Rugby Canada announces men's player pool for Edmonton, Winnipeg matches

Canada's Brock Gallagher (left) tackles Spain's Joaquin Dominguez (3) during first half men's rugby action in Edmonton, on Friday July 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

LANGFORD, B.C. — Rugby Canada has announced a 32-player pool for upcoming men’s matches, including three at home, in the World Rugby Nations Cup.

Canada faces Spain on July 4 and Portugal on July 11 at Clarke Stadium Edmonton before taking on Zimbabwe on July 18 at Winnipeg’s Princess Auto Stadium.

The Nations Cup is a new biennial competition featuring 12 countries already qualified for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Canada’s head coach Stephen Meehan, recently granted a contract extension through to 2028 after navigating Canada to World Cup qualification last year, announced his player pool Tuesday for the upcoming matches on home soil.

Canada returns to the Men’s Rugby World Cup after missing out on 2023 in France.

Canada is currently ranked 25th in the world.

“This squad brings together a strong blend of experienced players, individuals returning to the national program after some time away, and some new faces who have earned their opportunity,” Meehan said Tuesday in a statement.

“As we begin the first block of matches, we recognize that player availability will vary throughout the year’s three competition windows. While that presents challenges, it also creates valuable opportunities for players to step forward and contribute, which will be important to our growth as a team.

“We believe this group gives us an excellent platform for the three matches ahead.”

Tyler Ardron of Peterborough, Ont., returns after scoring four tries for Canada in last year’s 34-20 win over the United States that helped his country earn a berth in the Rugby World Cup.

Ardron (Castres Olympique), North Vancouver’s Evan Olmstead (SU Agen) and Andrew Quattrin of Holland Landing, Ont., (Valence Romans Drome) play pro rugby in France.

Toronto’s Lucas Rumball and Mason Flesch of Cobourg, Ont., helped the Chicago Hounds defeat the California Legion on Sunday for the Major League Rugby championship.

Edmonton forwards Brock Gallagher and Dewald Kotze and Winnipeg forward Kyle Steeves were also included on the roster.

Back Jacob Ince of Oakville, Ont., was one of six uncapped players getting a call-up to the senior team after he led the University of Guelph Gryphons to a U Sports title last year.

Canada fell 24-23 to Spain in Edmonton last July and lost 33-27 to host Portugal last November. Canada and Zimbabwe will meet for the first time in international men’s rugby.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2026.