With files from Matt Tidcombe, Rugby Canada Communications

Canada’s men’s U19 head coach Dean Murten has selected 28 players for a two-game series against the USA in December

Canada will face the USA on Dec. 30 and Jan. 2 at the United States Olympic Centre in Chula Vista, California.

“The staff and athletes are very excited to have the opportunity to play two games against the USA,” Murten said. “We have reduced the squad to 32 players: 28 will be traveling while 4 are non-traveling.  The coaching staff has been very impressed with the talent and depth we have seen throughout the five camps we have held.  This has made selection very difficult.  The USA team will be very physical and direct, thus giving the staff an opportunity to see which players can play in that environment.”

Five training camps were held in Kingston, Red Deer, Burnaby, Shawnigan and Guelph with a particular focus on mental skills preparation being included.

“This tour will be a perfect gauge of where we are after the selections camps and the coaches had many tough choices,” said Ken Goodland, Rugby Canada’s Coordinator of National Player Development & Talent ID. “The quality of the players and their commitment makes me very optimistic for the future and I’m very pleased to see this opportunity added to the program.”

Broadcast details for both games will be confirmed closer to game time.

Canada’s Men’s U19 Roster for USA Tour (Name, club, hometown):

Damon Adams, (Castaway Wanderers) Victoria BC

Marco Cazza, (Ormstown Saracens) Saint-anicet QC

Peyton Eagar, (Cowichan) Duncan, BC

Mostyn Findlay, (UVic) Regina, SK

Aidan Foley, (Western University) Oakville, ON

Jeremy Gamm, (Markham Irish) Markham, ON

Ethan Hager, (Harlequins) Brantford, ON

James Hammond, (Toronto Nomads) Toronto, ON

Kyle Joe, (Cowichan) Ladysmith, BC

John Jubenvill, (UBC) Surrey, BC

Gavin Kratz, (UVic) Victoria, BC

Jake Lan, (UBC) Vancouver, BC

Josh Long, (Abbotsford) Abbotsford, BC

Logan Martin-Feek, (West Shore) Victoria, BC

Jackson Matthews, (Beaconsfield RFC) Beaconsfield, QC

Jack McRogers, (Aurora Barbarians) Newmarket, ON

Jordon Montgomery, (PEI Mudmen) Kensington, PEI

Quinn Ngawati, (St Michaels University School) Victoria, BC

Evan Norris, (Shawnigan Lake School) Victoria, BC

Miguel Palij, (Markham Irish) Markham, ON

Brennig Prevost, (UVic) Victoria, BC

Emerson Prior, (Trent University Varsity Club) Gananoque, ON

Seth Purdy, (Shawnigan Lake School) Mill Bay, BC

Owain Ruttan, (UBC) Precious Corners, ON

Michael Smith, (UBC) Surrey, BC

Christoph Stangl, (UBC) Vancouver, BC

Brandon Schellenberger, (Castaway Wanderers) Victoria, BC

Matthew Ye, (UBC) Markham, ON