Canada have lost Tyler Duguid to France. The second-rower has been named on the France A roster to face England XV on Saturday, June 21 in London. The match is preparation ahead of France’s tour of New Zealand and England’s tour of Argentina and the USA in July.
Duguid’s selection for France is enabled via regulation 8 of World Rugby Player Eligibility Laws. Regulation 8 requires players to meet at least one of three criteria: (a) be born in the country; (b) have one parent or grandparent from the country; (c) complete 5 years consecutive residency immediately before representative duty; or (d) ten years cumulative residency preceding the time of selection.
The Canadian qualifies via residency. He joins three years after having represented Canada in non-binding matches at junior level. He is the nephew of former Canadian players John Tait and Luke Tait, both of whom played for Canada at Rugby World Cups.
The 24-year-old Duguid was born in Edmonton, Alberta. He began playing rugby at the age of ten in Edmonton. He captained Harry Ainlay Titans High School before attending the University of Alberta. He played for Canada u18 in 2017-2018 and for Canada u20 in 2018-2019.
In addition to playing for Canada at u20 level in 2019, he also moved to France that year. Duguid joined Narbonne espoirs. He subsequently joined Top 14 side Montpellier whom he debuted for in 2021.
His time at Montpellier has seen him becoming a regular for the club. He made 26 appearances in the 2024-2025 season and 30 in the 2023-2024 season. He helped Montpellier to a title in 2021; Montpellier defeated the Leicester Tigers to win the European Challenge Cup. Duguid was a replacement.
photo: Montpellier Rugby
CANADA LOSE A SECOND-ROWER
Canada losing Tyler Duguid coincides with Evan Olmstead returning to Canada’s Senior Men’s Squad for the first time since the 2019 World Cup. Olmstead also plays his rugby in France. He is one of 59 names included on new Head Coach Steve Meehan’s extended list to prepare for the upcoming July internationals and Pacific Nations Cup – which will this year double as a qualifier for the 2027 World Cup.
The 59-man long-list includes the following second-rowers: Callum Botchar (NOLA Gold), Don Carson (UBCOB Ravens), Karl Hunger (Pacific Pride), Izzak Kelly (Capilano), Evan Olmstead (Agen, FR), James Stockwood (Pacific Pride) and Barnaby Waddell (Bridgend Ravens, UK).