Canada gear up for Georgia clash

Georgia will host Canada at Adjarabet Arena, in Batumi on Saturday, November 15 at 5:00 a.m. PT / 8:00 a.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. local time. The match will be broadcasted live on TSN+. The two nations last met twice in 2017, with Georgia coming out on top on both occasions. Canada last defeated the Georgians 16-15 in a 2015 Rugby World Cup warm-up match.

Emerson Prior who debuted against Spain in Edmonton this July will earn his first international start.

Canada’s most recent debutant – Barnaby Waddell, who earned his first cap against Romania last weekend will also start against Georgia at lock. Waddell came off the bench in the 64th minute and scored his first international try in the last play of the game.

This match marks Canada’s second of three Autumn Tests. The team faced Romania on November 8 in Bucharest, where they were defeated 31-21. These matches will bring Canada’s 2025 total to nine test appearances, offering players valuable experience as the program continues to build toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Noah Flesch returns to the starting lineup at inside centre; Jason Higgins will start at scrum half with Callum Botchar earning his place in the match day 23 in the number 20 jersey.

“We know that Georgia will be a formidable side this weekend. Heading into this second week of autumn tests they’ll have found their rhythm, and as the 11th-ranked team in the world, they’ve consistently proven themselves against top opposition. It’s a great challenge for us and one we’re looking forward to,” said Head Coach Stephen Meehan.

“There were encouraging signs in our performance last weekend—some strong defensive moments and attacking sequences that showed the direction this team is heading. We’re learning how to recognize and capitalize on opportunities, and you can feel the group starting to connect and believe in our approach.”

“Player availability is always a challenge, with some based in France or managing university commitments, but it also gives others the chance to step up and grow. The positive is that we’re building depth, confidence, and healthy competition for places. I believe we’re heading in the right direction.”

CANADA’S MEN’S RUGBY TEAM’S ROSTER VS GEORGIA

1.Emerson Prior (Brockville, ON) - Brockville Privateers / Westshore RFC / Utah Warriors (6 Caps)
2. Dewald Kotze (Edmonton, AB) - Strathcona Druids RFC / Seattle Seawolves (11 Caps)
3. Cole Keith (Sussex, NB) - Belleisle Rovers RFC / New England Free Jacks (42 Caps)
4. Piers Von Dadelszen (Vancouver, BC) - New England Free Jacks (11 Caps)
5. Barnaby Waddell (Exeter, ENG) - Okehampton RFC / Bridgend Ravens (1 Cap)
6. Mason Flesch (Cobourg, ON) - Cobourg Saxons / Chicago Hounds (18 Caps)
7. Lucas Rumball (Scarborough, ON) - Balmy Beach RFC / Chicago Hounds (63 Caps)
8. Matthew Oworu (Calgary, AB) - Pacific Pride / Chicago Hounds (15 Caps)
9. Jason Higgins (Cork, IRE) - Cork Constitution / Chicago Hounds (26 Caps)
10. Robbie Povey (Calgary, AB) - Rotherham Titans / Utah Warriors (18 Caps)
11. Nic Benn (Caves Beach, AUS) - Utah Warriors (11 Caps)
12. Noah Flesch (Cobourg, ON) - Cobourg Saxons / Chicago Hounds (9 Caps)
13. Spencer Jones (Cambridge, NZ) - Hamilton Old Boys / Utah Warriors (12 Caps)
14. Josiah Morra (Toronto, ON) - New England Free Jacks / Toronto Saracens (12 Caps)
15. Peter Nelson (Dungannon, NIR) - Dungannon RFC (33 Caps)
 
FINISHERS  

16. Austin Creighton (Edmonton, AB) - Nor’Westers Athletic Association / James Bay AA (2 Caps)
17. Sam Miller (Mount Denson, NS) - Valley Rugby Union / Southern Districts (2 Caps)
18. Matt Tierney (Oakville, ON) - Oakville Crusaders (28 Caps)
19. Izzak Kelly (White Rock, BC) - Bayside RFC / Capilano RFC (11 Caps)
20. Callum Botchar (Vancouver, BC) - James Bay AA / NOLA Gold (8 Caps)
21. Siôn Parry (Cardiff, WAL) - Rhiwbina RFC / Ebbw Vale RFC (14 Caps)
22. Brock Gallagher (Edmonton, AB) - Strathcona Druids RFC / Seattle Seawolves (10 Caps)
23. Kyle Tremblay (White Rock, BC) - Bayside RFC / Westshore RFC (2 Caps)