Canada's Rugby Sevens Squad Ready to Hit the Pitch Against Many of the World's Best at 2010 Commonwealth Games
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, September 9, 2010 – The Canadian Men’s Rugby Sevens team is poised to mount a strong challenge against many of the world’s top rugby nations at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India next month.
The Rugby Sevens tournament in Delhi will be the first opportunity to witness this unique brand of high-octane action in a multi-sport setting since it was added to the Olympic program a year ago. Canada will be up against rugby powers like the three-time defending gold medalist All Blacks from New Zealand, along with the perennial medal threats from England, Australia, Fiji and South Africa amongst the 16-team tournament.
“I know that the Rugby Sevens tournament in Delhi will be one of the hottest spectator draws of these Games,” said Martha Deacon, Canada’s Chef de Mission. “It’s a great test for our talented Canadian squad.”
Head Coach, Geraint John, says the introduction of Rugby Sevens into the Olympic program in 2016 has brought renewed energy to this fast-paced brand of rugby. He expects the Canadian squad to show well on the Commonwealth Games stage where so many top teams are competing. “Six of the seven players who started for us in the Bowl Championship (consolation final) at the Hong Kong Tournament in March will be with us in Delhi. We won that final over Wales and we’ll be carrying that momentum into the Commonwealth Games next month.”
Players named by Rugby Canada to Team Canada for the 2010 Commonwealth Games were selected based on their performance in domestic and international competition over the last six months. They include:
Roster
Nanyak DALA Saskatoon, SK
Thyssen de GOEDE Victoria, BC
Sean DUKE Vancouver, BC
Ciaran HEARN Conception Bay, NF
Nathan HIRAYAMA Richmond, BC
Phil MACK Victoria, BC
Ian SCHOULTS Calgary, AB
Neil MEECHAN Maple Ridge, BC
Justin MENSAH-COKER Vancouver, BC
John MOONLIGHT Pickering, ON
Taylor PARIS Barrie, ON
Conor TRAINOR Vancouver, BC
Coach - Geraint John
Assistant Coach: Quentin Fyffe
Team Manager: Rodger Swany
Interviews with individual athletes and coaches can be arranged by contacting Doug Crosse, Communications Manager, Rugby Canada, Phone: (905) 780-8998 (ext. 23) or via email: dcrosse@rugbycanada.ca
The Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games will be the world’s largest multi-sport competition this year, drawing more than 4,000 athletes from 71 nations and territories. For more information on Team Canada, visit www.commonwealthgames.ca.
About Rugby Canada
Rugby Canada’s mission is to keep Canadian rugby competitive at the highest levels domestically and internationally. Rugby Canada will field the best possible men’s and women’s teams in international competition and shall have a vibrant and thriving domestic game.
About Commonwealth Games Canada
Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) is the international franchise holder for the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth movement in Canada, and an active, contributing member of the Canadian sport community. The mission of Commonwealth Games Canada is to strengthen sport within Canada and throughout the Commonwealth, by participating in the Commonwealth Games and by using sport as a development tool.
Doug Crosse
Communications Manager
Rugby Canada
(905) 780-8998 (ext. 231)
dcrosse@rugbycanada.ca
Derek Johnston
Commonwealth Games Canada Communications
(613) 837-3377
derek@face-value.ca
