Netherlands will take on Canada for the first time when the nations meet tomorrow (Saturday) 11 July, in newly opened facilities at Dordtsche Rugby Club, Dordrecht (kick off 2pm, local time) for world ranking points. The Wolverines complete their three-game European tour against the 11th ranked Oranje, looking to get back to winning ways having lost to Scotland, 22-10. For Netherlands the game marks a new era, under head coach James Adams who takes the reigns for the first time.
He hands debuts to Bert Kuijpers, Joris van Lankveld, Robin Raaijmakers, Miquel Raven, Bjorn Scheffers as he builds towards Euro B in October. The squad will also feature the three Kuijpers brothers, Bert, Paul and Kees. “We’re looking forward to welcoming Canada. They’re a quality side and we know it’ll be a tough challenge,” said Adams. “Last year’s results weren’t where we wanted them to be, so this is a great opportunity for us to make amends. The lads have worked hard, they’re proud to represent their country, and I know they’ll give everything they’ve got for each other and for the Orange jersey.”
Canada makes a number of changes from the side that faced the Bravehearts, with influential captain Blake Mahovic and Jalen Harrison joining Dillon Goos on the injury list. Jacob Bourne and Jordan Cella are also both unavailable, while Oliver Lenahan and Blake Marshall have departed ahead of the 2026 U19 European Championship Shield. The squad welcomes four debutants in Ethan Chantler, Thomas Dickinson, Garin Nicholls and Ewan Lawton, while Kyle Yurkiw returns from injury in game one against Ireland.
Canada head coach, Aaron Zimmerle, commented: “Scotland was a tough result but this group showed tremendous character and we’re proud of the effort they put in. We’re using that experience as fuel heading into Dordrecht. “The Netherlands will be the toughest test of this tour. Playing the highest-ranked nation we’ve faced on this trip, in the final game of the tour, should bring out the best in this group and we’re looking forward to the challenge.
“Ethan, Thomas, Garin and Ewan have all earned this opportunity and I have no doubt they’ll rise to the occasion on what is a big stage for Canadian Rugby League. This tour has been a tremendous experience for everyone involved in the programme. We’re determined to finish it on a high.” The match will be refereed by Belgium-based Scotsman, Moray Gilland.
Netherlands Squad
Francis Appleton, Hidde van den Berg (Amsterdam Cobras), Rick Baats, Bert Kuijpers, Kees Kuijpers, Joris van Lankveld, Robin Raaijmakers, Bjorn Scheffers (Brabant Bears), Kwinten Roeleveld (Den Haag Knights), Shadan Lavia (Rotterdam Pitbulls), Dimitri Haringa, Sam Klumpert, Paul Kuijpers, Mike Prins, Miquel Raven, Arie-Tjerk Razoux-Schultz, Rowan Schuiling, Max van der Stroom, Sylvan Vonken (Zwolle Wolves).
Canada Squad
Ewan Lawton (Alberta Broncos), Garin Nicholls (Bedford Tigers RLFC), Jason Chuck (Brampton Beavers), Ethan Chantler, Charles Curran, Greg Wise, Kyle Yurkiw (Brantford Broncos), Doug Howard (Leichhardt Wanderers), Augustus Murphy, Luka Wicken (Royal City Goons), Matt Fish, Richard Lebel, Nathan Roberts, Mitch Talbot (Tavistock Trash Pandas), Thomas Dickinson (Vancouver Dragons), Fynn Murphy (Vancouver Valley Vipers), Toby Horn, Michael Snook (Whistler Wolves).
