Alexis Creek’s Jake Ilincki has been selected to play for Canada’s senior men’s team for crucial test matches including their 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifying series with the U.S.
The 32-man squad, which will be trimmed down to 26 for the final two matches, features a wealth of test experience as Canada seeks to collect wins over Georgia and Romania, before battling the U.S. in their Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
“This summer tour is going to be big for rugby in Canada and I’m really excited for the challenge that is set up for us,” Ilnicki told the Tribune.
“This month we have the opportunity to qualify for the 2019 World Cup in Japan, which is really exciting on its own but having to do so against the U.S. brings it to a different level.”
The first test match before the big show will be June 10 versus Georgia.
Then, Ilnicki said he’s looking forward to the game versus Romania on June 17.
“We haven’t forgotten about the past couple tours and those results still sting a bit, as most tough losses would with any team,” he said.
“But we have grown quite a bit since then and have a very strong squad for these big games.”
Following, Canada will take on the U.S. June 24 at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ont. and again July 1 in San Diego.
“I’ve put in quite a bit of work with the guys the past couple weeks preparing for these games and I’m very confident that we will get the results we need,” Ilnicki said.
Ilnicki’s coach, Mark Anscombe, said the team will need to look after the ball and play to its strength in order to be successful.
“We’re starting to get depth in a number of positions so there’s some competitions for starting spots and guys can’t rely on what they’ve done in the past,” Anscombe said. “Rather, they’re being measured and selected on what they’re doing right now.”
Tickets for Canada’s three home games — the first two being in Alberta — are available at events.rugbycanada.ca.