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The first of two legs to determine the North American entry to the World Rugby u20 Trophy tournament will take place in Edmonton on Tuesday. Canada will be desperate to find their way back to the competition after missing out in 2016 thanks to last-gasp penalty goal from Ben Cima that crushed their dreams in Texas. The All-Americans have named a strong roster and should once again prove formidable opposition despite being forced to play both matches on the road.
Headlining this year’s selection are three players who made their test debuts for Canada during the Americas Rugby Championship, two of whom ply their trade in French Top 14 academy programs. Clermont Auvergne midfielder George Barton was part of the team that struggled in Round Rock last year and will be keen to make amends. Pau second row Matt Beukeboom was in the squad that day but strangely did not see the field. James Bay prop Cole Keith, originally hailing from New Brunswick, has just returned from several weeks playing club rugby in New Zealand.
Keith is also one of four players who have been part of Rugby Canada’s Centralized Athlete group. Abbotsford No 8 Jake Thiel, Brantford Harlequins flyhalf Will Kelly, and SABRFC utility back Aidan McMullan are the others. Thiel is the son of former national team prop Jon Thiel and is joined in the team by twin brother Josh, who plays as a centre.
There are also two Super Rugby academy players included. Lock or loose forward Lachlan Currie arrives from Bond University on the Gold Coast and the Western Force u20s. Canberra Royals winger Cole Davis, a Calgary Saints product, has been part of the Brumbies age-grade program.
Also added are two players who were not part of the original training squad. Called up from the u19 program is highly-rated midfielder Quinn Ngawati, who reached headlines after being signed by the upstart rugby league club Toronto Wolfpack. From the national u18 side is scrumhalf William McDougall-Percillier, who stood out as one to watch during the recent tour to France.
Both of the u20 fixtures will be streamed live on Rugby Canada’s Facebook page.
FORWARDS
Nick Frost (UBC Thunderbirds), Cole Keith (James Bay), Dewald Kotze (UBCOB Ravens), Liam Murray (Langley), Connor Sampson (UBC Thunderbirds), Jack McRogers (Aurora Barbarians), Steven Ng (Capilano), Matt Beukeboom (Pau, FR), Thomas Davidson (Toronto Scottish), Liam Doll (UBC Thunderbirds), Jamie McNaughton (McMaster Marauders), Lachlan Currie (Bond University, AU), Aidan McCleary (Westshore), James O’Neill (UVic Vikes), Carson O’Sullivan (UVic Vikes), Jake Thiel (Abbotsford)
BACKS
Fraser Hurst (UBC Thunderbirds), William McDougall-Percillier (Cowichan), Will Kelly (Brantford Harlequins), Brennig Prevost (UVic Vikes), George Barton (Clermont Auvergne, FR), Quinn Ngawati (Westshore), Josh Thiel (Bishop Burton College), Cole Davis (Canberra Royals, AU), Elias Ergas (UBC Thunderbirds), Anton Ngongo (Castaway Wanderers), Aaron Hersant (UVic Vikes), Aidan McMullan (SABRFC)
FIXTURES
June 13 – 19:00 local, 18:00 PT, 21:00 ET – vs USA – Ellerslie Park, Edmonton
June 17 – 12:00 local, 11:00 PT, 14:00 ET – vs USA – Ellerslie Park, Edmonton
