Gaels’ standout forwards Angus Dewar, ArtSci ’27, and Coen Quinn, Sci ’28, have been tapped to represent Canada at the Oceania Rugby U20s Challenge in Fiji from May 28 to June 7, 2025. This marks Canada’s debut at the tournament, which launched only last year.
This will be Quinn’s first-time representing Canada on the international stage. Dewar was previously invited to wear the Maple Leaf as a reserve for Canada last June, when they faced off against the USA for qualification for the 2024 World Rugby U20 Trophy.
“I think it’s really exciting to be able to represent Canada, especially to play some strong sides in Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. I’m excited to hopefully prove that Canada’s a really strong rugby nation and that we can compete with these other strong sides,” Quinn said in an interview with The Journal.
Dewar and Quinn are currently training with Team Canada on Vancouver Island, and both have been appreciative of the experience. “It’s been a lot of training and, you know, the body’s pretty sore, but it’s been really fun. Especially meeting all the guys. We’re really starting to feel more like a team now, so it’s good,” Quinn said.
“It’s a really good spot to be training because it’s pretty rare that you have the ability and the time to just play rugby. It’s really, really good for development,” Dewar added.
Dewar explained that Canada’s participation in this tournament comes amid the cancellation of the World Rugby U20 Trophy, as World Rugby reviews its U20 formats and considers expanding the upper-level World Rugby U20 Championship.
“I think it’s pretty validating for all the hard work that they put in. Both guys work pretty hard, and the other guys who were considered are equally hard-working,” Men’s Rugby Head Coach, John Lavery said in an interview with The Journal.
“They have to balance an awful lot of balls in the air during the school year, but they managed to keep the shipper right and keep progressing. I mean, both of these guys, they’re pretty strong cats, and they’re great representatives for us out there,” Lavery said.
Lavery emphasized that Dewar and Quinn’s achievements are far from accidental, crediting their consistent work ethic and strong character. He noted that what sets them apart is their attention to detail, discipline, and ability to make smart life choices. Despite facing setbacks like injuries and being ed over for selection, Lavery said the pair remained focused and determined, always putting in the effort to position themselves for success.
“The dudes with the 100 per cent attendance rate tendto also do pretty well in class, and it’s not different in rugby. If you’re a guy that shows up and does his work and makes sure that they’re prepared, chances are, you’re going to do pretty well. I think Dewar and Quinn are both really good examples of that,” Lavery said.
Canada will face Samoa on May 28, Fiji on June 2, and Tonga on June 7, all at King Charles Park in Nadi, Fiji.
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