Rugby Canada strikes deal with sevens players, ending two-month boycott
Rugby Canada and its disgruntled sevens players have come to an agreement ending the player boycott.
Thirteen players including co-captains Nate Hirayama and Harry Jones have boycotted training since their contracts ended Aug. 31, unhappy at the new offer and training conditions. The players, who had been practising by themselves, returned to training Thursday at the Al Charron Rugby Canada National Training Centre in Langford, B.C.
Time is of the essence. The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series season opens Nov. 30 in Dubai.
Sevens coach Damian McGrath, who was essentially desk-bound during the dispute, is back in charge of the squad.