Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team roster for the LA Sevens, the sixth stop on the men’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023, has been named by interim Head Coach Sean White.
Canada will compete in Pool B at Dignity Health Sports Park, with games against South Africa, Ireland and Uruguay on Saturday February 25 and playoffs on Sunday February 26. This is the last Sevens Series tournament before Vancouver hosts the Canada Sevens over March 3-5.
Returning to the roster after recovery from injury are Alex Russell and Lockie Kratz, who both last appeared for Canada at the Cape Town Sevens in December.
Matt Percillier and Jack Carson, who both earned their first caps for Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team in September 2021 at the World Rugby Sevens Series stop in Vancouver, are on the roster for the first time this season. The two 21-year-old players from Victoria, BC had standout performances for UBC in the fall, significantly contributing towards winning the 2022 Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship. They trained with Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team in the week prior to selection and have been granted a short-term release from UBC to join the team in LA and Vancouver and further their rugby development.
“Preparations have gone well in the lead up to the LA Sevens. We’ve been lucky to be able to have a significant amount of our Maple Leaf West players join us this past week to help the Men’s Sevens Team prepare and to give that Maple Leaf West development group meaningful time together before they participate in the Elite division of the LA Sevens Invitational,” said interim Head Coach Sean White. “We have also extended our squad to include Jack Carson and Matt Percillier. They’ve provided an extra level of competitiveness that has elevated our group’s preparations for LA. Although we have the added excitement of Vancouver around the corner, the group remains steadfast and focused on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with South Africa, Ireland and Uruguay in our LA pool.”
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team opens pool play on Saturday February 25 against South Africa at 11:49 a.m. PT / 2:49 p.m. ET, followed by Ireland at 2:40 p.m. PT / 5:40 p.m. PT and Uruguay at 6:35 p.m. PT / 9:35 p.m. ET.
SCHEDULE / COVERAGE
For the most up to date information on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and live coverage, visit the official website world.rugby/sevens-series. There you will find details regarding the event format, schedule, and the latest news.
WHERE TO WATCH
Broadcast coverage of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series will be available in Canada via CBC. All events are available to live stream via cbcsports.ca, the CBC Sports app, and the free CBC Gem streaming service.
CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS ROSTER
2. Jake Thiel (Victoria, BC) – James Bay AA
4. Phil Berna (Vancouver, BC) – Vancouver Rowing Club
5. Alex Russell (Chichester, ENG) – McGill University
6. Josiah Morra (Toronto, ON) – Castaway Wanderers / Toronto Saracens
11. Elias Ergas (Vancouver, BC) – University of British Columbia
14. Josh Thiel (Victoria, BC) – James Bay AA
19. Matthew Oworu (Calgary, AB) – Pacific Pride
23. Thomas Isherwood (Okotoks, AB) – Foothills Lions RFC
33. Kal Sager (Peterborough, ON) – Peterborough Pagans / Trent University
44. Lockie Kratz (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers / NOLA Gold
64. Elias Hancock (Ottawa, ON) – Bytown Blues
88. Matt Percillier (Victoria, BC) – University of British Columbia
99. Jack Carson (Victoria, BC) – University of British Columbia
