Coldstream’s Isaac Olson joins 36 players at Canada’s rugby camp in Calgary ahead of the Pacific Nations Cup and the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
Rising Talent Heads to National Camp
Coldstream, B.C.’s Isaac Olson has been named among 36 athletes invited to Canada’s men’s 15s rugby selection camp in Calgary this week. The camp marks a crucial stage in preparations for the Pacific Nations Cup, where Canada will fight for a spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The Stakes in Calgary
The Canadian squad will kick off the Pacific Nations Cup on Friday, Aug. 22, facing long-time rivals the United States at McMahon Stadium in Calgary. The tournament doubles as Canada’s first opportunity to secure direct qualification for the World Cup.
A Road That Spans Continents
Following the U.S. match, Canada will travel to Japan for a test on Saturday, Aug. 30. In September, all six teams — Canada, the U.S., Japan, Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji — will meet in Denver, Colorado, with the semi-finals and placement matches scheduled for Sept. 14 and the championship final set for Sept. 20 in Salt Lake City.
Why the Tournament Matters
Only the top three teams from the competition will qualify directly for the World Cup, with Fiji and Japan already locked in. The lowest-placed side will be forced into a last-chance playoff through the South America/Pacific route. For Canada, ranked No. 25 globally, success in Calgary and beyond is critical.
Olson Among Champions
Olson, a standout with the Major League Rugby champion New England Free Jacks, is one of seven players from the title-winning squad to earn a camp invitation. His inclusion highlights the depth of Canadian rugby talent developing through international club competitions.
Building Toward 2027
Canadian head coach Stephen Meehan emphasized the importance of this camp in refining the roster. “We are building strong foundations toward Rugby World Cup qualification,” Meehan said. “This mix of experienced players and new talent is exactly what we need.”
Lessons From Recent Tests
Canada enters the camp following two narrow July losses in Edmonton — a 25-18 defeat to Belgium and a 24-23 last-second heartbreak against Spain. Both opponents are ranked higher than Canada, underscoring the challenges ahead but also showing the squad’s competitive potential.
How Fans Can Follow
Fans can watch Canada’s opener against the U.S. live from Calgary on Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. PT, with broadcast details to be announced. The Pacific Nations Cup represents both a proving ground for new players like Olson and a decisive step in the nation’s World Cup journey.
This article is original and written specifically for Surreyspeak.com
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