Buydens to lead Canada in Americas Champs
The squad, which will be captained by veteran prop Hubert Buydens, will begin training camp on January. 31 at Shawnigan Lake before facing Uruguay in their ARC opener on February 6 at Westhills Stadium in Langford, British Columbia.
"I'm looking for total commitment and hard work on and off the field," Ratier said. "We don’t have too much time together before the first game but if all of us are working hard, with the right attitude, I am not worried about this group and their ability to fight for each other.
"Canadian players have a big heart and passion and it will be a good time to show these values."
The squad features 18 uncapped players who are joined by capped players Ray Barkwill, Nick Blevins, Jake Ilnicki, Phil Mackenzie, Gordon McRorie, Callum Morrison, Evan Olmstead, Pat Parfrey, Djustice Sears-Duru and Buydens.
Canada's 18 uncapped players are a product of the Canadian Rugby Championship, the highest domestic competition in Canada that has run annually since 2009. Fourteen members of the squad are 25 or younger, but with Canada's age-grade programs, they have amassed a great deal of experience.
"The ARC will provide us with an opportunity to build on our World Cup campaign and continue to develop more talent for our senior men's program as these test matches are an important first step to preparing our next generation of athletes," Rugby Canada’s National Program Manager Gareth Rees said. "These players have an incredible opportunity to showcase their skills in five high level test matches and we’re looking forward to renewing old rivalries and establishing new ones during the ARC."
The ARC, which also features Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the USA and Uruguay, will provide Canada with five additional annual test matches. In addition to the opener against Uruguay, Canada will also host Brazil on February 20 while playing their other three matches away from home.
"Our attack and defence coaches as well as myself will put all the pieces together during the first week of training to make sure the players understand the concepts and organization we want to run," Ratier said. "We want to keep it simple and straight to the point.
"Attack with physicality and speed, defend with heart and discipline."
Canada squad: Kyle Baillie, Ray Barkwill, Nick Blevins, Gradyn Bowd, Rob Brouwer, Hubert Buydens, Liam Chisholm, Alistair Clark, Paul Ciulini, Andrew Ferguson, Michael Hamson, Eric Howard, Jake Ilnicki, Brett Johnson, Ryan Kotlewski, Phil Mackenzie, Duncan Maguire, Alex Mascott, Gordon McRorie, Dan Moor, Callum Morrison, Evan Olmstead, Clay Panga, Pat Parfrey, Jacob Robinson, Lucas Rumball, Mozac Samson, Djustice Sears-Duru.
