Rugby Nova Scotia – In a historic match, Canada and Brazil met for the first time in international rugby in round three of the Americas Rugby Championship. Canada had lost their round two matchup in a physical contest against the Americans in Texas and were looking to bounce back in front of a home crowd. The Canadian team did exactly that, dominating from the beginning to a 52-25 final score.

Adding to the history on the day, Brett Johnson (Truro RFC) and Mike Hamson (Tars RFC) received their first international caps coming off the bench in the second half. Kyle Baillie (Tars RFC) received his second cap, coming off the bench as well. All three players made immediate impacts when they entered the game and have certainly demonstrated their talent in hopes of starting positions in the final two games of the championship.The day of firsts wasn’t complete as Hamson, set up by a beautiful Baillie line out catch, managed to drive over the line for the final try of the game. Hamson joins an elite group of international rugby players to score a try on their international debut.

Head Provincial Coach, Jack Hanratty was ecstatic with their performance. “When watching Canada we are always supporting with great passion in Nova Scotia but it had been a long time since a Nova Scotian won their first cap.” Hanratty said “My biggest worry as their coach is for them to get comfortable with the pace of the game in which they both did very well. This millstone went viral on social media in Nova Scotia and players who are about to play for the first time in high school now truly have seen the pathway of High School — Club — Keltics — Atlantic — Canada”

Congratulations to all three on an outstanding achievement. Rugby Nova Scotia is very proud and is looking forward to a very bright future with many more caps to come.

Additional Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iX1Q3tHcz0 (Brett Johnson post game interview)

https://www.facebook.com/RugbyCanada/videos/1277004762311497/ (highlight reel, MikeHamson try)

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=937

Americas Rugby Championship Schedule:

Round 4 – Weekend of Feb. 27 – 28, 2016

Argentina v Canada

Brazil v USA

Chile v Uruguay

Round 5 – Weekend of March 5 – 6, 2016

Chile v Canada

Uruguay v USA

Brazil v Argentina

Americas Rugby Championship Standings:

1. USA (13 points)

2. Argentina XV (12 points)

3. Canada (10 points)

4. Uruguay (6 points)

5. Chile (4 points)

6. Brazil (2 points)

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