Bryan Ray

CO-FOUNDER / EDITOR / NORTH AMERICA ... has been writing about Canadian rugby since 1998 for various publications. Also talks sports (and sometimes other things) on CBC Radio. Former player of 20+ years, coach, and senior referee.

Glendale Raptors book landmark date with Ontario Blues

In a match that will pique interests from both sides of the border, the Glendale Raptors are heading north to play the Ontario Blues in Burlington on May 20. The Blues are defending MacTier Cup champions, winning five of the past six Canadian Rugby Championships, while the Raptors are undoubtedly …

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Eagles set to Experiment in ARC

John Mitchell has included some surprise names in his 35-man squad for the 2017 Americas Rugby Championship. Nine uncapped players and a few unexpected returnees line a largely inexperienced squad that also features some overseas pros. As expected Todd Clever returns as co-captain, though he will assume sole leadership responsibilities …

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Rugby Canada and PRO Rugby fail to unite

PRO Rugby is not coming to Canada. At least that is the current state of affairs. PRO Rugby made the depressing announcement earlier today on social media. Due to last minute changes by @RugbyCanada @ProRugbyUSA will not have teams @Canada. Truly sad & disappointed 4 our Canadian fans & players …

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Braid set for Canada comeback

Connor Braid is back. The 26-year-old has not played for Canada since a nasty collision with Italy’s Gonzalo García last September left him with a broken jaw and a bad concussion. After reportedly contemplating retirement, he returned to the pitch with James Bay in the spring but did not make …

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A Lions Tour for the Americas

Warren Gatland has been formally announced as the man to lead the British & Irish Lions to New Zealand next year. It was a surprise to no-one, and yet the minor media circus has nudged Lions fever ever so slightly into second gear. In recent weeks we’ve heard the opinions …

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Canada ‘A’ Tour – Who Will Get The Call?

The Canadian Rugby Championship is all over, and today the national brain trust will grab a coffee with maple syrup and sit down to decide which 28 players will travel to the UK in three weeks’ time. Rugby Canada has yet to formally announce the tour, of course, but in case …

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A Closer Look at Canada’s Squad

So a new era in Canadian rugby begins. Again. A third head coach in the span of a few months – granted François Ratier was always meant to be temporary – and a mishmash group of players. Some young, some old. The new commandant Mark Anscombe probably could have done …

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If Canada Went Pro

With PRO Rugby just on the horizon and the announcement of a significant portion of the rosters, this seems like as good a time as any to ponder ‘what if?’ Many fans have asked why there aren’t any Canadian teams in the inaugural competition but instead of regurgitating things already …

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Just Call Me DJ

Canadian fans got a glimpse of the future on Saturday. A number of young players excelled in a dominant win over Brazil in the Americas Rugby Championship. One of those was loosehead prop Djustice Sears-Duru, one of a new generation of stars with genuine international size and frightening athleticism. In …

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Notes from the North

This wasn’t meant to be a weekly column but there’s so much going on we’ll just keep it going for now. It’s been another huge week for Canadian rugby, and this weekend looks just as jam-packed with a massive double-header in Texas a real treat on Saturday night. Canada looked …

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