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The players say that they agree there is a short-term need to shore up the men’s XV squad ahead of a last-chance Rugby World Cup qualification tournament in November, but in the long-term disagree that eliminating a specialist focus on sevens will make the team far less competitive and puts their hopes of qualifying for the 2020 Olympics at great risk.

Leadership points to how many other countries are using sevens as a development tool, and also that the sport’s powers have far greater resources and thus can sustain a dedicated sevens program. They insist that the men’s sevens team can still be competitive in the new environment.

The International Rugby Players Assocation, a Dublin-based body which advocates about issues of importance to professional rugby players and the game of rugby union around the world, has also been advising the Canadian players since 2016.

The Canadian players do not currently have a players’ association, but are now talking seriously about forming one. Interestingly, Rugby Canada leadership have also been encouraging them to organize as well.

Rugby Canada leadership had given the players until Tuesday to sign their contract, saying the players would be out of the program if they didn’t sign. It’s the third time leadership have told the players this since the end of August.

pjohnston@postmedia.com

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