Wolf Pack name extended CRC squad

Graeme Moffat has named an extended training squad ahead of this year’s abbreviated Canadian Rugby Championships to take place in Calgary in June 28 and July 1. A number of key players return from last year’s squad, which finished an impressive season with a 5-1 record and missed out on the title by a single bonus point. With this year’s CRC also a last chance for domestic players to put their hand up for World Cup selection, there are several interesting names thrown into the mix.

Star halfback Gordon McRorie will again run the show, though whether he lines up in his favoured scrumhalf position of at flyhalf remains to be seen. With Steve Arnold out and Adam McQueen the only other specialist flyhalf in the group, it could be the no10 jersey where McRorie finds himself once more. Interestingly, back rower Clay Panga has spent the season playing flyhalf for Oak Bay. Among all positional switches, that would surely be the most unique.

Vancouver-born Argentine back rower Lucas Albornoz looks set to claim the vacancy at no8 caused by the absence of incumbent Jeremy Kyne. The former Argentina age-grade international has been given an opportunity after impressing for Castaway Wanderers in British Columbia’s CDI Premier League. He could be part of a formidable back row unit with Canadian internationals Nanyak Dala and Kyle Gilmour primed to team up on the flanks.

The Pack are also able to call upon veteran test players Hubert Buydens and Andrew Tiedemann to shore up some holes in the front row, with all four of last year’s props – Peter Houlihan, Ryan Ackerman, James Smith, and Ryan Kotlewski – unavailable for selection. Promising u20 international Matt Harrison will continue at hooker, and a plethora of challengers will battle it out for spots in the second row. Among them former Canada ‘A’ utility forward Chris Long returns after another stint in New Zealand, and current national rep Evan Olmstead who was a standout in the recently completed Pacific Challenge tournament in Fiji.

The outside backs also boast an array of talent, with multiple options both in the midfield and out wide. Incumbent centres Dustin MacPherson and Nick Blevins return, but will face stiff competition from Fijian expat Mozac Samson and junior caps Gradyn Bowd and Ben LeSage. Graham Turner and Duncan Maguire are the front runners on the wing, though the pace of youngster Brandon Waeyen might be too much to ignore. Outstanding fullback Shea O’Hallahan won’t be there this season, so fullback looks to be contested by the likes of Brandon Harrison and Welsh-born Carl Pocock, who featured in a Canada Select XV way back in 2008.

With only two league games on tap this season, the squad will be trimmed ahead of a training camp to be held from June 18-21, with their pivotal tilt against the BC Bears slated for June 28. The second match takes place on July 1, with the winners of round 1 facing off for the MacTier Cup and the losers playing for pride.

FORWARDS:
Liam Beaulieu (Bayside), Hubert Buydens (Castaway Wanderers), Dustin Luther (Bayside), Nick McCauley (Calgary Saints), Clayton Thornber (Castaway Wanderers), Andrew Tiedemann (Plymouth Albion), Robert Blunden (St. Albert), Matt Harrison (Assassins), Wayde Hodgen (Red Deer Titans), Spencer Watkins (Foothills Lions), Ian Huston (Calgary Saints), Chris Long (Palmerston North), Spencer Massiah (Calgary Hornets), Evan Olmstead (Parramatta), Tom Roche (UBC Thunderbirds), Josh Schlebach (Calgary Irish), Lucas Albornoz (Castaway Wanderers), John Anderson (Calgary Hornets), Jonny Clarke (Strathcona Druids), Orrin Farries (St. Albert), Kyle Gilmour (capt., St. Albert), Clayton Panga (Castaway Wanderers), Darcy Ralph (UBCOB Ravens).

BACKS
James Buchanan (Calgary Hornets), Gordon McRorie (UBCOB Ravens), Jake Robinson (St. Albert), Reid Watkins (Foothills Lions), Adam McQueen (Calgary Hornets), Nick Blevins (James Bay), Gradyn Bowd (Red Deer Titans), Ben LeSage (Calgary Canucks), Dustin MacPherson (Calgary Hornets), Mozac Samson (Calgary Saints), Adam Bontus (St. Albert), Duncan Maguire (St. Albert), Ian Shoults (Calgary Canucks), Graham Turner (Calgary Hornets), Brandon Waeyen (Calgary Hornets), Dave Evans (Bow Valley), Brandon Harrison (Calgary Irish), Justin Law (Edmonton Clansmen), Carl Pocock (Calgary Hornets).

Coaches: Graeme Moffat and Col Jeffs

FIXTURES
June 28 – vs BC Bears, Calgary Rugby Park (15:00 Calgary)
July 1 – vs T.B.D., Calgary Rugby Park (t.b.d. Calgary)