Canada prepares for Hong Kong

Liam Middleton has selected his group of 13 to prepare for the Asian leg of the HSBC Sevens Series. The tour stops first in Hong Kong, the most historic stop on the circuit and one that doubles as a qualifier for core status for outlying nations. Canada has found mixed results at the flagship event in recent years, and will look to step up into the Cup finals after lifting the Bowl trophy in Vancouver.

Three more players join Nanyak Dala, Liam Underwood, and Mike Scholz on the sidelines. Sean Duke misses out with a back injury, Adam Zaruba is resting a bad elbow, and key playmaker Phil Mack has had knee surgery. Canadian officials have kept mum on the severity of the injury but the player insists he will be fit to resume duties sooner than later. With the final Olympic qualifying tournament set for June 18 in Monaco, time is not on his side.

Called into the group are Phil Berna, Justin Douglas, Matt Mullins, and newcomer Luke Bradley. Douglas was a notable absentee in Vancouver, instead selected for the Maple Leafs side, while u20 loose forward Bradley will hope to make his senior debut after being part of the development group for several months. Middleton will trim one from the group before final squad declarations on Thursday.

South Korea is a new opponent for Canada, with both Japan and Brazil involved in the qualifying bracket, and the two will be joined by overall Series leaders Fiji and the unpredictable Wales in Pool D. The three day event kicks off on Friday, April 8. All matches will be streamed live by World Rugby.

CANADA SEVENS
Phil Berna, Luke Bradley, Admir Cejvanovic, Justin Douglas, Mike Fuailefau, Lucas Hammond, Nathan Hirayama, Harry Jones, Pat Kay, John Moonlight (capt.), Matt Mullins, Conor Trainor, Sean White

Head Coach – Liam Middleton
Assistant Coach – Lee Douglas
Manager – Brian Hunter
Analyst – Calum Ramsay
Physiotherapist – Danielle Mah

POOL FIXTURES
Fri, Apr 8 – 08:06 EST – vs Fiji
Sat, Apr 9 – 00:02 EST – vs Wales
Sat, Apr 9 – 04:02 EST – vs South Korea