In front of an enthusiastic hometown crowd, Newfoundland and Labrador secured a thrilling 17-14 victory over Nova Scotia in the boys’ rugby tournament opening game. The winning moment came as Erik Haas broke through defenders to score a try in the dying seconds, marking the team’s first triumph at the 2025 Canada Games.
Haas, a 19-year-old player, heroically crossed the try line amidst celebrations from his teammates, highlighting the significance of impressing the local supporters in the tournament. Moreover, scouts are keenly observing the games for potential talents that could excel on the international stage.
Men’s rugby had been absent from the Canada Games since 2009, with the reintroduction of the men’s tournament in 2025 following the successful debut of women’s rugby sevens in 2023. Coach Darrell Devine emphasized the importance of the sport’s presence in the Games for the development of the national program, providing a crucial pathway for young players to progress to higher levels.
The fast-paced rugby sevens format, featuring seven players per team, gained Olympic status in 2016. While Canada has achieved medals on the women’s side, the men’s team has yet to reach the podium in recent Olympics. The Canada Games offer a platform for top players nationwide to showcase their abilities, with Rugby Canada officials scouting for future talent to bolster the national squads.
Jocelyn Barrieau, head coach of Canada’s women’s national team, emphasized the tournament’s significance in fostering high-level competition and national pride among players. As the rugby sevens competition unfolds for both men and women, the event is set to culminate with medal matches on Wednesday, promising exciting matchups and talent displays.
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