Dustin D. and the Canadian Sr. Men's Sevens

Canada's Senior Men's team, featuring Shawnigan Grade 12 student Dustin D., is through to the Cup Quarterfinal round in the IRB's NZI Sevens tournament in Wellington, New Zealand!

The Canadian team has been one of the stories of the tournament so far. Despite fielding a young squad including three players still in their teens, Canada managed to win two of their three opening-round games. They powered past Argentina 26-7 in their first match of the day, before dropping a 27-14 decision to a highly skilled Samoan squad. These first two results set up a "must win" situation for the Canadians against a more experienced and highly favoured French entry. The Canadian team trailed 12-7 at halftime, but surged back in the second half, with a last-second converted try seeing them run out victorious, 21-19.

Dustin featured in both Canadian victories, and will surely remember the thrill of playing before a capacity crowd of 40,000 at Westpac Stadium as a highlight of his rugby career. For now, though, the focus is on the task at hand as Canada prepares for a quarterfinal matchup against a powerful England side. Can the Cinderella run continue? Stay tuned...

- Ryan Panton, Alumni Relations