Rugby World Cup – Canada profile: Full squad, head coach, key player, fixtures and odds

A closer look at Kingsley Jones' side ahead of Japan 2019

Canada qualified as the 20th and final team for the Rugby World Cup after beating Hong Kong 27-10 in the last match of the repechage tournament in Marseille.

They take their place in a tough-looking Pool B alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and Namibia.

Ranked 21st in the world, the Canadians face quite the challenge in progressing beyond the group stages – something they’ve achieved only once before, in 1991.

Results this year have been disappointing, with the side recording just one win – a 56-0 thrashing of Chile – in February.

Coached by Kingsley Jones, formerly of Gloucester, Sale and the Dragons, success for the Canadians will be measured by their result against African qualifiers Namibia.

Squad

Forwards: Tyler Ardron, Kyle Baillie, Justin Blanchet, Hubert Buydens, Luke Campbell, Matt Heaton, Eric Howard, Jake Ilnicki, Cole Keith, Conor Keys, Evan Olmstead, Benoit Piffero, Andrew Quattrin, Lucas Rumball, Djustice Sears-Duru, Mike Sheppard, Matt Tierney.

Backs: Nick Blevins, Andrew Coe, Jeff Hassler, Ciaran Hearn, DTH van der Merwe, Ben LeSage, Jamie Mackenzie, Phil Mack, Gordon McRorie, Peter Nelson, Shane O'Leary, Pat Parfrey, Taylor Paris, Conor Trainor.

Head coach

Kingsley Jones. The former Wales open-side and captain succeeded Mark Anscombe, father of New Zealand-born Wales fly-half Gareth, as head coach of the national side in 2017. He immediately made clear that World Cup qualification was “the priority” – something he delivered by the skin of his teeth.

Key player

Tyler Ardron. The 27-year-old captained Canada at the 2015 edition and will be once again looking to lead by example in Japan. Ardron signed for the Chiefs in 2018 to become Canada’s first Super Rugby player to represent a New Zealand team, so will know what to expect when he goes up against his All Black teammates. He’s arguably Canada’s most talented and versatile forward, capable of covering the second and back row positions.

Past record

Canada’s best finish at the Rugby World Cup came in 1991 when they reached the quarter-finals.

Tyler Ardron in action for the Chiefs (Getty)

Fixtures

• Thursday 26 September – Italy vs Canada (8:45am BST), Fukuoka 
• Wednesday 2 October – New Zealand vs Canada (11:15am), Oita
• Tuesday 8 October – South Africa vs Canada (11:15am), Kobe
• Sunday 13 October – Namibia vs Canada (4:15am), Kamaishi

Odds

Canada to win the World Cup: 5000/1