CANADA

Canada receive Sevens boost

Tuesday 18th March 2008

Fitness Test: Canada will wait on the impressive Daniel van der Merwe

Canada coach Shane Thompson has unveiled his squad for the Hong Kong and Adelaide IRB Sevens World Series tournaments with Kris Witkowski and Christoph Strubin returning from long-term injuries to bolster their challenge.

Thompson has also named Daniel van der Merwe in the squad, although the 21-year-old who impressed on his IRB Sevens World Series debut with six tries needs to prove his fitness after being sidelined with ankle ligament damage suffered in Dubai.

Phil Mack continues as captain with other regulars Nathan Hirayama, Adam Kleeberger and Neil Meechan retained, while Justin Mensah-Coker has been released by his French club Albi for both tournaments and Jarod Selby receives his first call up.

Two players will share one place in the squad with France-based Mike Pyke playing in the Hong Kong Sevens from 28-30 March, before Sydney-based Mark Fisher takes over at the Adelaide Oval a week later.

Canada have been handed tough draws in both tournaments with defending champions Samoa, England and Sri Lanka their Pool B opponents in Hong Kong and then South Africa, Australia and USA awaiting them in Pool C in Adelaide.

Canada squad: Mark Fisher (Adelaide only), Ciaran Hearn, Nathan Hirayama, Adam Kleeberger, Tony La Carte, Phil Mack (c), Neil Meechan, Justin Mensah-Coker, Mike Pyke (Hong Kong only), Jarod Selby, Christoph Strubin, Daniel van der Merwe (subject to fitness test), Kris Witkowski.

Non-travelling replacements: Harry Jones, Jordan Kozina, Brock Nicholson, Chauncey O'Toole, Gordie Sawers, Ty Shannon, Jeb Sinclair, Rob Turk, Morgan Williams.