NORTH Shore players should feature prominently when the Canadian senior men's rugby team takes on Georgia in an exhibition match scheduled for Saturday, June 23, at Burnaby's Swangard Stadium.
Three players with ties to the North Shore's Capilano Rugby Club - North Vancouver native Jason Marshall, West Vancouver's Ryan Hamilton and Squamish's Jamie Cudmore - all suited up for the national team for last year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The roster for the Georgia match has not been set but head coach Kieran Crowley said he will have most of the country's best players available to him for the contest.
"It's always great to have a quality team coming to Canada to play us," Crowley said at a press conference introducing the event. "It gives us the opportunity to perform at home in front of our supporters and carry on the momentum that was created by the 2011 World Cup coverage."
Marshall, who parlayed his strong play at the World Cup into a pro contract in France, was also on hand to create some buzz for the game against Georgia.
"Being from B.C., having the opportunity to play here, play over in Europe and now to be back is always a great feeling," said Marshall. "I get to play against an international opponent not only in my home country but right in my own backyard. I think the crowd will be amazing and I am really looking forward to it."
The last time the two teams met Georgia claimed the win. Canada is currently ranked 13th in the world while Georgia is right behind them in 15th spot.
Early bird tickets, ranging in price from $9 to $40, are on sale until April 30 online at www.ticketmaster.ca.
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North Vancouver's Frédérique Joncas claimed bronze in the junior women's category at the 2012 Canadian National Snowboardcross Championships held earlier this month in Nakiska, Alta.
In the championship final Joncas slid home third behind fellow British Columbia racer Jade Critchlow and Ontario's Taylor Wilton.
Earlier this season Joncas, 19, made her debut on the World Cup circuit, qualifying in 24th spot to make it to the elimination heats at an event held at Ontario's Blue Mountain Resort. Last month Joncas competed in the FIS Junior World Championships, finishing in 14th position.
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