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Jake Thiel admits, when he first joined the Canadian men’s sevens program at the end of the summer, he was a bit nervous.

“It’s a challenge playing, joining a team that did so well to close the season,” he said.

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But those who’ve followed the men’s squad won’t be surprised to learn his nerves were unneeded.

It’s a team of positivity, especially on the heels of a strong performance last year under coach Damian McGrath.

“They’re a close knit group, they’ve been together all summer,” he said. “Looking back now I shouldn’t have been surprised.”

The youngster from Abbotsford wi’ll make his Canada sevens debut this weekend at the Silicon Valley 7s in San Jose, the sole pre-season warmup for the Canadians ahead of next month’s 2017-18 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series season opener in Dubai.

“I’m expecting the biggest challenge of my career yet,” he said.

He’s one of a handful of fresh faces this weekend, as McGrath decided to leave behind some veteran faces in Langford to ensure they’re fit and raring to go for Dubai.