Russell Named to Canada Sevens Squad for Upcoming World Series Stops

With files from Canada Sevens

Arrows utility back Alex Russell has been named to Canada’s men’s sevens side to compete at the upcoming World Rugby Sevens Series events in Vancouver and Edmonton.

Russell joined the Arrows this past July following two seasons with the Rugby Canada’s Pacific Pride program that bookended participation with the national sevens program in late 2020.

As a late-season signing, the Quebec Sevens grad featured for the Arrows in the club’s final match of the 2021 campaign, coming off the bench to record 28 carry metres on four carries while completing 100% of his tackles.

 

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While the upcoming Sevens Series stops will mark the first senior tournament appearances for Russell, the speedy back has also featured for Canada at top-tier international tune-up competitions, including as a member of Canada’s senior sevens side that travelled to Dubai this past spring for two Olympic preparation tournaments.

Former Arrows Andrew Coe and Josiah Morra have also been named to Canada’s roster, representing two of the four players on the squad with previous World Series experience. Both suited up for the Arrows during the organization’s exhibition season in 2018, back when the team played under the ‘Ontario’ moniker.

Via Rugby Canada

September 10, 2021 (Langford, BC) – Following their quarter-final performance at the Tokyo Olympic Games, Head Coach Henry Paul has named a new-look squad for Canada’s return to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Vancouver (September 18-19). The tournament will be the first World Series event to be played since March, 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canadian co-captain Nathan Hirayama announced his retirement from the 7s program earlier this week. An icon of the sport, Hirayama retires as the third leading scorer in Sevens Series history with 1,859 points, and the all-time Canadian try leader with 147 scored in 79 Series tournament appearances. He was also selected as a flag bearer, alongside Miranda Ayim, for Team Canada at the opening ceremonies for the recent Tokyo Olympic Games.

Canada will also be without the services of Conor Trainor, who announced his retirement last month. Trainor was a dual-code stalwart for both the Men’s 7s and 15s programs and finished his 7s career with 287 points, ranking 16th all-time for Canada.

“First off, I want to recognize both Nathan and Conor for their contributions to Canada,” stated Head Coach Henry Paul. “This selection features some new and exciting players as we turn our attention to the shortened build-up to the 2024 Olympics in France.” Paul continued, “After the two events on the 2021 Series, we will look to bring together these new players with some returning veterans that are taking a deserved rest in order to be ready for the start of the full 2022 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai.”

Following the HSBC Canada Sevens Vancouver, the team will head straight to Edmonton for the debut of a second HSBC Canada Sevens event at Commonwealth Stadium September 25-26.

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM’S ROSTER: