It's been a big week for Rugby Canada, and the stakes keep rising.
Six days ago, TSN (and its French channel RDS) announced a rights agreement with the sporting body. On Saturday, the Canadians played and lost to Ireland in front of 20,000+ strong at Toronto's BMO Field, where the Canucks led the clovers 14-12 after the half and James Pritchard set a new all-time national points record.
On Monday, the news cycle continued, as Canadian head coach Geraint John announced his 12-man roster for the upcoming Rugby Sevens World Cup in Moscow, Russia.
Sevens stars like captain Nanyak Dala, Nathan Hirayama, and Sean Duke will lead the team into Red Square.
They're joined by Ciaran Hearn, Harry Jones, Phil Mack, John Moonlight, Taylor Paris, Thyssen De Goede, Justin Douglas, and Mike Fuailefau.
"All the selected players have been on the circuit this year and are rewarded by going to the World Cup," said Geraint John, in a release to SendToNews. "We felt this was important... they have trained hard throughout the year, know the systems and have gained great success during the year and therefore deserve to be rewarded for their efforts and success."
Canada plays in the World Cup in the same pool as New Zealand, the United States, and Georgia.
The World Cup starts on Friday, June 28.
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Canada's 15-man national team is preparing for its next match in the Pacific Nations Cup, set for this Wednesday against Japan. If the Canadians can win that, they'll go a perfect 4-0 and guarantee themselves a first overall finish in the 2013 PNC.
The Canucks have already beaten the USA, Fiji, and Tonga en route to their so far-spotless record.