2017 Canadian Rugby Championship Preview

The Canadian Rugby Championship is back and over the next week Canada’s four regional sides will do battle with the winner earning the right to lift the MacTier Cup. Despite the abbreviated schedule this is the highest level of domestic rugby in the country and for many hopefuls the best opportunity to put their name in the headlines for the national selectors. Of course there is a vacancy in the national men’s head coach position at the moment which certainly puts a damper on things but the video will be available for the next man on the job and those in contention for assistant coach roles will all be watching.

Favorites once again are the defending champion Ontario Blues who feature a number of Canadian caps in their lineup but there is new life in the Bears of British Columbia and one can never count out the Prairie Wolf Pack at home. Even the Atlantic Rock have some new blood who could do some damage if the bounce of the ball goes their way.

All matches will take place at the Calgary Rugby Park with a live stream provided by Rugby Canada.

Detailed rosters and updated tournament stats can be seen here.

 

FIXTURES

DATE	PT	LOCAL	ET	HOME	AWAY
Sun, Aug 13	12:00	13:00	15:00	Wolf Pack	Blues
Sun, Aug 13	14:00	15:00	17:00	Bears	Rock
Wed, Aug 16	16:00	17:00	19:00	Blues	Bears
Wed, Aug 16	18:00	19:00	21:00	Wolf Pack	Rock
Sat, Aug 19	16:00	17:00	19:00	3rd	4th
Sat, Aug 19	18:00	19:00	21:00	1st	2nd

 

 

The BC Bears are the perennial underachievers of the CRC. Despite representing a province with a rich rugby history and no shortage of talent, buy-in from many top players has been reluctant at the end of a long season that runs opposite to that of the rest of the country. Since winning the inaugural CRC in 2009 they have failed even to finish as runners-up in any year since.

A new coaching regime looks to have stirred at least some of their international players into action, and a clinical 43-0 victory over the Wolf Pack in the opener signaled a potential revival. As it turns out, however, several of their Canadian stars will not be present in Calgary. Jake Ilnicki, Liam Chisholm, Admir Cejvanovic, and Connor Braid are among those who were expected but are absent for various reasons, while Ryan Ackerman is out with injury, George Barton and Anton Ngongo called away on national u20 duty, and Taitusi Vikilani facing the hands of justice.

That said this is still a well-drilled side that boasts a number of CDI Premier League standouts in the group, including Canada ARC reps Guiseppe du Toit, Brock Staller, and player-coach Phil Mack. The latter was the dominant player on the field against the Wolf Pack and any team that hopes to find victory against the Bears must limit his influence. Achieving that, however, may prove easier said than done.

HEAD COACH: It’s the first year in charge for James Bay’s Tony Healy, which may come as a surprise given the esteem in which he is held by the rugby community. The 48-year-old from Nanaimo knows what it takes to get to the top, having won 15 test caps for Canada as a second row and enjoying an eight-year career in Europe starting at the beginning of professionalism in 1996. After leading Brentwood College to glory and has also coached the Canadian u20 side. If the Bears continue to impress, a spot in the senior setup might not be far behind.

CAPTAIN: A talisman for his beloved home club of Burnaby Lake, Anthony Luca has finally forced his way into the Canadian side. While front row forwards tend to mature later in their rugby careers, it’s still a bit unusual for players to be making their test debut at the age of 32. Such perseverance is what makes the loosehead prop a good leader. You won’t see him attempting drop goals or side-stepping a winger, but he won’t take a backward step and will be the first to throw himself into the fire.

ONE TO WATCH: In a position commonly occupied by ‘accents’, Harjun Gill is BC born and bred. The 21-year-old is now a standout with the Ravens but hails originally from Richmond, the same club that produced another of Canada’s top flyhalves, Nathan Hirayama. Those who have been following his progress through the age-grade system will not be surprised to see him manning the No 10 shirt for the Bears at such a young age. With composure beyond his years and strong footballing skills, he will dictate much of BC’s success in Calgary.

FORWARDS: Paul Ahn (UBCOB Ravens), Neil Courtney (UBC Thunderbirds), Anthony Luca (Burnaby Lake), Blake van Heyningen (James Bay), Noah Barker (James Bay), Andrew Lackner (Burnaby Lake), Jordan Reid-Harvey (Capilano), Craig McLaughlin (Burnaby Lake), Cam Polson (Castaway Wanderers), Shea Wakefield (James Bay), Connor Weyell (UBC Thunderbirds), Luke Campbell (James Bay), Dustin Dobravsky (Castaway Wanderers), Travis Larsen (James Bay), Kevin Leask (UVic Vikes), Nakai Penny (UBC Thunderbirds), Tua Va’a (Westshore)

BACKS: Riley DiNardo (Castaway Wanderers), Phil Mack (James Bay), Gavin Rowell (UVic Vikes), Harjun Gill (UBCOB Ravens), Guiseppe du Toit (UVic Vikes), Doug Fraser (Castaway Wanderers), Mike Nieuwenhuysen (James Bay), Brock Staller (UBCOB Ravens), Sean Ferguson (UBCOB Ravens), Karsten Leitner (UBC Thunderbirds), Kimi Vunituraga (Burnaby Lake), Aaron McLelland (UBCOB Ravens)

 

 

There’s no question who the favorites are this year. The defending champions and five-time winners of the MacTier Cup have the strongest team on paper and the greatest momentum. They already have wins over Old Blue, the Glendale Raptors, and the Rock this year and will be supremely confident coming in.

