July Tests: Canada – Uncapped Player Profiles

The start of Canada’s new World Cup cycle has come a year later than anticipated and time is now short to get new faces acquainted with test rugby in time for September’s all-important Americas Qualifiers. Kingsley Jones might have opted for less experimentation on this UK Tour given the standard of opposition, but his hand has been forced by an Olympic conflict and the withdrawal of several top professionals for various reasons. There are 13 uncapped players selected as a result. Below we take a look at where they come from and what they offer.

 

Liam Murray
Houston SaberCats

Age: 23
Position: Loosehead Prop
Height: 6’2″ (1.87m)
Weight: 250lbs (114kg)
MLR Caps: 6

Product of Langley Rugby Club who has taken a conventional route to senior honors. Played alongside several future Major League Rugby players in the 2017 World Rugby u20 Trophy, and then made an immediate jump to the Canada ‘A’ squad that same year. Made his pro debut on loan with the Arrows this season. Athletic and streamlined for a prop but also physically strong, he is capable of playing tighthead but is primarily a loosehead.

 

Foster DeWitt
Pacific Pride

Age: 25
Position: Loosehead Prop / Hooker
Height: 6’1″ (1.86m)
Weight: 235lbs (107kg)
MLR Caps: 0

A non-traveling reserve for the national u20s, he has since been a standout with UBC and Westshore, and played for the Crimson Tide against the Seattle Seawolves last season. Versatile enough to play loosehead prop, hooker, and has even lined up in the back row in the BC Premier League. Most recently part the national development program in Langford. Not the biggest front rower but mobile, hard-working, and has leadership qualities.

 

Tyler Rowland
Toronto Arrows

Age: 21
Position: Tighthead Prop
Height: 6’2″ (1.89m)
Weight: 255lbs (117kg)
MLR Caps: 15

Tipped for test honors since captaining the national u18s. Spent time in New Zealand training with the Crusaders Academy program. Around 285lbs (130kg) with the u20s and in his first season with the Arrows, he has dropped excess weight over the past year but with a large frame could afford to add a few kilos of muscle without sacrificing mobility. Has the potential to be a long-term starter in the No3 shirt. His rapid progress has seen Cole Keith shifted to loosehead prop this season.

 

Don Carson
UBC Thunderbirds

Age: 23
Position: Lock / Blindside Flanker
Height: 6’6″ (1.99m)
Weight: 250lbs (114kg)
MLR Caps: 0

A bolter from UBC who has curiously never been selected to a Canada age-grade side. One of a handful of Carson cousins who could turn professional in the near future. A Canadian University All-Star in 2019, he can play lock or blindside flanker but likely projects as a second row moving forward. Like Rowland has a big frame with room to grow. A strong ball carrier who often attracts multiple defenders, and a keen tackler. Has also tried his hand at rugby league.

 

Corey Thomas
LA Giltinis

Age: 26
Position: Lock / Back Row
Height: 6’4″ (1.94m)
Weight: 255lbs (117kg)
MLR Caps: 11

The oldest of the newcomers, he might have been in contention much earlier had he made himself known to selectors. Born and raised in Australia, he qualifies through his Edmonton-born father. Has played professionally in Australia and Japan, including a short stint with the Sunwolves in Super Rugby. Comfortable at lock, blindside flanker, or No8. Not the tallest lock option but makes up for it with a high work rate and good fundamental skills.

 

Michael Smith
San Diego Legion

Age: 23
Position: Openside Flanker
Height: 6’3″ (1.90m)
Weight: 215lbs (98kg)
MLR Caps: 9

Former UBC star who graduates from national u20 to senior honors. Grabbed his opportunity in San Diego with both hands to earn a starting role at openside flanker. A little lightweight given his frame but technically strong and accurate around the breakdown. An intelligent player who doesn’t give away cheap penalties and runs excellent support lines. Good all-around ability with leadership potential. First year pro with a big future.

 

Siaki Vikilani
Toronto Arrows

Age: 20
Position: Number Eight
Height: 6’3″ (1.91m)
Weight: 245lbs (112kg)
MLR Caps: 2

Along with Smith earned rave reviews in the November High Performance camp, but hasn’t had a chance to show it yet in MLR. Preseason knee injury saw him miss most of the season and he has played just two games this season with a combined total under 80 minutes. The youngest player in the team, he was a heavyweight with the national u20s at 270lbs (123kg) but like Rowland has slimmed down considerably. A fearsome tackler with rare power among Canadian loose forwards.

 

Ross Braude
Toronto Arrows

Age: 21
Position: Scrumhalf
Height: 5’6″ (1.68m)
Weight: 180lbs (82kg)
MLR Caps: 11

Born and raised in South Africa, he qualifies for Canada through his Montreal-born father. Highly rated in his home country, he played for the national u18 sevens side and captained the prestigious Grey College side in Bloemfontein. Trialed with the Baby Boks prior to the pandemic but has now committed to Canada. Short of stature but strongly built, he has already established himself as first choice at the Arrows. Good core skills and very quick off the mark.

 

Fraser Hurst
Utah Warriors

Age: 23
Position: Scrumhalf
Height: 5’10” (1.78m)
Weight: 185lbs (84kg)
MLR Caps: 10

Another UBC product who has shot up the ladder in his first season as a professional. A starter with the national u20s in 2017, he was overshadowed by Will Percillier as the top prospect of his age bracket but some eye-catching performances with Utah have brought him into contention. Sharp passing skills and rapid acceleration, he likes to challenge the fringes. Enters the tour as third choice scrumhalf but is one to watch moving forward.

 

Cooper Coats
Canada Sevens

Age: 24
Position: Flyhalf
Height: 6′ (1.83m)
Weight: 190lbs (87kg)
MLR Caps: 0

Up until a week ago he was training with the Canada Sevens side, and it’s been a while since he has played XVs. The Halifax native is an exceptional footballer as befitting an athlete who was also a collegiate-level soccer player. Most effective as a playmaking flyhalf but could also do a job at fullback if required. An attractive prospect for MLR sides should be choose to make himself available for next season.

 

Quinn Ngawati
Rugby United New York

Age: 22
Position: Inside Center
Height: 6’4″ (1.94m)
Weight: 230lbs (104kg)
MLR Caps: 13

One of Canada’s brightest prospects whose rise to the national side was inevitable. At times he looked unstoppable with the national u20s but hasn’t always been consistent. Canadian-born and raised but he also has New Zealand Māori roots through his father. Previously under contract by the now-defunct Toronto Wolfpack rugby league team and now a regular starter with New York. Styles himself after Sonny Bill Williams and has all the attributes to be a top class player.

 

Lockie Kratz
NOLA Gold

Age: 21
Position: Outside Center
Height: 6′ (1.84m)
Weight: 210lbs (95kg)
MLR Caps: 6

Perhaps underrated in Canadian circles previously despite two years with the national u20 side. US-born but raised in Canada, he made the move from the UVic Vikes to NOLA this season and has made an immediate impact with four starts. Has been playing outside center for the Gold but could slot in at either midfield spot. A classic running midfielder who takes on the line but also has a solid short passing game.

 

Isaac Olson
Pacific Pride

Age: 21
Position: Wing
Height: 6’3″ (1.91m)
Weight: 215lbs (98kg)
MLR Caps: 0

Celebrated his 21st birthday on Canada Day and with it his first selection to the senior squad. Previously represented the national u20s as an outside center but is selected on the wing for this tour. A multi-sport athlete in high school who also excelled in basketball and was the quarterback of the football team. Long-striding runner with deceiving pace, he has a big frame and likely projects as a midfielder.