Canada Calls In Morra As Moonlight Is Set For 50th Game

December 09, 2016

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One Ontario legend will reach a milestone for Canada this weekend, while one young star's career is set to begin. Hollywood couldn't write a better storyline, as the Canucks head to Cape Town for their second stop on the 2016/17 World Rugby Sevens Series.

More from Matt Tidcombe, Rugby Canada Communications:

CAPE TOWN — John Moonlight will become just the second ever Canadian to play in 50 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments when he takes the field at the Cape Town Sevens this weekend.

Moonlight, Canada’s captain, made his series debut in Hong Kong in 2009. Over the course of his career, the Pickering, Ont., native has registered 90 tries and 450 career points.

“It’s a huge honour to be able to run out in my 50th tournament,” Moonlight said. “Nothing can compare to the feeling you get representing our country on the world stage knowing everyone back home is supporting, cheering and believing in you.

“I cherish every chance I get to pull on the red jersey. Whether it’s your first or 50th tournament that feeling is always there.”

Head coach Damian McGrath has made one change to the roster ahead of this weekend’s Cape Town Sevens.

Injury has forced Harry Jones to withdraw meaning Josiah Morra has been called into the squad and could potentially make his HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series debut for Canada if selected.

“We have to give these young guys a chance to see if they can stand up to the demands and the quality of the World Series,” said McGrath. “I love their attitude and their willingness to learn. Josiah has made a big impression despite his tender years and I was keen to give him a little taste of elite sevens rugby. We have to start looking towards Tokyo 2020 and I hope this selection sends out a message to young Canadian rugby hopefuls that there are opportunities for anyone who shows promise.”

Canada heads into Cape Town after a 13th place finish in Dubai. After an 0-3 pool stage, Canada rebounded with wins over Russia and Uganda to claim three series points.

The tournament also saw the series debuts of Caleb Jordan and Karsten Leitner, the latter of which also scored his first series try.

In Cape Town, Canada has been drawn into Pool C with England, New Zealand and Argentina.

Canada has five wins and two draws with England in 39 previous matches and is 13-1-23 against Argentina. The two sides met last weekend in Dubai with Argentina pulling out a narrow 21-14 win.

Canada is 2-31 all-time against New Zealand but their two wins came last year, the second of which occurred at the 2015 Cape Town Sevens where Canada won 24-12.

“We certainly have a very tough pool once again,” McGrath said. “We were disappointed not to beat Argentina last week. We gifted three tries and paid the price. Both England and New Zealand are tough opponents at any time. England are at full strength and were very impressive in Dubai. New Zealand are in transition and will have been disappointed with their performances. We are confident we are moving in the right direction and the players are keen to build upon the first leg results.”

Nathan Hirayama currently sits on 890 career points and could become only the second ever Canadian to surpass 900 for his career after Phil Mack (973). Justin Douglas is also just four tries away from becoming the 12th Canadian to score 50 series tries.

The Cape Town Sevens can be seen LIVE in its entirety at www.worldrugby.org.

Canada’s Roster for the Cape Town Sevens (Name, club, hometown):
Phil Berna – (UBC Thunderbirds) Vancouver, BC

Justin Douglas – (Abbotsford RFC/BC Bears) Abbotsford, BC

Mike Fuailefau – (Castaway Wanderers/BC Bears) Victoria, BC

Nathan Hirayama – (UVic Vikes/BC Bears) Richmond, BC

Caleb Jordan – (Montreal Wanderers) Montreal, QC

Pat Kay – (Castaway Wanderers/BC Bears) Duncan, BC

Karsten Leitner – (UBC Thunderbirds) Vancouver, BC

Luke McCloskey – (Castaway Wanderers) Victoria, BC

John Moonlight – (James Bay AA/Ontario Blues) Pickering, ON

Josiah Morra, Toronto Saracens (Toronto, ON)

Matt Mullins – (Queen’s University/Ontario Blues) Belleville, ON

Liam Underwood – (Balmy Beach RFC/Ontario Blues) Toronto, ON


Adam Zaruba – (Capilano RFC/BC Bears) Vancouver, BC

Coaching Staff:

Head Coach – Damian McGrath
Assistant Coach – Lee Douglas
Physiotherapist – Danielle Mah
Analyst – Calum Ramsay
Manager – Brian Hunter

Canada’s Day 1 Schedule:

Canada vs. England — 4:21am ET/1:21am PT

Canada vs. New Zealand — 7:20am ET/4:20am PT

Canada vs. Argentina — 10:41am ET/7:41am PT

2016-17 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Standings:
1. South Africa — 22
2. Fiji — 19
3. England — 17
4. Wales — 15
5. Australia — 13
6. Scotland — 12
7. France — 10
8. New Zealand — 10
9. USA — 8
10. Samoa — 7
11. Argentina — 5
12. Kenya — 5
13. Canada — 3
14. Uganda — 2
15. Japan — 1
16. Russia — 1

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