NEWS REPORT

First tourneys of year around corner

Close on the heels of the National Sevens Trial in Victoria on the Thanksgiving weekend, Coach Ric Suggitt announced the National Sevens Team that will represent Canada in Dubai and George, South Africa.

"Selection is never an easy process," said Suggitt. "However, we have some big challenges in front of us this season and we must start the circuit on a positive note. This team reflects our intentions for the IRB Sevens this year."

This selection contains seven returning players, all of whom competed in the Commonwealth Games in Manchester this past summer. Leading the charge after a very successful summer tour with the fifteens team is Toronto's Marco DiGirolamo. "Marco has had a great summer with the National XV's Team this summer," notes Suggitt. "Last year he really established himself on the IRB Sevens circuit and we are looking for more of the same this season."

He is joined by team-mate Shane Thompson, fresh from the select Penguins Tour and the Manchester Games. "Last season Shane was recognized internationally by his selection to the elite Penguins Team," said Coach Suggitt. "This year we are looking for him to lead us by that example once again."

Fred Asselin is back after a summer with the XV's team and at the Commonwealth Games. "Freddy looked very refreshed and relaxed at the camp and he always challenges himself," said Suggitt. "We expect Fred to be amongst the scoring leaders this year on the circuit and will challenge him in that regard."

Todd McBride of Bayside along with University of Victoria centre Matt Cohen also return. "Matt and Todd have clearly earned their selections to this team," reflected Manager Rick Farrally. "Both were members of the Commonwealth Team and both were valued members of this team last season. They realize what will be expected of them this season and each has responded to these challenges in the past. Everyone must play better this season - individually, and as a team"

University of Victoria scrum half Ed Fairhurst has also earned selection. "We have not seen the best sevens rugby from Ed yet," said Farrally. "He is an exceptional runner with very good evasive skills and we really need him to step forward this season. He had a very good summer with the XVs team and this will be an important year for him leading into the World Cup."

Medical student Jim Douglas of UBC Old Boys is selected for Dubai as well. After the Commonwealth Games this past summer Jim has become one of the most durable members of this team," said Farrally. "Without hesitation, I can say that Jim's value to this team is immense - he has not missed a tournament in three years. He always plays with passion and determination which is very much our Canadian style."

Pacific Pride's Mike Danskin is a player with great running skills. "Mike is very strong on his feet and has good balance and speed," said Suggitt. "We want him to really have a good season with us. That is important."

In addition - UBC's Chris Pack and Capilano's Akio Tyler are selected for Dubai and South Africa. "Chris needs to gain more experience and playing time on this circuit," says Farrally. "We have seen him do some pretty exciting things here at home and this season we want him to put these skills to work against the opposition overseas. Akio is pretty much in the same situation - he has played in several tournaments and knows what to expect in these intense game situations. We will definitely be looking for him to make his mark this season."

Quentin Fyffe and Jesse Frender come back into the side after a year away through injury. They offer welcome relief to Coach Suggitt. A year ago Frender finished the circuit as Canada's top try scorer and Fyffe returns after his serious injury in the London Sevens in 2001. "Having these guys back will only add to the talent base of this team," said Suggitt. "Quentin is a very experienced player and his return will definitely help us this year," said Suggitt.

"And if Jesse can return to the sort of form he was in 2001 then we will be a much better team, and certainly get on the scoreboard more often."

The team will have a preparation camp in Victoria on the weekend prior to departure for Dubai.

"This year we will have some new staff traveling with the team, as well as some staff from previous years," notes Manager Rick Farrally. "Spencer Robinson joins us from the National Women' Program as Manager for this trip and Vince Avery will be in charge of our medical needs in Dubai and South Africa. I need to make special mention of our staff, particularly our physiotherapy staff who take time away from their busy practices to look after our players. They always do a first class job."

The Emirates Dubai Sevens is on December 06 - 07, 2002 and the South African Sevens is on December 13 -14, 2002.

E-mails and good wishes to the team can be sent to canadasevens@hotmail.com or faxed to Rugby Canada Sevens  250 598-9803

Rugby Canada Sevens
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - December 6 & 7, 2002
George, South Africa - December 12 & 13, 2002

Squad to Dubai and South Africa   

Fred Asselin, Matt Cohen, Mike Danskin,Marco DiGirolamo,Jim Douglas,Ed Fairhurst, Jesse Frender,Quentin Fyffe, Todd McBride,Chris Pack,Shane Thompson, Akio Tyler

Management Team

Coach: Ric Suggitt  
Manager: Spencer Robinson   
Physiotherapist: Vince Avery