A solid forward pack with current Canada players Eric Howard and Lucas Rumball leading the way feeds a lethal backline where the team is spoiled for choice. Will Kelly has joined the Canada u20 preparations and Alex Colborne is injured but Mitch Richardson has returned and new Canada cap Andrew Coe is in, an addition that could see one of the four international outside backs shifted to the midfield. Dan Moor appears most likely given his past experience there.

With halfbacks Andrew Ferguson and Shawn Windsor pulling the strings it’s going to be very difficult to throw the Blues off their stride. Make it 11 internationals in all and it would take a brave person to bet against them lifting retaining their CRC title.

HEAD COACH: The 2012 Rugby Canada Coach of the Year award winner, Chris Silverthorn‘s resume is as impressive as any coach across the country. In fact his credentials have only been enhanced since winning the award, collecting three more MacTier Cup titles and establishing the Blues as arguably the premier non-international side in North America. Calm and amiable, the Lindsay native has been with the program since day one, taking over the lead role from Rob Doyle in 2012.

CAPTAIN: A ‘late bloomer’ is what one might call Rob Brouwer. Another Lindsay man, the 34-year-old was a squad member for many years and often used as a second row replacement. Somewhere along the way everything clicked and when the call finally came for Canada honors at the Americas Rugby Championship in 2016, Brouwer was ready. Tall and long for a prop, but surprisingly nimble for a big man and leads by example. The cornerstone of the Blues pack.

ONE TO WATCH: One of three inclusions from the Toronto Saracens club, Peter Milazzo is now in his second year with the Blues after graduating from Canada’s national u20 program, and the 21-year-old is now starting to make his mark at senior level. Having added bulk to his 1.93m (6’4″) frame he now has greater presence in the tackle and the breakdown, and his height makes him a useful lineout option. Looks set to wear the No 7 jersey though he is taller than his flank-mate Rumball. Neither are classic opensides, perhaps both best described as ‘6.5’ flankers.

FORWARDS: Rob Brouwer (Lindsay), Tom Dolezel (London St. George’s), Pat Lynott (Bytown Blues), Ryan Surgenor (Bytown Blues), Eric Howard (Brantford Harlequins), AJ Quattrin (Aurora Barbarians), Paul Ciulini (Aurora Barbarians), Hank McQueen (Balmy Beach), Mike Sheppard (Brampton Beavers), Peter Milazzo (Toronto Saracens), Lucas Rumball (Balmy Beach), Seb Pearson (London St. George’s), Marcello Wainwright (Toronto Saracens), Andrew Wilson (Oakville Crusaders)

BACKS: Andrew Ferguson (Oakville Crusaders), Mario van der Westhuizen (Guelph Redcoats), Shawn Windsor (Stoney Creek Camels), Mitch Richardson (Stoney Creek Camels), Josh Campbell (London St. George’s), Kyle Lagasca (Toronto Saracens), Johnny Sheridan (Markham Irish), Kainoa Lloyd (Mississauga Blues), Brandon McLeod (Aurora Barbarians), Dan Moor (Balmy Beach), Andrew Coe (Markham Irish), Rory McDonell (Brantford Harlequins)

 

 

Champions in 2010 and runners-up in 2011, the Atlantic Rock have had a lot of ‘what if’ moments since. This season has seen a few new names enter the side to join a few old campaigners, but as ever they seem to make a fight in any contest no matter the odds against them. That resilience was evident in their opening match of the season against the Blues, a game that saw them en route to a hiding in the first half but closing the gap to only seven points at the final whistle.

Burgeoning stars Cole Keith and Aidan McMullan are unavailable with u20 commitments but that’s not to say the side will be short on talent. Conor Keys and Jon Phelan give them an all-international second row and ARC loose forward Mike Hamson is dynamic on both sides of the ball. Both scrumhalves Tony Pomroy and new man Graham Barry are quick and happy to take a half-gap if given to them. Charles DeBove provides the steel in the midfield and Brett Johnson is one of the best finishers in Canadian rugby.

It’s that mix of young and old that makes them somewhat unpredictable. In one moment they can put together an inspired attacking move, in another they might commit an basic error. Without massive expectation behind them there should be freedom to take risks. If they pay off there could be an upset or two on the cards over the next week.

DIRECTOR of RUGBY: Dr. Pat Parfrey needs no introduction to Canadian rugby fans. Former Munster winger, one-time Ireland international, former Canadian senior men’s rugby coach and CRU President, and current World Rugby board representative. The 66-year-old has been a rugby institution in Canada for more than 30 years and commands respect from disciples and adversaries alike.

