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After stepping away from international rugby to focus on academics at the University of Victoria before the season, Lucas Hammond has made an about-face and is a surprise inclusion Damian McGrath’s 13-man Canada team to take part on the Oceania leg of the HSBC Sevens Series.
Another surprise is the confirmation that Harry Jones will captain the side in Wellington, with Nathan Hirayama to wear the armband in Sydney. Regular skipper John Moonlight will travel with the side but has been unavailable to train with the squad due to firefighting course commitments.
The return of Hammond is a significant boost to the side who lost fellow playmakers Phil Mack and Sean White to retirement before the season. Hammond, 23, had been seen as a possible long-term successor to Mack in the crucial halfback position, with he and White often splitting time in Mack’s absence.
Also joining the squad is another 23-year-old University of Victoria athlete, uncapped forward Isaac Kaay. A strapping 1.89m (6’2″) back row in the XVs game, Kaay was added to the training roster this season and has impressed McGrath sufficiently to get his first call-up to the senior side.
Missing out due to injury are Liam Underwood and Phil Berna, with the latter due to spend some time on the sidelines after undergoing elbow surgery.
Canada finished in 13th spot in each of Dubai and Cape Town to open their 2016-17 HSBC Sevens Series. They have been drawn in Pool D for the Wellington tournament along with Scotland, Wales, and Russia. The Series resumes in January 28.
CANADA 7s
Justin Douglas, Mike Fuailefau, Lucas Hammond, Nathan Hirayama (Sydney capt.), Harry Jones (Wellington capt.), Caleb Jordan, Isaac Kaay, Pat Kay, Karsten Leitner, Luke McCloskey, John Moonlight, Matt Mullins, Adam Zaruba
