The Canada U20 program has finalized plans for 2020. Forty eight players have been invited to Shawnigan Lake School for a selection camp Jan 3-7. It will conclude with an inter-squad game at noon on Jan 7. Players living in BC will come together again on January 18 and 19 for a game v the Pacific Pride on Jan 19.
The Portugal tour is now planned February 13-21 with games v Portugal on February 17 and 20. A tour to the UK will be from April 28 to May 9 with games v Bristol Bears Academy x 2 and Cardiff Met. The tour has been organized by Gethin Watts now Bristol Bears Academy manager.
A preparation camp will be held in Shawnigan Lake School from May 24 – June 4, prior to travelling to Montevideo to play in the America’s U20 Rugby Championship. Games v BC U23 and Toronto Arrows Academy are in the process of being organized. The World Trophy qualifier v USA will be the first game of the Tournament on June 10 for a one off knock out contest. Subsequently Canada will play Chile on June 18 and Uruguay on June 22.
If Canada qualify for the World Trophy it will take place in Villajoyosa, Valencia region, Spain from September 14-27.
“This season features 8 games prior to The World Trophy Qualifier something we have never been able to do“, commented Head Coach Jeff Williams.“ We believe we have identified the best players in Canada for our long-list, both through the U19 Canadian National Championships and a series of cross country camps lead by Adam Roberts and Mike Curran. Our objectives are to provide higher quality players to Canada for the RWC 2023 and 2027 and
the Sevens program targeting Olympics 2024, and to create a winning culture at U20 level”.
Last year a fundraising effort by the U20 Support Group was successful and is now capable of providing $120,000 annually for the U18 and U20 men’s program.
Platinum sponsors who agreed to provide Canadian Rugby Foundation with $250000 over 10 years.
Andrew Purdey.
Pat Parfrey,
Mike Holmes.
Rick Bourne.
Shawnigan Lake School.
CRF Captain’s Fund
Gold sponsors who agreed to provide CRF with $100,000 over 10 years:
Tim Powers,
ONNI Group.
Grenville Thomas.
Pemberton Holmes.
Silver Sponsors who provided CRF $25000 over 5 years:
Sally Dennis,
Jay Johnson.
Mark McCarthy,
Brendan Parfrey
Ian McMillan,
Bill Webb/Toronto Arrows,
Mark Wyatt,
Randy Heward,
Benji O’Connor.
Donations to the program have also been made by:
Pat Aldous,
Luke Kratz.
