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Tyler Ardron has suspended his test career with Canada. The leading Canadian rugby player in the world today has taken the decision to focus on playing for his professional team, Castres in France’s Top 14.
Ardron’s international retirement comes at the age of 31. He has 38 test caps to his name. The first was earned against the USA in Kingston, Ontario in 2012. His most recent cap was against Chile in October, 2021.
Canada flew in Ardron for the match against Chile in Valparaíso. This was after Canada head beaten Chile by one point with time up in a home match in Langford, British Colombia. The two-match-series was Rugby World Cup Qualifying. Canada lost to be eliminated and miss out on the Men’s Rugby World Cup for the first time.
Ardron was Canadian captain at RWC 2019. It was his second RWC. He had appeared at RWC 2015 and in the year’s between the two tournaments he solidified himself as Canada’s leading player. Ardron had a tremendous time playing for the Chiefs. He proved himself to be undeniably an elite performer in Super Rugby from 2018-2020.
He played for the Chiefs at both N8 and in the second-row. His ability to play both positions as well as flanker are part of what make him the player that he is.
Following the brief Super Rugby season in 2020, Ardron signed for Castres. It marked a return to Europe. he previously played for Welsh region the Ospreys from 2013-2017. The native of Ontario is signed with Castres through until 2024.
Ardron mentioned the loss against Chile as being part of his decision to focus on Castres. In the event that he were to come out of international retirement, Ardron may be a part of Canada’s quest to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. He will be 36 come RWC 2027. Jamie Cudmore was older at RWC 2015.
