It is one of the great curses of being a young professional, especially in the era of increasingly large pro squads, that Canadians do not always find a home in the starting rosters of the British or European clubs they sign with.
Quality Canadian names like Matt Evans, Adam Kleeberger, Stu Ault, Scott Franklin, Mike Burak and others have all had long periods where they have had to watch from the grandstands, as their professional teammates took the field without them. So what then is to be said about the fifteen Canadian athletes who are chasing their rugby dreams overseas this season?
These ambitious young men usually comprise a mix; with some, like Clermont's Jamie Cudmore, locking down a continuous starting role, while others find themselves making up the numbers in training. However, this year's overseas class represents something new in the Canadian rugby experience. It features returning veterans who play essential roles with their clubs, such as; Cudmore, Josh Jackson, Sean-Michael Stephen, Aaron Carpenter, James Pritchard, DTH Van der Merwe and Phil Mackenzie.
When looking at the next tier of overseas talent, there is more hope than in previous years. Tyler Hotson has struggled, year on year, to find a place in Plymouth Albion's starting XV; however, a solid World Cup performance should see him do well, in this, his third year with the club. Jamie Mackenzie will be in a dogfight for the starting scrum-half shirt with Esher, but the competition will sharpen his edge on a team where he is sure to find a respectable amount of playing time. The tenth name on Canada's overseas list, Mark Kohler, has already come off the bench for Bedford in multiple early season contests in the R.F.U. Championship. Kohler will likely see action against the division's lower-ranker team's, as Bedford conserve their energies for a promotion playoff run.
Surprisingly, the biggest questions in regards to playing time may come from the Canadians who have signed new contracts in Europe's top tier. Despite the challenges, one would think Chauncey O'Toole is guaranteed to see at least some action, as the Ospreys have one of the most demanding schedules in pro rugby. But what success will Jebb Sinclair be able to find with London Irish? Statement matches at the World Cup, such as his performance against Tonga, lend hope to his chances.
No Canadian has ever signed a contract overseas fully expecting to be left off all the match-day rosters, but this talented group of athletes may have the best hope yet of living their rugby dreams to the fullest.
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These ambitious young men usually comprise a mix; with some, like Clermont's Jamie Cudmore, locking down a continuous starting role, while others find themselves making up the numbers in training. However, this year's overseas class represents something new in the Canadian rugby experience. It features returning veterans who play essential roles with their clubs, such as; Cudmore, Josh Jackson, Sean-Michael Stephen, Aaron Carpenter, James Pritchard, DTH Van der Merwe and Phil Mackenzie.
When looking at the next tier of overseas talent, there is more hope than in previous years. Tyler Hotson has struggled, year on year, to find a place in Plymouth Albion's starting XV; however, a solid World Cup performance should see him do well, in this, his third year with the club. Jamie Mackenzie will be in a dogfight for the starting scrum-half shirt with Esher, but the competition will sharpen his edge on a team where he is sure to find a respectable amount of playing time. The tenth name on Canada's overseas list, Mark Kohler, has already come off the bench for Bedford in multiple early season contests in the R.F.U. Championship. Kohler will likely see action against the division's lower-ranker team's, as Bedford conserve their energies for a promotion playoff run.
Surprisingly, the biggest questions in regards to playing time may come from the Canadians who have signed new contracts in Europe's top tier. Despite the challenges, one would think Chauncey O'Toole is guaranteed to see at least some action, as the Ospreys have one of the most demanding schedules in pro rugby. But what success will Jebb Sinclair be able to find with London Irish? Statement matches at the World Cup, such as his performance against Tonga, lend hope to his chances.
No Canadian has ever signed a contract overseas fully expecting to be left off all the match-day rosters, but this talented group of athletes may have the best hope yet of living their rugby dreams to the fullest.
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