Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team roster for the HSBC France Sevens, the second to last men’s tournament in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023, has been named by interim Head Coach Sean White.
The team will face New Zealand, a four-time gold medallist on the 2023 Sevens Series, Uruguay and Kenya in Pool A over May 12 to 14 at Stade Ernest-Wallon.
Brock Webster, who is second in points scored for Canada this season, returns to the roster after recovery from injury. Also back with the squad is Jack Carson, following up a successful season with the University of British Columbia that included winning the Canadian University Championship in December and claiming the BC Premier League championship last weekend.
Max Stewart, who made his debut in March at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, will continue his rookie World Rugby Sevens Series season in France with his third appearance with the Canadian team. Out with injury are Cooper Coats, Jake Thiel and Matt Percillier.
“We’ve had a really great training block heading into the final two weekends of the 2023 World Rugby Sevens Series,” said White. “Our focus has always remained on our processes and how we as a team can continue to compete in the daily training environment. The players have accepted the challenge and their ‘never back down’ attitudes over the past few months have put us in a great spot to go and get the job done.”
Canada opens pool play against New Zealand on Friday May 12 at 4:29 a.m. PT / 7:29 a.m. ET, followed by Uruguay on Friday May 12 at 8:54 a.m. PT / 11:54 a.m. ET and Kenya on Saturday May 13 at 3:21 a.m. PT / 6:21 a.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
1. Anton Ngongo (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers
4. Phil Berna (Vancouver, BC) – Vancouver Rowing Club
5. Alex Russell (Chichester, ENG) – McGill University
6. Josiah Morra (Toronto, ON) – Castaway Wanderers / Toronto Saracens
7. Brock Webster (Uxbridge, ON) – Oshawa Vikings RFC
12. David Richard (Milton, ON) – Mississauga Blues RFC
19. Matthew Oworu (Calgary, AB) – Pacific Pride
21. Max Stewart (Cape Town, RSA) – 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
99. Jack Carson (Victoria, BC) – University of British Columbia
