Article by Jules Jefferis courtesy of Rugby Canada
For original article from Rugby Canada click here
It's a rivalry that goes back 200 years off the pitch, and the Canada and United States men's national rugby sides will write the next chapter this weekend when they do battle in Kingston, Ontario.
On Saturday, Canada hosts the United States at Richardson Stadium in a match which will feature as part of the commemorations of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of 1812.
Canada prevailed 27-7 in the last match between the two sides in Colorado in August 2011 and went on to have a successful 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
The United States also impressed at that tournament, picking up a win against Russia and pushing rugby heavy weights Ireland and Italy to the final whistle.
Both sides will be looking to build on their eye-catching performances on rugby's biggest stage, and Canada will be hoping their good form continues against their rivals from south of the border.
Canada has won 34 of the 47 battles between the two countries to date and will be aiming to consolidate their 13th position in the official IRB world rankings.
The United States will be looking to notch their 13th victory against the Canucks and with North American supremacy on the line, the on-field battle is sure to be intense.
While rugby is a niche sport in both countries, Canada got the jump on the United States in the race to professionalism this year with the state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence opening in Langford, BC in January.
Rugby has always been strong in universities in the United States, and with the introduction of sevens rugby to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 the game continues to grow with over 450,000 registered players.
Currently ranked 17th in the world, the United States feature a number of exciting players who have made their mark on their international scene in recent years.
Captain Todd Clever has Super rugby experience and has also played professionally in New Zealand and Japan, while centre Paul Emerick has plied his trade in Italy, Ireland and the United Kingdom. And of course, who could forget the sight of winger Taku Ngwenya outpacing Springboks star Bryan Habana at the 2007 Rugby World Cup?
Canada will also have to keep an eye on a number of new faces in the Eagles squad with three players added straight out of college rugby, while the United States are excited about the future of their 6ft 2in, 317lb former Arena Football League player Tolifili (Andre) Liufau.
Team Canada has a few Gaels connections on their roster for the game this Saturday at Richardson Stadium. Liam Underwood, the 2009 OUA rookie of the year and a two time OUA all-star, of the Gaels men's rugby team was given an opportunity after Team Canada's Connor Braid suffered an injury with his club in B.C. Braid plays both the fly half and fullback positions making Underwood a natural fit, as he plays those same two positions. Underwood will not dress for the game but hopes to continue his progress and dress in the near future for the team. Former Gael Sean Duke is also a member of the squad, Duke played for the Gaels from 2006 to 2007.
For a long time the United States has been considered a sleeping giant in the world of rugby, and rumours have been circulating for years that the creation of a semi-professional league, similar to the Canadian Rugby Championship, is imminent.
In the meantime, Canada will be looking to ensure the match in Kingston this weekend ends the same way as the Battle of 1812 – in Canadian victory.
Schedule:
CANADA vs. USA
Saturday, June 9th @2pm
Richardson Stadium – Kingston, ON
Tickets available at www.kingstonrugby.ca
CANADA vs. ITALY
Friday, June 15th @7pm
BMO Field – Toronto, ON
Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.ca
CANADA vs. GEORGIA
Saturday, June 23rd @2pm
Swangard Stadium – Burnaby, BC
Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.ca
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With files from Queen's Athletics
