Ethan Turner of Maple Ridge has been selected for an extended squad of 59 players for the Canada's men's rugby team, as Rugby Canada prepares for 2025 matches.
The talented back played with the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club, and the Indian side Kalinga Black Tigers in the Rugby Premier League. Turner made his debut with the Canadian sevens team in Hong Kong in 2024.
A lot of consideration went into his selection, according to the coach.
“The work that has been undertaken over the last few months to prepare for the 2025 season and develop this extended player list has been substantial and valuable,” said head coach Stephen Meehan. “The players identified in this list are those who will be considered for our matches this year, and we are looking forward to getting on the pitch in Edmonton in a few weeks to kick off our campaign to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.”
The team’s season kicked off in Edmonton, with Canada playing Belgium on July 12. Next they face Spain on July 18, at Clarke Stadium.
Canada will then begin the Pacific Nations Cup, the team’s first opportunity to earn direct qualification for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, on Aug. 22 in Calgary against the U.S..
Pool play will continue on Aug. 30, with Japan hosting Canada in Sendai.
The Pacific Nations Cup play-offs will begin Sept.14 in Denver, Colorado, with the finals set for Sept. 20 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
