It’s not often one gets the chance to represent their country – but when Rugby Canada calls, players jump at the chance.
Three Burnaby Lake Rugby Club players got the call and will be among the Canada A lineup for the Americas Pacific Challenge, a new tournament to be played Oct. 8 to 16 in Uruguay.
Ryan Ackerman, Lucas Labornoz and Admir Cejvanovic were among those named, as well as former BLRU player Rory McDonell, who’ll all be making their debut for Canada at a 15s tournament.
“I’m pretty excited about it, because its the start of a new World (Cup) cycle and a chance to get some international experience is always good,” said Cejvanovic.
For the Burnaby Central alum, playing for Canada is nothing new. Cejvanovic spent the past few years as a member of the Canadian 7s in pursuit of an Olympic berth.
However, getting a chance to wear the Maple Leaf in 15s is an exciting opportunity for the 26 year old.
“Just being in the (national team) system the last three years has definitely helped me get comfortable,” said Cejvanovic. “I come into this with a lot of confidence, but knowing that it’s very different.”
He noted that the largest difference is where the biggest emphasis is in each – at 7s the games are just 14 minutes in length and explosive speed is the main element. The 15s game is played over 80 minutes and paced quite differently.
“Training for the 7s is almost like some kind of job, and it demands more repetitive work,” Cejvanovic said. “I wouldn’t ask a 15 (player) to make a spin toss or go on a number of 80-yard dashes.”
Ackerman, a former Canadian Football League lineman, noted that the Americas is an opportunity he’s been chasing for some time.
“For me, it’s a massive honour to go out on the field and put on the Maple Leaf. It means the world to me,” noted Ackerman, 31.
The transition from the huddle to a scrum was a natural evolution for the 6-foot-4 tight end prop. Ten years ago he was drafted by his hometown Saskatchewan Roughriders, but chasing the dream of playing for Canada has had plenty of highlights, he said.
“They’re both physical. I have an aggressive mentality and like to be a game changer, and you have more opportunity to do that,” he said.
“(In rugby) you get a chance to touch the ball and influence where it goes.
“In football, as a lineman you have your assignment, you are reading the play and making your blocks. The impact is different.”
Both Cejvanovic and Ackerman said Rugby Canada and Burnaby Lake have been instrumental in helping them get to this point.
“I moved to the west coast for rugby,” added Ackerman. “I got in with the Burnaby Lake club and everyone there has been phenomenal and supportive, just as my employer (Visions Electronics) has been. They’ve helped me get to these opportunities.”
