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Canadian forward Ray Barkwill is to play PRO Rugby for Sacramento. In doing so he becomes the second international player, after Italian Mirco Bergamasco, to join the Californian capital’s PRO Rugby team.
The Niagara Falls, Ontario native began playing rugby at Westlane Secondary School and Niagara Wasp RFC. He subsequently went on play for Niagara Thunder and to captain Brock University to its first OUA Rugby Championship while being named OUA Finals MVP.
Following the completion of his undergraduate studies he moved to Perth, Australia to study a post graduate degree at Curtin University. While there he played for the University of Western Australia and the Perth Spirit. He subsequently played for the Western Force’s ‘A’ side before returning to Canada.
Having debuted for Canada in 2012 as a veteran Barkwill went on to overtake Aaron Carpenter as the first choice Canadian hooker at Rugby World Cup 2015. He played in all four of Canada’s matches, starting against Ireland, Italy and Romania.
Aged 35, Barkwill has earned 30 caps for his country. He had the honor of captaining Canada against Brazil in the recently completed Americas Rugby Championship. He started all five matches for Canada in the tournament.
Additional Canadian players are expected to be unveiled before the PRO Rugby season kicks-off on Sunday April 17. Barkwill is the second Canadian to sign. He follows Phil MacKenzie who returns to North American from England to play for San Diego.
