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With the next leg of the North America Four tournament a week away, the Canada East and West squads have named their respective squads for the contests against the US Hawks and Falcons at Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island starting on July 15th.
Canada West beat Canada East in the opening round of the NA4, a second half kicking display by Brantford's Steve Piatek getting his team through, along with a try at the death for a 20-15 win. Now with the Barclays Churchill Cup and a match against the French Barbarians out of the way, the coaches from both teams are looking to revitalize the teams with new selections and start blooding players from Canada's under 20 program, which finished in 12th place at the recent World Championships in Wales. On the West squad Canada selectors will get a real first look at Canadian U20 fly-half Matt Evans, who plays his rugby at Hartpury College in England. He is joined by U20 teammates Ryan Hamilton (Hooker) and fullback Harry Jones (both Capilano), as well as University of Victoria's Struan Robertson (backrow/second row) and James Bay's fullback/scrum-half Sean White. Returning players from the senior men's national team include flanker Nanyak Dala, hooker Pat Riordan, wing Tony La Carte, centre Bryn Keys, flanker Adam Kleeberger and prop Hubert Buydens. Back to coach the West for the first time this season is Tony Medina, who has led his team to two straight NA4 titles in the first two season, but missed the East vs West fixture due to personal obligations. He is joined by regulars Ian Hyde-Lay (Backs Coach) and Tony Healy (Forwards Coach). In the East squad Stu Ault continues a busy rugby summer after an impressive run of form at the Barclays Churchill Cup. He is joined by fellow national teamers Aaron Carpenter (No. 8), Steve Piatek, who moves back to the East after his one game stint with the West, and Ciaran Hearn, who returns from an arm injury sustained against the England Counties, taking him out of selection for the remainder of the Churchill Cup and French Barbarians games. Mike Pletch is also in the side, refining his role as a specialist hooker and covering as a prop as needed along with Lindsay/Cowichan prop Doug Wooldridge. Wing Marc Cuglietta marks his return to the NA4 after a long season in France with Villeurbanne. A number of Auora Barbarian/Velox Valhallian players pepper the squad as well, with Jeremy Campbell (wing), Dave Neilsen (hooker) and Nolan Ott (back row) all coming into the side. New Brunswick natives Jebb Sinclair and Chauncey O'Toole continue to represent their maritime province as well, both players able to slot into the back row or second row as needed. Carl Pocock, a member of the western division champions of the Rugby Canada Super League Calgary Mavericks, will be in the East for a second straight go around. He impressed with a try for the East in the opener against the West. Canadian Sevens player and Oakville Crusader Phil Mackenzie comes back from long term injury to put his hand up for possible national team selection by putting in a strong performance in this leg. At the helm for the East is coach Simon Blanks (Newfoundland Rock), who will work with Andy Pocock, the head coach of the Calgary Mavericks, creating an interesting juxtaposition, as the two will face each other in the Rugby Canada Super League final in St. John's as the Rock host the Mavs for the title on August 9th. Les Gilson of Brock University comes in for his second stint as backs coach. The US Falcons take on Canada West in the opener at Shawnigan Lake school, a 5:15 PM kick-off on Tuesday July 15th, followed by the Hawks challenging the East at 7:15 PM. On July 19th the teams cross-over as the Falcons and Canada East at 2 pm, followed by the Hawks playing the West at 4 pm, again at Shawnigan Lake. The Hawks and Falcons play their one head-head match this Thursday in Oregon, before collectively making their way north to Victoria, BC on Saturday, July 12th.
Final changes to squad lists and possible replacements due to injury and player unavailability will be determined by the coaches and Canadian team selectors once teams arrive on Saturday. NA4 West Team Player Local Club/ RCSL Affiliation
Nick Blevins Calgary Saracens Calgary Mavericks
Hubert Buydens Wild Oats RFC Prairie Fire
Beau Chapman UBC Old Boys Vancouver Wave
Emil Christensen Bayside Prairie Fire
Nanyak Dala Wild Oats RFC Prairie Fire
Spencer Dalziel James Bay AA Crimson Tide
Matt Evans Hartpury College Crimson Tide
Ben Grant University of Victoria Crimson Tide
Ryan Hamilton Capilano RFC Vancouver Wave
Sam Jenkins Merloma RFC Vancouver Wave
Ben Johnston James Bay AA Crimson Tide
Harry Jones Capilano RFC Vancouver Wave
Bryn Keys Aurora Barbarians / Velox Crimson Tide
Adam Kleeberger University of Victoria Crimson Tide
Tony La Carte Bayside Vancouver Wave
Tom McKeen University of Victoria Crimson Tide
Neil Meechan University of Victoria Crimson Tide
Nolan Miles James Bay AA Crimson Tide
Brock Nicholson Vancouver Rowing Club Vancouver Wave
Pat Riordan University of Victoria Vancouver Wave
Struan Robertson University of Victoria Crimson Tide
Sean White James Bay AA Crimson Tide
Steve Woodward Calgary Saracens Calgary Mavericks
Head Coach: Tony Medina
Backs Coach: Ian Hyde-Lay
Forwards Coach: Tony Healy
Massage Therapist: Melody Lee
Athletic Therapist: Darren Wharrie
Program Manager: Des Lynch NA4 East Team Player/Local Club/RCSL Affiliation
Stu Ault Barrhaven Scottish/CW Crimson Tide
James Buchanan Calgary Saracens / Velox Calgary Mavericks
Jermey Campbell Aurora Barbarians Niagara Thunder
Aaron Carpenter Brantford Harlequins/JBAA Niagara Thunder
Stefan Chapheau Montreal Wanderers Quebec Caribou
Mark Cuglietta Villeurbanne RFC France n/a
Scott Dunham Balmy Beach Club Niagara Thunder
Ciaran Hearn Baymen RFC/CW The Rock
Jordan Kozina Brantford Harlequins/U VIC Niagara Thunder
Phil Mackenzie University of Victoria Niagara Thunder
Dave Neilson Aurora Barbarians/Velox Niagara Thunder
Chauncey O'Toole Belleisle Rovers/CW Crimson Tide
Nolan Ott Aurora Barbarians/Velox Niagara Thunder
Steve Piatek Brantford Harlequins/VRC Niagara Thunder
Mike Pletch Oakville Crusaders Niagara Thunder
Steven Shortly Aurora Barbarians Niagara Thunder
Adam Shouten Brock University Niagara Thunder
Jebb Sinclair Loyalists RFC/CW Crimson Tide
Devin Stubel Brantford Harlequins/CW Niagara Thunder
Alex Tapscott Balmy Beach Club Niagara Thunder
Dion Varvarikos Ste Anne de Bellevue Quebec Caribou
Rogan Verboven Calgary Irish Calgary Mavericks
Dan West Oakville Crusaders Niagara Thunder
Tyler Wish Swilers RFC The Rock
Doug Wooldridge Lindsay RFC/Cowichan Crimson Tide
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