Canada have put Lucas Rumball and Tyler Ardron back at the centre of their Nations Cup reset, with Stephen Meehan naming a 32-man squad for the July block.
Rugby Canada confirmed that the group will assemble in Calgary before opening the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup against Spain at Clarke Stadium, Edmonton, on 4 July. The squad is built around returning Test authority and a fresh uncapped layer, with six players in line for senior debuts.
Rumball Return Sharpens Canada’s Spine
Rumball’s recall matters because of timing as much as pedigree. The 65-cap back-rower returns after captaining the Chicago Hounds through an unbeaten Major League Rugby season, giving Meehan a hardened breakdown operator for a competition designed to sharpen Rugby World Cup 2027 preparation.
Ardron’s inclusion adds another heavy reference point. Rugby Canada noted that the Castres forward last appeared for the national team in August 2025, when he scored four tries in a 34-20 win over the United States.
- Canada v Spain: 4 July, Edmonton
- Canada v Portugal: 11 July, Edmonton
- Canada v Zimbabwe: 18 July, Winnipeg
The Spain opener carries a clear edge. Canada lost 24-23 to the same opponent last year through a late penalty, and that rematch now doubles as a tone-setter for Pool A. With Josh McIndoe, Liam James, Jacob Ince, Henry Kirwan, Cody Nhanala and Bryce Worden all named as potential debutants, Meehan has paired urgency with genuine selection discovery.
Sources: Rugby Canada, World Rugby.
