Three players with ties to the Cowichan Valley are in the mix to play for the Canadian U18 men’s team in the upcoming Summer Series against Team USA at Brentwood College School.
Cowichan Rugby Football Club products Jacob Bossi and Ciaran Breen, who play for Brentwood and Shawnigan Lake School, respectively, and Breen’s Shawnigan teammate Brenner Kelava, are all on the long list to play for Canada in the three-game series.
“Selection decisions are always difficult,” Curran said. “Rugby Canada understands that players develop at different times and within varying environments. The age-grade staff continue to ensure that the pathway has multiple entry points to reflect those realities.”
Canada U18 men’s head coach Mike Curran announced the 24-man list earlier this month, narrowed down from the 60 players who took part in the North American 4 series in late December and early January, also against the U.S.
“The ultimate goal is to identify the correct players for the Canada U20s and eventually the senior men’s XV and sevens programs,” Curran related. “Moving beyond the July Series, athletes will again be evaluated through the U19 Canadian Rugby Championship as well as various regional school, club, and provincial competitions,” added Curran.
The Summer Series games will take place at Brentwood on July 7, 10 and 14. The first two will be used as warmup matches, with all players getting at least one chance to start, and the final will be a full international test. All three games will kick off at 5 p.m.