Canada’s rugby sevens men secured wins over Tonga and Uganda, dominating the latter 38-7. They topped Pool B and will face Germany in the semifinals of the HSBC Sevens Challenger Series. With aspirations to reach the elite HSBC SVNS level, Canada aims for a top-four finish in the series.
The Canadian men’s rugby sevens team secured victories over Tonga and Uganda, finishing the day with a decisive 38-7 win against Uganda on Friday. This performance in the second round of the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series allowed Canada to top Pool B, setting up a semifinal match against Germany, the winner of Pool C.
Key players contributed significantly throughout the matches, with Kal Sager scoring two tries against Uganda. Ethan Hager, Jamie Armstrong, Kyle Tremblay, and Ethan Turner also scored tries, while Thomas Isherwood, Brenden Black, Armstrong, and Turner handled conversions effectively.
In the earlier game against Tonga, Armstrong shone with two tries, supported by Sager and Morgan Di Nardo’s single tries, alongside three successful conversions by Armstrong and Isherwood. Despite early leads of 12-0 and 19-10, the Canadians had to fend off multiple comeback attempts from Tonga.
Canada finished as runner-up in the first round of the Challenger Series, remaining unbeaten until a final defeat to Chile, 33-7. After finishing last in the elite HSBC SVNS circuit last year, the Canadian team aims to achieve a top-four finish across the Challenger Series events. This would grant them access to a promotion/relegation tournament in May, where they can compete for spots in next season’s HSBC SVNS.
The Challenger Series is taking place in Cape Town, with the second event scheduled for March 7-8 and the finale in Krakow, Poland in April.
— This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 7, 2025.
The Canadian men’s rugby sevens team excelled in the Challenger Series, winning against both Tonga and Uganda. Their performance guarantees a semifinal spot against Germany. Aiming for a top-four finish, Canada’s success could lead to a promotion opportunity in upcoming tournaments. With continued strong performances, they are looking to ascend back to the elite tier of rugby sevens.
Original Source: www.tricitynews.com
