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The headline is easy: Canada is sending men’s and women’s U18 squads to the Commonwealth Youth Games, which kicks off this week in the Bahamas.

But the underlying story is so much more intriguing: is this the beginning of a revolution?

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On the women’s side, John Tait’s rugby sevens program is among the world’s best. It’s pulling in young athletes left right and centre.

After a resurgent season on the men’s series, Damian McGrath may be setting out a similar target.

He’s traversed the country, scouting for talent and connecting with coaches. One of those coaches is former national sevens team player Robin MacDowell.

MacDowell, originally from Duncan, has been coaching in his hometown, in Regina and seemingly every point between for several years now.

This week, he’s making his national team coaching debut as he leads the Under 18 boys squad that’s playing in the Bahamas.

“I think it’s very exciting as a sevens fan and as a Canada sevens alumni,” he said this week from Langford, before his team flew down to the Caribbean.