Rugby Canada – Canada ends 2016-17 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in 8th place, qualifying for next year’s World Cup in San Fransisco

LONDON, ENGLAND – (May 21, 2017) Canada’s Men’s Rugby Sevens Team claimed bronze at the London Sevens after beating the USA. With the victory, Canada concluded the 2016-17 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in 8th place with 98 points and secured their entry into next year’s Sevens World Cup in San Fransisco. 

Earlier in the day, Canada beat Argentina to advance to the semis before falling to hosts England. Canada had made its sixth cup appearance of the season after going 2-1 on Day 1 after wins over Fiji and Japan but defeat to New Zealand.

On Day 1, John Moonlight became just the third player in Canadian HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series history to score 100 career tries. Canada also secured its spot the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco next July after its performance during the 2016-17 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series season.

CANADA 28-7 ARGENTINA

Nathan Hirayama sparked Canada to a comfortable win over Argentina in the cup quarterfinal. Mike Fuailefau opened the scoring less than a minute in before some Hirayama magic pushed the Canadian lead to 14-0 as he danced through the Argentinian defence.

Julian Dominguez’s try got Argentina on the board before half time but a second Hirayama try extended Canada’s lead to 21-7. Justin Douglas sealed things with a late try as he sprinted down the wing off of a turnover as Canada moved into a titanic clash against hosts England in the semis.

CANADA 5-24 ENGLAND

Canada’s quest for a second cup title of the season ended at the hands of the hosts in London. Oliver Lindsay-Hague gave England the lead as he squeaked through the Canadian defence before Canada got on the board through Adam Zaruba after some unbelievable work from Mike Fuailefau as he broke through tackles.

Lindsay-Hague would push the lead to 14-5 before the break before all-time series try scoring leader Dan Norton made it 19-5. Lindsay-Hague would complete his hat-trick to seal the deal for the hosts.

CANADA 22-19 USA

Canada finished the season on a high after a 22-19 win over the USA.Mike Fuailefau got Canada off to a flying start but the USA responded thanks to tries from Maka Unufe and Perry Baker gave them a 14-5 lead at the break.

Canada got an immediate response by Harry Jones to open the second half before Matt Mullins gave Canada a slender 15-14 lead. Nathan Hirayama secured the win as he charged down Madison Hughes’ kick, collected the loose ball and touched down for a 22-14 advantage and despite Alex Schwarz’s late try, Canada were able to secure bronze in London.

Canada’s London Sevens Team (Name, club, hometown):

Luke Bradley – (UVic Vikes/Port Alberni Black Sheep) Port Alberni, BC

Jared Douglas – (Abbotsford RFC) Abbotsford, BC

Justin Douglas – (Abbotsford RFC/BC Bears) Abbotsford, BC

Mike Fuailefau – (Castaway Wanderers/BC Bears) Victoria, BC

Lucas Hammond – (UVIC Vikes) Toronto, ON

Nathan Hirayama – (UVic Vikes/BC Bears) Richmond, BC

Harry Jones – (Capilano RFC) Vancouver, BC

Isaac Kaay  – (UVic Vikes) Kamloops, BC

Pat Kay – (Castaway Wanderers/BC Bears) Duncan, BC

Luke McCloskey – (Castaway Wanderers) Victoria, BC

John Moonlight – Captain (James Bay AA/Ontario Blues) Pickering, ON

Matt Mullins – (Queen’s University/Ontario Blues) Belleville, ON

Adam Zaruba – (Capilano RFC/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC

Unavailable for Selection:

Phil Berna – (UBC Thunderbirds) Vancouver, BC

Coaching Staff:

Head Coach – Damian McGrath

Assistant Coach – Lee Douglas

Physiotherapist – Danielle Mah

Analyst – Calum Ramsay

Manager – Brian Hunter

London Sevens Day 1 Schedule:

Canada 22-19 Fiji 

Canada 14-19 New Zealand 

Canada 28-14 Japan 

London Sevens Day 2 Schedule:

Canada 28-7 Argentina

Canada 5-24 England

Canada 22-19 USA

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Bryan Kelly  I  Manager, Communications and Media Relations  I  Rugby Canada  I  3024 Glen Lake Road  I Langford, British Columbia, Canada V9B 4B4  I  Tel. 250.418.8998 ext. 314  I  Fax 250.386.3810  I Cell. 250.216.5272 | bkelly@rugbycanada.ca I www.rugbycanada.ca