The team now turns its attention to the final stop of HSBC SVNS 2 in São Paulo, set for March 28–29. The fifth-place result in Montevideo leaves Canada tied with Belgium on 22 points in the standings. 

CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS TEAM FINISH HSBC SVNS 2 MONTEVIDEO WITH WIN OVER BELGIUM

March 22, 2026 (Montevideo, Uruguay) – After opening losses to Germany, Kenya and the United States on day one of HSBC SVNS 2 Montevideo, Canada rebounded to close the tournament on a high note. Canada secured fifth-place with a statement victory over Belgium, after losing to Uruguay early on day two.

The team now turns its attention to the final stop of HSBC SVNS 2 in São Paulo, set for March 28–29. The fifth-place result in Montevideo leaves Canada tied with Belgium on 22 points in the standings. They will be looking for an improved performance in Brazil to secure a top-4 finish and gain promotion into the HSBC SVNS World Championship.

Canada 0 Uruguay 33

Uruguay set the tone early, with Fresnedo and Hoblog scoring within the opening three minutes to expose gaps in Canada’s defense and build a commanding lead.

Canada struggled to generate momentum, as Uruguay – backed by strong home support – controlled possession and dominated the breakdown. A promising attacking sequence led by Elias Hancock, alongside Kal Sager and Jesse Kilgour, was ultimately halted by a turnover.

Despite key defensive efforts, including try-saving tackles from Kilgour and Kyle Tremblay, turnovers and handling errors continued to limit Canada’s opportunities.

Uruguay capitalized to secure a 33–0 victory, leaving Canada scoreless.

Canada 41 Belgium 14

As the sun set over Estadio Charrúa, Canada looked to close out their HSBC SVNS 2 Montevideo campaign on a high.

Belgium struck first, capitalizing on a one-man overlap while Canada were briefly down a player, with Marenne opening the scoring. Canada responded immediately through captain Lockie Kratz, whose quick tap sparked slick ball movement finished by Morgan Di Nardo in the corner. Moments later, Adam Doane regained possession from the restart, allowing Di Nardo to strike again.

Playing with newfound confidence and speed, Canada built momentum. Kyle Tremblay powered over from close range, Kratz converted and Ethan Turner added another 5 points to the board just before halftime to give Canada a 22–7 lead.

The second half saw continued control, as Di Nardo completed his hat trick out wide. Belgium responded through Rifon, but Canada maintained the upper hand. A long-range effort from Jack Shaw, converted by Brenden Black and a transition try by Elias Hancock, converted by Turner sealed the result.

Canada’s victory secured valuable points, heading into the final stop of HSBC SVNS 2.

Scoring Summary: Morgan Di Nardo (3T), Kyle Tremblay (1T), Ethan Turner (1T, 1C), Jack Shaw (1T), Elias Hancock (1T), Lockie Kratz (1C), Brenden Black (1C)

ON DEBUT

The tournament featured rookie Andrew Cooper making his international sevens debut. Cooper, from Vancouver, BC (Meralomas & Pacific Pride), started in Canada’s first match against Germany on Saturday.

NEXT UP FOR CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS TEAM

The Canadian men will travel to Brazil this week for HSBC SVNS 2 São Paulo, taking place March 28-29. HSBC SVNS 2 is played in a five-game round robin format; total points will be tallied at the end of the three-stop series taking place in Nairobi (Feb. 14-15), Montevideo (Mar. 21-22), and São Paulo (Mar. 28-29) with the top 4 teams advancing to the HSBC SVNS World Championship, as part of the newly formatted HSBC SVNS Series announced in 2025. 

For the most up to date information on the HSBC SVNS Series, visit the official website https://www.svns.com/en

CANADA’S MEN’S SEVENS TEAM MONTEVIDEO SQUAD

3. Ethan Turner (Maple Ridge, BC) – Burnaby Lake Rugby Club
10. Adam Doane (Sutton, ON) – Aurora Barbarians
13. Brenden Black (Oakville, ON) – Oakville Crusaders
17. Jesse Kilgour (Oro-Medonte, ON) – Pacific Pride / Barrie RFC
18. Morgan Di Nardo (Toronto, ON) – Toronto Scottish / University of Victoria
22. Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) – Bayside RFC
23. Thomas Isherwood (Okotoks, AB) – Foothills Lions RFC / Westshore RFC
33. Kal Sager (Peterborough, ON) – Peterborough Pagans
37. Ian Jones (Bass River, NS) – Ajax Wanderers / Pictou County
44. Lockie Kratz (Victoria, BC) – Castaway Wanderers / UBCOB Ravens
55. Jack Shaw (Oakville, ON) – Castaway Wanderers / Oakville Crusaders
64. Elias Hancock (Ottawa, ON) – University of Ottawa / Bytown Blues
66. Andy Cooper (Vancouver, BC) – Meralomas RFC

CURRENT HSBC SVNS 2 STANDINGS

1.    USA (38 pts)
2.    Germany (38 pts)
3.    Kenya (32 pts)
4.    Uruguay (28pts)
5.    Canada (22pts)
6.    Belgium (22pts)

See the HSBC SVNS 2 standings here.