Manitoban makes Canadian Classics Debut in win over Classic USA!

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Manitoba Player makes Canadian Classics Debut in win over Classic USA Misfits!

(The 2019 Canadian Classics sing the National Anthem at the Classic Can Am Summer Series, Anchorage, Alaska. Photo courtesy of Daniella Beukema).
Founded over 20 years ago by former Canadian International Tom Woods (22 Caps) the Canadian Classics Rugby Society competes in 2 events annually: The Classic Can Am Summer Series (North America), and The World Rugby Classic (Bermuda). These events provide a platform for former Canadian Internationals, and deserving domestic players, another chance to represent Canada together on a world stage.
This year the Classic Can Am was held at the prestigious “Field of Dreams” at the Alaska Mountain Rugby Grounds in Anchorage, Alaska, USA over the July 13 weekend.

(The World-famous Alaska Mountain Rugby Grounds, Anchorage, Alaska, USA. Photo courtesy of Daniella Beukema)
The 2019 Classics selected 34 players, from 5 provinces, with approximately 75 x 15’s caps and 40 x 7’s Caps in addition to NA4, Canadian Rugby Championship, Rugby Canada Super League, and Provincial Union experience. The sole representative selected from Manitoba was loose forward Brett Kehler.
Making his first Classics appearance on this tour Brett came highly recommended by both his home club (Assassins RFC), and his Provincial Union (where he has excelled in both the Buffalo U23 and Senior Men’s Programs over the years). Touted not only for his physical play and hard style, Brett was also recommended based on his positive attitude and efforts to give back to rugby in his community of Winnipeg where he coaches high school and has completed his World Rugby Level 2 Coach Training.

The Classics have returned home safely following a hard fought 43-27 win vs the Classic USA Misfits in which Brett was a great contributor following several shifts of crash ball and monster tackles in the rolling sub Classics format.

(The 2019 Canadian Classics at the Can Am Summer Series, featuring Manitoba’s Brett Kehler (Back Row, second from left). Photo courtesy of Daniella Beukema).
It was outstanding having a Manitoba representative in a national side again, and it’s our hope we can continue that trend in the years to come.
Special thanks to Manitoba Rugby Hall of Famer Jim “Pops” Russell for his assistance and input during selections, and to the Manitoba Rugby Union for their support of Brett in becoming a part of this tour. It is our intention for players like Brett to share their Classics experiences within their local communities to continue to build and improve positive rugby cultures across Canada and we have no doubt Brett is anxious to do just that.
Congratulations on your selection to the Canadian Classics Brett, and for an outstanding debut performance!
Darrin Chaplin, Captain & Tour Coordinator for this year’s Classic Can Am Summer Series.
The 2020 Classic Can Am will see Canada’s turn to host and Calgary, Alberta, has already been confirmed as the venue. For more information on Classics Rugby, or the World Rugby Classic, please email Canadian Classics founder Tom Woods at tom.woods@telus.net, interim Classic Can Am Tour Coordinator Darrin Chaplin at darrin.mg.chaplin@gmail.com, our visit https://www.worldrugby.bm to learn more.

Manitoba (51) defeat Saskatchewan (26) in PSL Bronze Medal Game!

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Manitoba has secured third place in this year’s Prairie Super League Competition with a win in smoky conditions in front of over 500 fans at Maple Grove Rugby Park. 

With the perception that points would be at a premium, the teams traded long range kicks early on to put the scores at 3-3 before a counter-attack started by Andy Black led to Cillian Ansbro going over for the first try in the corner. (10-3).

Mike Laverge (MB #10) offloads to Devin Adamson (MB #13)

The strength of the Buffalo runners consistently making it over the gain line had Saskatchewan playing from long range before a strong counter-attack led to another several phases in the MB half and a SK penalty goal (10-6).

Saskatchewan struck again off the back of a line out on the Manitoba 22 metre line, with Patrick Young slipping through the defence to go over and nose SK in front for the first time in the match. (10-11).

The Buffalo then hit straight back off a Bobby Mackay turnover and a strong central run from Michael Laverge breaking several tackles before offloading to Devon Adamson to dot down just outside the uprights. (17-11).

Mike Laverge (MB #10) celebrates with Brett Kehler(MB #8)

Manitoba would strike twice more through Adamson (22-11) and Ansbro (27-11) before the half time whistle.

Sask came out strong after the break, camping out for a long period in their opponents half and adding another penalty (27-14) but unfortunately could not find a way over the MB line.

This proved costly as MB would score next off the maul through Alex Ashwell (32-14) and then again with Brett Kehler (37-14). 

Adam Setka (MB #6) gets airborne to secure a line out for MB

Showing true prairie heart, Saskatchewan went back to work scoring through Andrew Beckle (37-21) before the teams traded tries as Ansbro went over for his fourth (44-21) and then Brennan Marcoux (44-26).

The stage was then set for man-of-the-match Ansbro to ice the cake with his fourth and final try of the evening sealing the game 51-26.

Cillian Ansbro (MB #15) winner of the Bodylogix Man of the Match for his four try haul.

Rugby Manitoba would like to extend a huge thanks to all involved in promoting such a successful tournament, thank you to the players, officials, commentators for facilitating one of the greatest rugby days seen at maple grove in years.

A full replay of the match with the voices of Troy Willams and Cole Hunt can be found below, courtesy of our broadcast partners ASTV https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xy0sFqkCnA

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