Canada and Jamaica Announce Four-Game Rugby League Festival
Men's, A-team, U19 and Masters sides from both nations will all meet on October 10 at Terry Fox Stadium, Brampton, as part of a full day of international rugby league.
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Wolverines Leap to 17th in Latest IRL World Rankings
Canada's men and women both made major gains in the IRL World Rankings released ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with results from their respective European tours setting up big rises for both the Wolverines and the Ravens.
The Wolverines jumped 12 places, from 29th to 17th, after beating Norway and the Netherlands on tour despite a 22–10 loss to Scotland — who themselves climbed from 27th to 20th on the back of that win. The women's Ravens were the single biggest movers in the Women's rankings, rising from 13th to 7th after wins over Wales and Scotland, even though the side had already missed out on World Cup qualification following a loss to Fiji at the Women's World Series in Toronto.
CRLA President John Cameron credited the rise to sustained work over recent years rather than a sudden jump, pointing to the U19 pathway feeding new talent into Aaron Zimmerle's and Matt Barron's squads, and to domestic league growth in BC and Ontario giving players more game time.
Australia remains No.1 in both the Men's and Women's rankings. Canada's men now sit 17th, behind Netherlands (9th) and just ahead of Ukraine (10th)–Malta (16th) among the chasing pack; the Ravens sit 7th in the Women's rankings, between Papua New Guinea (6th) and Ireland (8th).
Canada and Jamaica Announce Four-Game Rugby League Festival
Canada and Jamaica will contest four internationals on the same day when the nations meet on Saturday, October 10, at Terry Fox Stadium, Brampton — a full festival of rugby league spanning men's, A-team, U19 and Masters sides.
The senior men's Test, between the Wolverines and the Reggae Warriors, kicks off at 6pm for world ranking points. It's supported by an A-team clash between Canadian Selects and Jamaica Exodus, a first-ever U19 international between the two nations, and a Masters match that will mark Jamaica's international debut at that level. The day follows on from the venue's successful hosting of the inaugural IRL Women's Rugby League World Series last October.
CRLA President John Cameron welcomed the growing series with Canada's Americas region neighbours, and said hosting Jamaica's U19s for the first time was especially fitting given the guidance Jamaica provided when Canada launched its own U19 programme.
Jamaica rugby league director Romeo Monteith called it a rare opportunity to involve more of the country's elite amateur pool across two representative levels, and pointed to Brampton's large Jamaican expat community as a reason the day should draw strong local support.
Tickets for the day are priced at $10, with a schools programme running alongside the fixtures and a large crowd expected.
Tour Finale Triumph: Wolverines Close Out Europe with 34–6 Win Over Netherlands
Canada closed out their three-game European tour in style, beating the Netherlands 34–6 at Dordtsche Rugby Club, Dordrecht, on July 11 — a result that sent the Wolverines home with two wins from three.
The Wolverines were dominant from the outset, leading 22–0 at half-time behind tries from Toby Horn, Fynn Murphy and Jason Chuck. Matthew Fish added a fourth before the break, and Nathan Roberts' try just after the hour mark put the result beyond doubt. Luka Wicken rounded out the scoring late, while Horn also finished with five goals from six attempts. Netherlands' only points came from a late consolation try to back-rower Rowan Schuiling, converted by Rick Baats.
Four Wolverines made their Test debuts in Dordrecht — Ewan Lawton, Thomas Dickinson, Garin Nicholls and Ethan Chantler — against a Netherlands side playing its first match under new head coach James Adams.
Head coach Aaron Zimmerle said: “We were great in the first half, scoring three sensational tries.” He pointed to the two wins over higher-ranked Norway and Netherlands, and the narrow loss to Scotland, as proof the tour marked real progress for the programme — with the squad already looking ahead to October's Home Series against Jamaica.
Netherlands coach James Adams credited Canada's performance, saying: “Canada played exceptionally well as a team and deserved their victory.” He noted his own side took time to settle in their first outing of the season, but said the experience would help the group grow.
Scorers — Netherlands 6: Tries: Schuiling. Goals: Baats 1/1.
Canada 34: Tries: Horn, Murphy, Chuck, Fish, Roberts, Wicken. Goals: Horn 5/6.
Tour Finale, Toughest Test: Wolverines Squad Named for Rotterdam Showdown
Following Sunday's hard-fought 22–10 defeat to Scotland in Hawick, the Canada Rugby League Association (CRLA) has named an 18-man Canada Wolverines squad for Saturday's international against the Netherlands at Dordtsche Rugby Club, Rotterdam, with a 2pm kickoff — the final Test of the 2026 European Tour.
