New-look Bears named for CRC

A number of new names will represent British Columbia in this year’s Canadian Rugby Championship. Director of Rugby Dean Murten takes over from Jim Dixon – Rugby Canada’s new General Manager – as head coach, and after a final selection camp on the weekend has named 24 players to take part in the two-game series. With a number of players injured or unavailable, half the squad is new to the side with a handful of others seeing limited action last season.

Anthony Luca, Andrew Lackner, and Cody McClary return in the front row, with UBC’s Alex Mascott, a former national u20 hooker, added after a fine season with the Thunderbirds. Ryan Ackerman arrives after playing for the Wolf Pack last year, and New Zealander John Braddock joins the team for the first time. The 23 year old loosehead has taken over the captaincy at Castaway Wanderers this season and qualifies for Canada on residency next year.

Last year’s captain Callum Morrison is one of only two second rows in the announced squad, the other being UBC’s Sam Clark. Luke Campbell, Thyssen de Goede, and livewire openside Chase Kelliher are part of a back row group that includes new captain Adam Kleeberger, a name very familiar with Canadian fans. Alex Boyd of Meralomas returns to the squad as a back row, having last been used in the front row during the 2013 season.

An experienced but promising halfback pairing will shape the team, with James Pitblado and Guiseppe du Toit taking charge after graduating from the national u20 program. In fact they are the only specialists in the squad. Phil Mack protege Crosby Stewart, more often seen at wing, appears to be covering scrumhalf, and Burnaby Lake utility Kimi Vunituraga the most likely flyhalf cover, though fullback Sean Ferguson has played there on occasion in the past.

Burnaby duo Jeke Gotegote and Adam Timler add options in the midfield. Gotegote arrived in BC several seasons ago from Fiji as a back row, but has been used mostly in the backs. His older brother is Flying Fijian winger Sireli Bobo. Timler is a former UVic player who spent some time in Australia and has since played for Canada’s rugby league team, the Wolverines.

Speedy outside backs Caleb Hansen and Keenan Horton are back from last season, and are joined by Ravens winger Nolan McAllister and u20 standout Karsten Leitner. Ferguson was last year’s first choice fullback, but with his versatility he could be virtually anywhere from 10-15.

The Bears will face the Wolf Pack on June 28, with the winner moving on to face either the Blues or the Rock in the final on July 1. Canada’s training squad for the Pacific Nations and World Cup will be named following the two-day tournament.

FORWARDS
Ryan Ackerman (Burnaby Lake), John Braddock (Castaway Wanderers), Anthony Luca (Burnaby Lake), Cody McClary (Port Alberni), Andrew Lackner (Burnaby Lake), Alex Mascott (UBC Thunderbirds), Sam Clark (UBC Thunderbirds), Callum Morrison (UBCOB Ravens), Alex Boyd (Meraloma), Luke Campbell (UVic Vikes), Thyssen de Goede (James Bay), Chase Kelliher (Capilano), Adam Kleeberger (capt., Castaway Wanderers)

BACKS
James Pitblado (UVic Vikes), Guiseppe du Toit (UVic Vikes), Kimi Vunituraga (Burnaby Lake), Sean Ferguson (UBCOB Ravens), Jeke Gotegote (Burnaby Lake), Adam Timler (Burnaby Lake), Caleb Hansen (Vancouver Rowing Club), Karsten Leitner (UBC Thunderbirds), Nolan McAllister (UBCOB Ravens), Keenan Horton (Castaway Wanderers)