Wolverines Fall to Physical Scotland in Hawick Test
Scotland 22–10 Canada. A battle-hardened Scottish forward pack, featuring Championship duo Ross Whitmore and Kieran Morgan, proved decisive at Mansfield Park — but Canada dug deep after losing Captain Blake Mahovic to injury.
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Wolverines Fall to Physical Scotland in Hawick Test
The Canada Wolverines came up against a battle-hardened Scotland outfit in Hawick, in a physical, hard-fought contest. Scotland's forward pack was bolstered by hooker Ross Whitmore and prop Kieran Morgan, both with Championship experience, who were influential in controlling territory. Scotland struck inside the opening set, exploiting space out wide to score through winger Connor Slader, and never relinquished control of the game's territorial battle.
Canada clawed back ground across a gruelling 39 minutes but couldn't convert pressure into points, and the loss of Captain Blake Mahovic — forced off with a rib injury after a late shot — was a significant blow. Eighteen-year-old Oliver Lenahan answered the call, shifting into the halves to steady the side in Mahovic's absence.
Hooker Nathan Roberts crossed for Canada's first try and was relentless in defence throughout, while frontrower Matt Fish delivered an 80-minute performance capped by a try and a string of bruising tackles. Vice-Captain Jason Chuck and winger Rich Lebel were also singled out for their work rate in a losing effort.
“After our strong win against Norway, we found a much more dangerous opponent in Scotland who were both physical and skilful. It was great to see our Senior players and Rookies alike dig deep in a very tough game of footy, and I am confident we will be better for it.” — Aaron Zimmerle, Head Coach
Final score: Scotland 22–10 Canada
Tries: Roberts, Fish (Canada) | Slader (2), Moran, Cullen, Bentley (Scotland)
Goals: Harrison 1/2, Lenahan 0/1 (Canada) | Shannon 1/5, Lowe 0/1 (Scotland)
Wolverines Name Squad for Sunday's Test Against Scotland
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.
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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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