Four new faces are in the Canadian team for the next round of the IRB World Sevens Series in Chile.
After having reached the Bowl semis and Finals in the first two 2002-2003 tournaments, Canadian coach Ric Suggitt has announced the Canada team to play in Vina del Mar beginning on January 10, 2003.
"The results in Dubai and South Africa left us exactly where we were at the end of the season last year," said Suggitt. "Obviously this is a good starting point instead of a finishing point. We have to be optimistic for the season as it progresses.
"We have stressed the need for more team speed and increased levels of fitness for this season," noted Suggitt. "In that regard we are determined to address those needs directly, and the addition of these new players reflects our determination to achieve the necessary results on the field."
The four new caps for the tournament in Chile include Dave Moonlight, Stirling Richmond, Christoph Strubin and 19 year old speedster Andrew Swan.
"Though Andrew Swan, a recent graduate of Oak Bay Secondary School in Victoria, is only 19 years old he was the fastest player at the national sevens trial this year," said Sevens manager Rick Farrally.
Newcomer Moonlight has been on a tear so far this season in the B.C. Premier League. "I watched Dave score four tries against the Irish-Canadians recently," said Farrally. "He is exactly the sort of player we need on the circuit. He is a strong runner on attack and while he was not really tested defensively against the Irish, we have seen him perform well in the B.C. Premiership in a defensive role."
Vancouver's Stirling Richmond, the B.C Premier League scoring leader, will only add quickness and scoring punch to this team and should enjoy the more open spaces of the Sevens game.
North Vancouver's Christoph Strubin is another newcomer. "He's big, strong, fit and fast," said Suggitt. "And we expect him to develop quickly on this trip. He showed well in the camp prior to Dubai and South Africa so he has earned his chance to play."
Canada squad:
Marco DiGirolamo (Capt)
Shane Thompson
Todd McBride
Matt Cohen
Quentin Fyffe
Chris Pack
Matt King
Dave Moonlight
Garth Prouse
Andrew Swan
Christoph Strubin
Stirling Richmond