Canada rugby coach Stephen Meehan has named a 42-man camp roster in Edmonton for upcoming July test matches against Belgium and Spain. The final 32-player roster will be announced in early July. These matches, along with the Pacific Nations Cup later in the year, are crucial for Canada's qualification bid for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which they missed in 2023.
Canada rugby names 42-man camp roster ahead of July test matches
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Canada rugby coach Stephen Meehan has named a 42-man camp roster in Edmonton for upcoming July test matches against Belgium and Spain. The final 32-player roster will be announced in early July. These matches, along with the Pacific Nations Cup later in the year, are crucial for Canada's qualification bid for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which they missed in 2023.
- 1 December (2024): Stephen Meehan named Canada coach.
- 2 April (2025): Meehan officially starts coaching.
- 3 Saturday (June 21, 2025): New England Free Jacks edge Chicago Hounds in MLR Eastern Conference final.
- 4 Saturday (June 21, 2025): Tyler Duguid starts for France 'A' against England 'A'.
- 5 Friday (June 27, 2025): Canadian players scheduled to arrive in Edmonton.
- 6 Saturday (June 28, 2025): Camp starts in Edmonton.
- 7 Early July: Final 32-man roster to be announced.
- 8 July 12: Canada vs. Belgium (Edmonton).
- 9 July 18: Canada vs. Spain (Edmonton).
- 10 Aug. 22: Canada vs. U.S. (Calgary) - Pacific Nations Cup.
- 11 Aug. 30: Canada vs. Japan (Sendai) - Pacific Nations Cup.
- 12 Sept. 14: Pacific Nations Cup playoffs (Denver).
- 13 Sept. 20: Pacific Nations Cup finals (Salt Lake City).
- Final 32-man roster selection for July tests
- Preparation for Rugby World Cup qualification
- Potential for new players to earn caps
What: Canada rugby coach Stephen Meehan has called 42 players into camp.
When: Camp starts Saturday (June 28, 2025); July 12 (vs. Belgium), July 18 (vs. Spain); Aug. 22 (vs. U.S.), Aug. 30 (vs. Japan); Sept. 14 (PNC playoffs), Sept. 20 (PNC finals).
Where: Edmonton (Clarke Stadium), Calgary, Sendai (Japan), Denver, Salt Lake City, Pawtucket (R.I.), Twickenham (England), France.
Why: To prepare for July test matches and build a strong foundation as they strive towards Rugby World Cup qualification later this year.
How: Meehan selected a mix of experienced players and new talent for the camp.