2015 is going to be a crucial year for the Rugby Canada’s Senior Men’s National side with the Rugby World Cup on the horizon. Canada will be aiming to finish with at least 2 victories at the upcoming world cup in England and earn direct qualification for the 2019 World Cup being held in Japan. Romania is a must win for Canada and then Canada has to aim for a second victory against one of Italy, Ireland or France.
The following are 10 Canadian rugby players to watch in 2015, for a variety of reasons, along with 4 potential wildcards, that could have a strong influence on Canada’s hopes and fortunes this fall at the world cup.
10 CANADIAN RUGBY PLAYERS WHO ARE KEY TO 2015 RUGBY WORLD CUP SUCCESS
- Tyler Ardron 23 years old (Ospreys) Number 8 and Captain
The Ospreys 8th man has the potential to become the face of Canadian rugby and help bring it into the mainstream of Canadian sports society. One of the few players who was able to get over the gain line against Romania, in last November’s test, his game has finally reached the next level. His issue though is not in his ability to play the position, but in his ability to lead the team. His only victory as captain was a few years ago against Uruguay ‘A’ in the Americas Rugby Championship. Both he and Rugby Canada will need another victory soon to build on that and remove any doubt that he can effectively lead Canada at the World Cup.
- Liam Underwood 23 years old (Ontario Blues) 1st5
Late in 2013 it looked like Canada’s fly half troubles were over, but then a Test in Georgia occurred. Underwood was concussed by a vicious high tackle from a Georgian flanker late in the first half of that Test. He left the game with a major concussion and spent the better part of 2014 on the sidelines. He is talented, defends very well and can organize an effective backline attack. If he can stay concussion free and get back to his 2013 form, it will solve a lot of Canada’s problems at the 10 position.
- Gordon McRorie 26 years old (Calgary Hornets/Prairie Wolf Pack) Scrum Half
McRorie qualified for Canada last year based on residency after his three year stand down. A quality scrum half who can lead the team around the park, has a solid pass and can kick penalties. Doesn’t have quite the x-factor that Phil Mack has, but is arguably a more solid, all around, scrum half who can lead the side on the pitch. His development now gives Canada a strong 1-2 punch at the 9 position.
- Connor Braid 25 years old (London Scottish / Glasgow Warriors) 1st5, 12
Currently he is Canada’s only real option at 10, unless Underwood makes a full recovery and can play XVs again. In addition, with Pritchard at the end of his playing career, Braid is now the most consistent kicker in Canada’s line up. If Underwood returns to form, he can become an excellent 12 for Canada, where he does look more comfortable.
- Jeff Hassler 24 years old (Ospreys) Wing
Hassler had a breakout year last year and was named on the Guinness Pro12 Dream Team, when healthy he is one of the first names written down on the starting XV team sheet. However, he is coming off a serious leg injury and how he comes back will greatly impact Canada’s fortunes in 2015.
- James Ilnicki 22 years old (Castaway Wanderers) Tighthead
At only 23, he has yet to reach his potential, like any young prop performance in the scrum and keeping a consistent work rate around the pitch are issues. It’s all there for the young prop, but he needs to put it together. Landing a pro contract before, or after the World Cup, is a must for him to continue to progress. Ilnicki developing into a starter would give Crowley more options at tighthead, while also creating depth in the squad.
- Matt Evans 27 years old (Cornish Pirates) Full back
The heir apparent to Pritchard, Evans hasn’t featured for Canada in almost a year due to a series of injuries. When healthy, he has become a stalwart for the Pirates side, getting regular starts. Pritchard is 35 and while he has been a stalwart for Canada over the years and one of the best players ever to wear the red jersey, he has clearly lost a step and his performance on the pitch has, unfortunately, regressed. The starting spot is now wide open for Evans to take, but can he?
- DTH Van Der Merve 28 years old(Glasgow Warriors) Wing or Centre
Recently Van Der Merve announced a move from Glasgow to the Scarlets, apparently one of the reasons for the move was for him to get more game time at centre. He had an excellent world cup for Canada in 2011, at centre, and Canada will need him to have another one. With Canada being set on the wings, his potential move to centre could mean an extra few years with Rugby Canada.
- Cameron Pierce 23 years old (Pau) Lock
Was rumoured to be a part of Canada A until he got consistent game time with Pau. While still coming off the bench, he is now getting consistent game time. Depth at lock is now, arguably, Canadas weakest position and his development will be key to Rugby Canada’s fortunes’ in 2015. If he can become the lock that we all know he can, then Cudmore will have a solid locking partner at the World Cup and Jebb Sinclair can stay at his normal position of blindside flanker.
- Connor Trainor 25 years old (UBCOB Ravens) Centre
The enigma of Canadian rugby, one game he looks like a world beater and the next a local club player. Still young and has a promising career ahead of him, if he takes it. He has all the physical attributes you need to be a star rugby player, he only needs to deliver it on a regular basis. Interestingly, he could also be the player they could force Van Der Merve to a move to 12.
The wildcards
Shayne O’Leary 21 years old (Connacht) 1st5
The biggest of the wildcards in Rugby Canada’s 2015 fortunes, he could be our young fly half in the making or another option at 12, if he decides to play for us. Raised in Ireland, but qualifies for Canada due to a Canadian mother. Played for Canada in the U20s in 2013, but after numerous overtures from Canada has held off from representing Canada in favour of trying to land the green jersey. However, with a world cup around the corner, this could be the year where we he could be convinced to represent Canada.
Justin Douglas 20 years old (Rugby Canada 7s) Wing
The young speedster has represented Canada in the U20s and 7s, he has speed to burn and the size to go with it. Most likely he will only be a squad player for the XVs until after Canada 7s Olympic fortunes are determined.
Connor Hamilton 21 year old (UBC) Lock
A 21 year old, 6’6”, lock who can get around the pitch. He has captained the U20s. While this most likely won’t be the year he hits prime time, but the thought of a Pierce – Morrison locking partnership for the next ten years should make Canadian Rugby fans smile from ear to ear.
Justin Blanchet 22 year old (Bedford Blues) Blindside Flanker
The 23 year old has nailed down the starting spot with Bedford this year. Now, could a call up with Canada be on the cards? He has played for Canada in the U20s, so he should not be unfamiliar to the Rugby Canada administration. Depth in the back row is always good and he could be a good understudy for Sinclair.
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