Canada confirms June Test Series

Rugby Canada has confirmed the details of the three-match June test series for the National Senior Men’s team. As initially reported a month ago, their opponents will be Japan, Russia, and Italy. All three are currently ranked higher than Canada – who sit at 19th – on the official World Rugby rankings table.

Some history will be written in the opening match of the series as a full XVs test match will take place at Vancouver’s BC Place for the first time when Japan arrives on June 11. New CEO Allen Vansen will be hoping that sales go as well as the inaugural HSBC Sevens Series event at the same location, set to take place next week and already completely sold-out for both days.

The second match takes place at Calgary Rugby Park, the site of the 2015 Canadian Rugby Championship tournament, where Canada will play Russia on June 18. Toronto will have a chance to take back the Canadian rugby attendance record from Vancouver on June 26 when the Azzurri return to BMO Field.

Japan are currently at their highest all-time world ranking in 10th spot after an historic victory over South Africa in the World Cup. The two sides have met on 24 previous occasions, with Canada winning eight and two draws. Their most recent collision was during the Pacific Nations Cup in July, where Japan came out on top by a score of 20-6 in San Jose. Canada’s last victory over the Brave Blossoms was in May of 2005.

Despite not qualifying for the World Cup, Russia remain ranked above Canada in 18th spot, though Canada have won all three of their prior meetings. The last match between the two was a 35-3 result at the neutral site of Colwyn Bay in North Wales.

Italy currently occupy the 14th spot on the world rankings, and have played Canada in eight previous test matches in 1983, losing only twice. The Azzurri have won the last six meetings, including a narrow 23-18 victory in Leeds during the World Cup and a 25-13 win at BMO Field in June 2012. Canada’s last win over Italy came in November 2000 at Rovigo’s Stadio Battaglini.

All three matches are expected to be broadcast live on TSN.

FIXTURES
Sat, Jun 11 – 15:00 local – vs Japan – BC Place, Vancouver
Sat, Jun 18 – 15:00 local – vs Russia – Calgary Rugby Park, Calgary
Sun, Jun 26 – 12:00 local – vs Italy – BMO Field, Toronto