Head Coach Aaron Zimmerle's squad sees a number of changes from the Scotland side, with captain Blake Mahovic and Jalen Harrison both joining Dillon Goos on the injury list. Kyle Yurkiw, who missed the Scotland game through injury, returns to the squad. Jacob Bourne and Jordan Cella are unavailable, while Oliver Lenahan and Blake Marshall have departed to join their U19 teammates in Font Romeu, France, ahead of the 2026 U19 European Championship Shield. The squad also welcomes four debutants: Ethan Chantler, Thomas Dickinson, Garin Nicholls and Ewan Lawton.
“Sunday was a tough result but this group showed tremendous character and we're proud of the effort they put in against a very competitive Scottish side. We're using that experience as fuel heading into Rotterdam.”
“The Netherlands sit 11th in the IRL World Rankings and will be the toughest test of this tour. Playing the highest-ranked nation we've faced on this trip, in the final game of the tour, brings out the best in this group and we're looking forward to the challenge.”
“It's exciting to welcome four debutants into the squad. Ethan, Thomas, Garin and Ewan have all earned this opportunity and I have no doubt they'll rise to the occasion on what is a big stage for Canadian Rugby League.”
“This tour has been a tremendous experience for everyone involved in the programme. We're determined to finish it on a high in Rotterdam and send a message about where Canadian Rugby League is heading.” — Aaron Zimmerle, Head Coach
18-man squad: Ewan Lawton (Alberta Broncos), Garin Nicholls (Bedford Tigers RLFC), Jason Chuck (Brampton Beavers), Ethan Chantler, Charles Curran, Greg Wise, Kyle Yurkiw (Brantford Broncos), Doug Howard (Leichhardt Wanderers), Augustus Murphy, Luka Wicken (Royal City Goons), Matt Fish, Richard Lebel, Nathan Roberts, Mitch Talbot (Tavistock Trash Pandas), Thomas Dickinson (Vancouver Dragons), Fynn Murphy (Vancouver Valley Vipers), Toby Horn, Michael Snook (Whistler Wolves).
Bravehearts End Long Home Drought with 22–10 Win Over Wolverines
Scotland held off a Canadian fightback to win 22–10 at Mansfield Park, Hawick, in the second Test of the Wolverines' European tour, played in drizzly conditions on July 5.
Home winger Connor Slader raced away for an early try inside two minutes, before Canada hit back through Nathan Roberts from dummy-half. Kieran Moran and Cameron Cullen extended Scotland's lead before the break to make it 14–6 at half-time. Hamish Bentley stretched the margin further after the restart, and Slader added a second try following a break from Tom Gray. Matthew Fish crossed late for Canada, but the Wolverines couldn't close the gap in the final quarter.
Photo: MurrayMoments
Scotland head coach Adam Houston pointed to a much-improved second-half completion rate after a slow start, and called it the side's first home Test in some time and first win since 2019 — a result built in part around five new Test caps.
Canada's tour continues with the finale against the Netherlands in Dordrecht.
Scorers — Scotland 22: Tries: Slader (2), Moran, Cullen, Bentley. Goals: Shannon 1/5.
Canada 10: Tries: Roberts, Fish. Goals: Harrison 1/2.
Braving the Bravehearts: Wolverines Squad Named for Hawick Test
Off the back of Thursday night's 56–6 win over Norway in Lillestrøm, the Canada Rugby League Association (CRLA) has named a 19-man Canada Wolverines squad for Sunday's international against Scotland at Mansfield Park, Hawick.
Head Coach Aaron Zimmerle's squad carries three changes from the Norway win, with Blake Marshall, Dillon Goos and Kyle Yurkiw all unavailable through injuries picked up in that match. Greg Wise, Jordan Cella and Jacob Bourne come into the squad in their place.
“Thursday night was a tremendous performance and a real statement of intent from this group. To win by that margin against a quality side in our first ever Test against Norway gives us enormous confidence heading into Sunday.”
“Scotland sit 27th in the IRL World Rankings, just two places above us at 29th, so this is another opportunity to climb the rankings and prove what this programme is capable of. We showed on Thursday what we can produce when we play to our potential, and we'll be looking for a similar performance against a Scottish side that will provide a very different and highly competitive challenge.”
“It's unfortunate to lose Blake, Dillon and Kyle to injury, but the players coming into the squad have earned their opportunity and we have full confidence in the depth of this group.”
