In two weeks Toronto and area will host the 2015 Pan Am games. These games are the world’s third largest international multi-sports games and the 7600 competitors hail from the Americas and Caribbean.
This year marks only the second time that Sevens has been played in the PanAm games, and the very first for the women Sevens competition. In its debut in Mexico four years ago, Canada’s Men took the gold. They plan to do the same this year at home, but will face stiff competition from the USA who have been a bit of a thorn in their sides this season.
The side named to the PanAm Games has six changes from the side who played in the recent NACRA tournament, as there are players off to prepare for the upcoming World Cup, and there are other players being rested. Still, it’s a good side, and Captain John Moonlight is as always ready to lead his men to victory!
Following is the press release from Rugby Canada, naming the team. I know the boys want victory. I want it for them. I don’t think I will take a breath on July 11/12 until it’s over and both the men and women have claimed their gold medals!!! As always, your #RedNation stands in support! #GoCanadaGo!
We will be there representing #RugbyUnited on Sunday July 12. We can’t wait to see the finals and the medal matches!
Men’s Sevens Team Named for Pan Am Games
12 athletes chosen to represent Canada
TORONTO (June 16, 2015) – On Tuesday, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Rugby Canada announced the 12 Men’s Rugby Sevens athletes who have been selected to represent Canada at the TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games from July 10 to 26 in Toronto, Ontario.
The 2015 Pan Am Games will mark only the second time men’s rugby sevens has been an official sport on the program. The sport made its debut at the 2011 Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, where Canada won gold.
The tournament will feature eight teams and will be played at Exhibition Stadium.
Canada has been a core member of the HSBC Men’s Sevens World Series since the 2012-13 season but has featured in every edition of the series dating back to its inaugural season in 1999-2000.
The team recorded its highest finish during the 2013-14 season when they finished sixth overall. Canada also reached its lone Cup final during that season at the Glasgow Sevens.
Canada finished ninth in 2014-15 but made the Cup quarterfinals in four of the last five tournaments. During the 2013 Sevens World Cup, Canada won the Shield Final. Over the last three seasons, Canada has claimed four Shield titles, three Bowl victories and a Plate win.
In 2016, Canada will host a leg of the 2015-16 HSBC Men’s Sevens World Series in Vancouver at BC Place.
Canada will field the largest team in its Pan American Games history with more than 700 athletes expected to be named to the Team at the Games in Toronto. With TORONTO 2015 providing a “home Games” experience, as well as a number of qualification opportunities for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, these Games will offer a tremendous experience for Canada’s high performance athletes.
“Our men’s rugby team won gold in Guadalajara – they are force to be reckoned with. I know they have what it takes to dominate on the field here on home soil in July. Congratulations to all the athletes for making the team, Canada is proud and ready to cheer you on in Toronto.”
Marcel Aubut, President, Canadian Olympic Committee
“Canadian rugby athletes have a reputation for excellence on the international level and I am confident these men will remind you they won in Guadalajara. Congratulations to each one of our nominees and to Rugby Canada for fielding an impressive squad, all of Canada is behind you.”
Curt Harnett, TORONTO 2015 Team Canada Chef de Mission
“To represent Canada at the Pan Am games is a privilege in itself, but to do so in Toronto in front of our home crowd is something that we are very excited about. Our squad is shaping up well for the tournament with a number of world class players returning from injury and keen to be involved in selection and I expect we will be field some of the best players in the world in a Canadian shirt at this tournament. It is our intention to excel on the field and make the nation proud.”
Liam Middleton, Head Coach, Rugby Canada
“We can’t wait to build off our success from the 2011 Pan Am Games as we defend our gold medal on home soil. Being able to play in a tournament like this on Canadian soil is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we can’t wait to hit the field.”
John Moonlight, Team Captain
The men’s rugby sevens contingent which will represent Canada at the TORONTO 2015 Games includes:
Admir Cejvanovic, Justin Douglas, Sean Duke, Mike Fuailefau, Lucas Hammond, Nathan Hiryama, Harry Jones, Patrick Kay, John Moonlight, Pat Parfrey, Conor Trainor and Sean White.
Main Photo
