Canadian rugby squad rebuilds for repechage

Their backs are against a wall but having to wait until November for a last-ditch attempt to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup could benefit Canada’s national team. Head coach Kingsley Jones plans to use the time between now and the repechage tournament to restore confidence and momentum, but most importantly create some depth on the squad. “We need people challenging and pushing. We need to have competition throughout,” said Jones, who took over the head coaching duties in September. He also will have more time to instil his philosophies and tactics. “We have to take advantage of this,” he said, “build a stronger group and start getting some winning habits. It’s better we play in November than now.”