“We're building something special with this programme and Canadian Rugby League is on the rise. Performances like Thursday's are exactly how we continue to earn respect internationally, and Sunday is another opportunity to show what Canada is capable of.” — Aaron Zimmerle, Head Coach
19-man squad: Jason Chuck (Brampton Beavers), Ethan Chantler, Charles Curran, Greg Wise (Brantford Broncos), Doug Howard (Leichhardt Wanderers), Jordan Cella (North Wales Crusaders), Jacob Bourne (Point Grey Thunder), Augustus Murphy, Luka Wicken (Royal City Goons), Matt Fish, Richard Lebel, Nathan Roberts, Mitch Talbot (Tavistock Trash Pandas), Jalen Harrison, Oliver Lenahan, Fynn Murphy (Vancouver Valley Vipers), Toby Horn, Blake Mahovic, Michael Snook (Whistler Wolves).
Canada Kicks Off Rugby League European Tour with Win Over Norway
Rugby League Planet's report on the Wolverines' opening tour result — another perspective on the 56–6 win at Vigernesjordet Stadium.
Read on Rugby League Planet →
Man of the Match, Matt Fish takes on the Norwegian defense
Wolverines Open Tour with Statement 56–6 Win Over Norway
Canada's men opened their three-match European tour in dominant fashion, running in ten tries for a 56–6 win over Norway at Vigernesjordet Stadium, Lillestrøm, in wet conditions.
Back-rower Jason Chuck struck twice inside the opening ten minutes to set the tone, and Canada led 22–6 at the break after Norway captain Kristoffer Milligan crossed for the hosts' only try while carrying an injury through most of the match. Fynn Murphy scored either side of half-time, scrum-half Blake Mahovic added two more in the second half, and Jalen Harrison finished with 20 points from a try and eight goals.
“It was a great start to the tour, all 17 players contributing to the win,” said head coach Aaron Zimmerle, praising the side's aggressive defence through the middle of the field and pointing to tries built through five-plus sets of hands as a sign of genuine team performance.
Norway head coach Tim Jones was proud of his side despite the margin, noting six players earned their national debuts and that Canada's line speed and aggressive middle defence gave his young, error-prone side little room to build shape in the conditions.
Scorers — Canada 56: Tries: Chuck (2), Harrison, Murphy (2), Mahovic (2), Fish, Wicken, Lebel. Goals: Harrison 8/10.
Norway 6: Try: Milligan. Goal: Kjærstad 1/1.
Wolverines Name Squad for Historic First Test Against Norway
In preparation for the upcoming international against Norway on Thursday, July 2 at Vigernesjordet, Lillestrøm, the Canada Rugby League Association (CRLA) has named a 19-man Canada Wolverines squad.
Head Coach Aaron Zimmerle’s squad, drawn primarily from players in the local domestic competitions in British Columbia and Ontario, also includes Australian-based players Blake Marshall and Doug Howard.
“This is a historic occasion for our programme — our first ever Test against Norway, and another step forward as we continue to build the Wolverines’ presence on the world stage.”
“Norway sit 21st in the IRL World Rankings to our 29th, and they’ve been climbing steadily, so a result here would be a significant statement for our programme. It’s also a brilliant opportunity to test ourselves against a quality opponent early in a tour that includes Scotland and the Netherlands, and to keep developing our style of play against different styles of international football.”
“It’s also gratifying to see four of our U19 players in Oliver Lenahan, Wyatt Klassen, Blake Marshall and Jacob Williams join the men’s program ahead of their participation in the 2026 U19 European Championship Shield from July 12 to 18 in Font Romeu, France, with Lenahan and Marshall both named in the 19-man squad.”
“We look forward to showcasing our programme and our players while continuing to grow Rugby League in Canada.” — Aaron Zimmerle, Head Coach
19-man squad: Jason Chuck (Brampton Beavers), Charles Curran, Kyle Yurkiw (Brantford Broncos), Doug Howard (Leichhardt Wanderers), Augustus Murphy, Luka Wicken (Royal City Goons), Matt Fish, Dillon Goos, Richard Lebel, Nathan Roberts, Mitch Talbot (Tavistock Trash Pandas), Thomas Dickinson (Vancouver Dragons), Jalen Harrison, Oliver Lenahan, Fynn Murphy (Vancouver Valley Vipers), Toby Horn, Blake Mahovic, Michael Snook (Whistler Wolves), Blake Marshall (Wynnum Manly Seagulls).
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