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.

The Straight Feed – Full Speed Ahead

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Seems like yesterday we were wondering who might make the Pacific Nations Cup squads. Today is round two of the competition and in 10 days the tournament will be done. Two weeks after that the final preparation for World Cup warm-up matches will be in full swing, and then next …

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Canada starts slow in PNC

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The first international hit-out of the year is usually a bit disjointed, and that’s certainly what we saw in the opening round of the Pacific Nations Cup. Fiji and Tonga looked about the same, a bit unfamiliar with each other, but with enough class to put together some exciting passages. …

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Tierney set for French adventure

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One of Canada’s top front row prospects is heading to France. Matt Tierney, the starting tighthead prop for the national u20 side that recently finished second at the Junior World Trophy in Portugal, has signed a one year academy contract with Pau. “While I was in Portugal I got a …

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Toronto sets Gold Standard

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It’s hard to overestimate how significant Sunday was in sunny Toronto. On the field and off, it was as good a day as this country has seen in the sport. Two gold medals, a stadium full of people, and an immense amount of exposure that will do no end of …

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The Straight Feed – Canada’s PNC Selections

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Canada released their Pacific Nations Cup training roster late this week without much fanfare. That in itself is no real surprise, it’s been their modus operandi for years, certainly throughout Kieran Crowley’s tenure. It did seem a little odd, however, that it was delayed for so long following the CRC, …

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CRC Standouts in line for PNC Selection

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Canada’s training squad for the Pacific Nations Cup and beyond is due to be announced any day and with the CRC done and dusted, it’s time to run the rule over who might be in, and who might be unlucky. It’s always difficult for a ‘bolter’ to emerge during a …

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Wolf Pack best Blues to win MacTier Cup

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After finishing runners up for the past three seasons, the Wolf Pack finally have their prize. The Alberta-based franchise saved their best for last, producing an excellent performance to win 33-25 over the Ontario Blues in front of a partisan crowd at Calgary Rugby Park on Wednesday. From minute one …

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Bears squeak win over Rock

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The Bears managed to sneak away from Calgary with a one point victory over the Rock on Wednesday, winning by a score of 31-30 in a game marred by poor play and overzealous officiating. Despite playing nearly half the game with a man advantage, the Bears failed to put their …

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A Wallaby in the Wolf Pack

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Ok, it’s a stretch. A bit of poetic license granted. But it’s a catchy title and had Evan Olmstead gone in a different direction, it might not have been far from reality. The 6’6″ second row lives in Australia, plays for Parramatta in Sydney’s Shute Shield competition, and has that unmistakable …

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CRC Finalists ready for Battle

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The two finalists in the biggest domestic game of the year on the Canadian calendar are set to square off on Wednesday in Calgary. Both the Blues and the Wolf Pack recorded convincing victories on Sunday, and as expected the pair will be hammer and tongs at each other with …

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