Canada’s senior men’s team is back to business after celebrating a 48-6 victory over Uruguay to open the Churchill Cup, a victory that one player will never forget.

U-20 grad Ryan Hamilton received his first cap for Canada this past Saturday replacing Captain Pat Riordan at hooker in Canada’s 48-6 victory to open the Churchill Cup in Denver. Hamilton, alongside full-back Matt Evans, scrum half Sean White, prop Andrew Tiedemann and fly half Connor Braid, is a recent graduate of Canada’s U-20 program. Hamilton was very proud to receive his first Cap at the age of 22.

“It’s a very special feeling getting your first Cap for your country; it’s something you always dream about as a kid.” Said Hamilton after Captain Pat Riordan handed him his cap at the post-match dinner celebration.

Canada’s next match is this Sunday against a very strong France ‘A’ Team, who’s players are looking to crack France’s XV at the World Cup next year in New Zealand. This match should be more difficult, nevertheless Hamilton would be excited for the opportunity if it arose.

“I’m just happy to be a part of the team, I’d like to play against France if possible, but if not, I’m happy to do whatever to help the team,” says Hamilton.

Connor Braid was asked to join the National Team in Denver only three days after returning home from the Junior World Trophy in Russia. Braid played two seasons with the U20’s and is a member of Canada’s National Carded Program that trains at the Pacific Institute of Sporting Excellence in Victoria. Braid feels that  his training and preparation the last month with the U-20’s has made him ready for the National Team.

“Playing every minute of every game in Russia has given me the confidence I need to play with the national team,” says Braid. “The training is very similar between the two teams, only the players are bigger and more skilled.”

Canada’s U-20 program is hugely supported through the Canadian Rugby Foundations on-going sponsorship work. Through the foundations support, the U-20 team is the only Canadian Developmental team that is not on a “Pay to Play” scenario. Braid feels that having the Foundation’s support benefits the player’s development.

“The foundations support is great, we don’t have to worry about money and we can focus 100% of our attention on training rather than fundraising.”