Canada hit by injury blows

Canada have been hit by a swathe of injuries ahead of their Test against Six Nations Grand Slam winners Wales on Saturday.

Williams returns for the Canucks

Captain Mark Lawson broke an arm and wing Mike Pyke broke a hand in the 15-10 Super Cup final win over Japan a fortnight ago.

Stade Français forward Mike James is out with an ongoing elbow problem which requires surgery, and centre Dean Van Camp has a facial injury.

Philip Murphy (London Irish) and props Jon Thiel (ex Scarlets) and Rod Snow (ex Dragons), have also been ruled out for either personal or professional reasons.

"All professional players were considered and were asked to participate against Wales," said Canada manager Bob McGeein.
 
"Even though some of them had to decline for this game they are all still in the mix and will be asked to participate in other upcoming matches and we hope they will be free to play.

"But we think that, even with their absences, the current squad is a very solid, fit, enthusiastic, hard-working group of players who will undoubtedly give a very good account of themselves."

Better news for the Canadians is the return of Coventry centre John Cannon, Grenoble flanker Jamie Cudmore, Leonessa back-row man Josh Jackson , Agen lock Colin Yukes and Saracens scrum-half Morgan Williams from overseas duty to bolster the squad.