Maple Leafs named for South America trip

Canada has named their Maple Leafs squad to travel to Chile and Argentina in January. The national development side will take part in the Mar del Plata (Jan 9-10) and Vina del Mar (Jan 16-17) tournaments, with eyes not only on winning, but of elevation to a senior side that has struggled with form in recent months. Former senior sevens head coach Spencer Robinson will take charge of the side.

Lucas Hammond continues as captain and he is joined by a largely inexperienced group, with only two senior caps otherwise available at each tournament. Matt Mullins will travel to both destinations, while Nanyak Dala and Adam Zaruba will play in one each – Zaruba in Mar del Plata and Dala in Vina del Mar.

Andrew Coe, Luke McCloskey, Riley DiNardo, Aaron Evison, and Karsten Leitner were all part of the group that took part in the invitational bracket of the Dubai tournament in December. Australian-born midfielder Sam Hayward returns to Canadian colours for the first time since wearing the national u20 jersey in April 2014. Other new caps are 2015 u20 players Adrian Wadden and Tony Pomroy, and Baltimore, Ontario, native Brandon McLeod.

CANADA MAPLE LEAFS
Andrew Coe (Markham Irish / UBC Thunderbirds), Nanyak Dala* (Castaway Wanderers), Riley DiNardo (Toronto Saracens / Guelph Gryphons), Aaron Evison (James Bay), Lucas Hammond (capt., Toronto Nomads), Sam Hayward (Parramatta Two Blues), Karsten Leitner (UBCOB Ravens / UBC Thunderbirds), Brandon McLeod (Cobourg Saxons / Guelph Gryphons), Matt Mullins (Belleville Bulldogs / Queen’s Golden Gaels), Tony Pomroy (Baymen), Adrian Wadden (Oakville Crusaders / McMaster Marauders), Adam Zaruba** (Capilano)

* Vila de Mar only
** Mar del Plata only

MAR DEL PLATA DAY 1
12:00 EST – vs Uruguay
13:40 EST – vs Paraguay
15:45 EST – vs South Africa

VINA DEL MAR DAY 1
12:00 EST – vs South Africa
15:00 EST – vs Argentina
17:50 EST – vs USA