(BURLINGTON, ON) - As May long weekend approaches and rugby season begins, a few of Ontario's finest Senior Men's players will be taking the pitch in Burlington in what is likely to be the most anticipated games on the Blues' calendar. The Blues will be taking on the Glendale Raptors at Sherwood Forest Park in Burlington, Ontario on Saturday, May 20, 2017. Gates will open at 1:00pm EDT and the two North American sides will kick-off at 3:00pm EDT.
The Glendale Raptors will be tough competition for the Blues side. Not only have the Raptors recently been named to North America's new professional rugby league - Major League Rugby - for its inaugural 2018 season, but the squad could also be comprised of up to nine internationally capped players.
Most notably, the Raptors recently signed US Eagle Midfielder Bryce Campbell, as they begin to shape their professional roster. Campbell is a young, strong midfielder who is likely to start for the US when they face Canada in their June World Cup qualifier.
The Raptors roster will likely be released ahead of the match on Friday.
The Blues have their share of internationally capped players also and their talents will be on full display. Loose Head Rob Brouwer of Lindsay has recently become a mainstay for the Canadian National team and continues to be a dominant front row player. Along with Rob, the Ontario squad is likely to include many players who have had experience with the National team or the Canada A Development side.
It was the young stars who came out to play in the Blues' 34-31 win over New York Old Blue RFC on April 29. Andrew Ferguson recorded three tries and one conversion, while Kainoa Lloyd scored twice. Rory McDonnell recorded the match-winning try after an impressive turnover forced by Josh Campbell.
“We have guys that are pro caliber and ready to make that step," said Blues' Head Coach Chris Silverthorn. "Playing a pro side at the beginning of the MLR concept is something everyone in our program is extremely excited about."
Tickets are still available for the match! Discounted group rates are also available for groups of 25+. Email info@rugbyontario.com for more details!
The Blues' roster will be announced on Wednesday, with the starting XV being released on Friday.
The match will be streamed on Rugby Ontario'so YouTube channel at THIS LINK. Also, stay tuned to Rugby Ontario's social media channels for coverage leading up to the match, match-day updates and a post-match recap.
ABOUT RUGBY ONTARIO
Rugby Ontario is the provincial sports governing body responsible for the organization of rugby in Ontario. Our mission is to establish a stronger identity for rugby in Ontario by promoting the sport’s core values and by fostering a culture of inclusiveness and excellence on and off the field of play.
To learn more, visit https://www.rugbyontario.com/
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Kevin Baxter
Communications Coordinator - Rugby Ontario
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