CAPTAIN: Succeeding his brother Owen as captain, Patrick Parfrey‘s rugby career has exceeded that of his older brothers. Since making his international debut against the USA in 2013 he has won 15 caps, including a late call-up to the 2015 World Cup, and represented his country on the HSBC Sevens Series. Likely to play flyhalf but also an effective inside centre, Parfrey combines an educated kicking game with accurate passing and airtight defense.

ONE TO WATCH: Trying to pick only one from Moe Abdelmonem and Cooper Coats has proved an impossible task. Both newcomers hail from the Halifax Tars club in the Maritime Elite league, and both bring game-changing abilities to the table. Abdelmonem is a classic openside flanker, short in stature but powerful and an absolute menace at the breakdown. A limpit over the ball and relentless tackler. Coats is the magician, most at home as a flyhalf but also useful as an outside back. A collegiate soccer player as well, he has vision and time on the ball to go with a deadly boot.

FORWARDS: Jake Chahwan (Ottawa Irish), Alex Forrest (Mudmen), Jordon Power (Dogs), Frank Walsh (Vandals), Martial Lagain (CRQ), Owen Parfrey (Swilers), Conor Keys (Barrhaven Scottish), Brad Lester (Dogs), Jon Phelan (SABRFC), Moe Abdelmonem (Halifax Tars), Liam Carter (Mudmen), Evan Dickie (Enfield), Mike Hamson (Halifax Tars), Lucas Hotton (TMR), Carson O’Sullivan (UVic Vikes)

BACKS: Graham Barry (Halifax Tars), Tony Pomroy (Baymen), Cooper Coats (Halifax Tars), Patrick Parfrey (Swilers), Colin Alexander (Balmy Beach), Charles DeBove (SABRFC), Emil Sehic (Fredericton Loyalists), Dan Lantos (Swilers), Brett Johnson (Truro Saints), Jack McCarthy (Vandals), Paddy McNicholas (Swilers)

 

 

Some may insist that they saw it coming but to most the 43-0 drubbing that the Prairie Wolf Pack suffered against the Bears in Vancouver came as a surprise. After all this is the program that has finished runners-up in five of the last seven years, and are only one season removed from hoisting their first ever MacTier Cup in 2015.

Recovering on home turf will not be easy, especially without injured halfback Gordon McRorie and stalwart No 8 Clay Panga, who is away in Ireland supporting his wife Barb Mervin in the Women’s World Cup. They have picked up a couple reinforcements in the form of Hubert Buydens and Nick Blevins, both hugely experienced internationals who will add vital leadership to the side.

The title might now be out of reach and in the Blues the task only becomes more difficult, but this is not the sort of group to wave the white flag after one bad day at the office. Expect them to throw everything at the Blues and they could have a say in who takes the bragging rights this season, even if its only in a spoiler role.

HEAD COACH: With Graeme Moffat taking a break from the program following his Canada duties it’s Cowra, Australia, native Col Jeffs who again assumes the head coach role having been involved with the side since 2011. His resume also includes coaching roles with Canada ‘A’, New South Wales Country, and the Combined Country side that played against the British & Irish Lions in 2013. His task now will be to restore confidence in a side that came out on the wrong end of a battering in Vancouver a month ago.

CAPTAIN: It’s been a long time coming for Kyle Gilmour to get back on the paddock. The World Cup flanker had been in top form, and while his stay at Rotherham was short-lived he looked set to play a leading role for Canada once more in the revamped Americas Rugby Championship. A broken cheekbone in training put paid to that and the recovery took longer than expected. At his best he a dominant figure on both sides of the ball. The Pack will be hoping he finds his feet again quickly.

ONE TO WATCH: The search for a new No 10 appears to have been settled with Shane O’Leary committing to Canada, but in the ARC it was another youngster from across the pond with his name in the lights. Robbie Povey has come to Canada via the Northampton Saints junior academy and quickly jumped from the u20 side to the seniors, winning his first cap against Chile. While consistency has perhaps been a work-on up until now, at his best he can control the tempo of a game with boot and hand.

FORWARDS: Hubert Buydens (Saskatoon Wild Oats), Peter Houlihan (Strathcona Druids), Ryan Kotlewski (Calgary Saints), Nick McAuley (Calgary Saints), Robert Blunden (St. Albert), Wayde Hodgen (Calgary Hornets), Casey Reed (Edmonton Clansmen), Lucas Albornoz (St. Albert), Riley Fahlman (Regina Campion Grads), Conor Turner (Calgary Hornets), Connor Gilbert (Bow Valley Grizzlies), Kyle Gilmour (St. Albert), Jeremy Kyne (Strathcona Druids), Kyle Morrison (Nor’westers)

BACKS: Jake Bentley (Calgary Canucks), Mark Discombe (Regina Rogues), Jake Robinson (St. Albert), Robbie Povey (Calgary Hornets), Gradyn Bowd (Red Deer Titans), Nick Blevins (Calgary Hornets), Adam Bontus (St. Albert), Mozac Samson (Calgary Saints), Brandon Baker (Regina Campion Grads), Conor Desmond (Calgary Irish), Cam Hall (Strathcona Druids), Evan Thomas (Lep-Tigers), Carl Pocock (Calgary Rams)