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Both Canada and the USA have made the call for reinforcements ahead of the fourth round of the HSBC Sevens Series that takes place in Hamilton, New Zealand, this weekend. Five players between the two sides have return home for medical attention with three making the long flight from North America.
Canada were ravaged by injuries in Sydney, finishing the tournament with only seven fit players. Mike Fuailefau, Lucas Hammond, and Phil Berna, who sustained a serious ankle injury, have all been sidelined indefinitely and will take no part in Hamilton.
Matt Mullins (back) and Pat Kay (knee) will stay with the team but their status remains in doubt. If both drop out Canada will participate with only 11 men. There is better news on Luke McCloskey, who looks likely of recovering from a head knock in time for the weekend.
Answering the emergency SOS are three players. Josiah Morra, Luke Bradley, and Tevaughn Campbell will all be in the squad having recently participated in the Sudamérica Sevens series with the Maple Leafs development side. Morra and Bradley each have prior experience on the senior circuit. Campbell, a CFL player who will become a free agent on February 13, was named in Canada’s squad for the Asian leg last season but did not make a match appearance.
CANADA ROSTER (tentative)
Luke Bradley, Tevaughn Campbell, Jared Douglas, Justin Douglas, Nathan Hirayama, Harry Jones (capt.), Isaac Kaay, Pat Kay, Luke McCloskey, John Moonlight, Josiah Morra, Matt Mullins, Jake Thiel
Meanwhile the men’s Eagles have also suffered a blow with the loss of two starters in Stephen Tomasin and captain Madison Hughes. Both have been ruled out with knee injuries and have returned stateside for further assessment.
Only one player will join the team in their stead with former UCal Golden Bears halfback Nick Boyer making the trip down. The squad will not name a 13th man for the Hamilton tournament.
USA EAGLES ROSTER
Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Nick Boyer, Martin Iosefo, Carlin Isles, Matai Leuta, Chris Mattina, Folau Niua, Ben Pinkelman, Joe Schroeder, Maka Unufe, Kevon Williams
