  Dewald Kotze (Edmonton, AB) – Strathcona Druids RFC / Seattle Seawolves
3.  Cole Keith (Sussex, NB) – Belleisle Rovers RFC / New England Free Jacks
4.  Piers Von Dadelszen (Vancouver, BC) - New England Free Jacks
5.  Callum Botchar (Vancouver, BC) – James Bay AA / NOLA Gold
6.  Mason Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons / Chicago Hounds
7.  Siôn Parry (Cardiff, WAL) – Rhiwbina RFC / Ebbw Vale RFC
8.  Matthew Oworu (Calgary, AB) – Pacific Pride / Chicago Hounds
9.  Jason Higgins (Cork, IRE) – Cork Constitution / Chicago Hounds 
10.  Peter Nelson (Dungannon, NIR) – Dungannon RFC   
11.  Josiah Morra (Toronto, ON) - New England Free Jacks / Toronto Saracens  
12.  Spencer Jones (Cambridge, NZ) - Hamilton Old Boys / Utah Warriors
13.  Noah Flesch (Cobourg, ON) – Cobourg Saxons / Chicago Hounds 
14.  Nic Benn (Caves Beach, AUS) – Utah Warriors
15.  Shane O’Leary (Cork, IRE) - Ballina Killaloe RFC / Miami Sharks
 
FINISHERS

16. Jesse Mackail (Palmerston North, NZ) – Bayside RFC / Seattle Seawolves
17. Emerson Prior (Brockville, ON) - Brockville Privateers / Westshore RFC / Utah Warriors
18. Conor Young (Yamba, AUS) – Southern Districts Rugby Club / RFC LA
19. Izzak Kelly (White Rock, BC) - Bayside RFC / Capilano RFC
20. Matt Heaton (Godmanchester, QC) -  Ormstown Saracens / RFC LA
21. Brock Gallagher (Edmonton, AB) - Strathcona Druids RFC / Seattle Seawolves
22. Talon McMullin (White Rock, BC) - University of British Columbia
23. Kainoa Lloyd (Mississauga, ON) - James Bay AA / United Rugby Sports Club

A translated version of this release will be available soon.