With the all-important business of Olympic qualification now behind them, Canada’s Men’s sevens side will begin the World Sevens season in an unusually positive state of mind. After two years of disrupted preparation, the team has completed a full preseason under new Head Coach Henry Paul with ambitions of improving on their 11th place finish on the 2018-19 circuit.
Leading the charge on the field will be co-captains Nate Hirayama and Harry Jones, with esteemed veterans Connor Braid and Mike Fuailefau also included. Adam Zaruba’s full commitment from the season start is a boost, while up-and-coming talents Cooper Coats and Josiah Morra are rewarded for strong form at the end of last season, the North American qualifier, and the Pan-Am Games.
Canada have been drawn in Pool C for Dubai along with Samoa, New Zealand, and Wales. The three-day competition kicks off on December 5 and will be broadcast live on the CBC Sports website.
CANADA MEN’S SEVENS
Phil Berna, Connor Braid, Cooper Coats, Mike Fuailefau, Nathan Hirayama (co-capt.), Harry Jones (co-capt.), Isaac Kaay, Pat Kay, Josiah Morra, Matt Mullins, David Richard (13th man), Jake Thiel, Adam Zaruba