In mid-January British Columbia rugby fans are in for a post-Christmas treat despite the fact that the BC Premier League will be in the middle of its mid-winter break.

Canada's senior men's team, comprising all of its domestic-based players, will take on the BC provincial team in Victoria on January 18, 2003 in a fixture that is being touted as a World Cup trial match. The game will give many of Canada's upcoming, second-tier players and members of Rugby Canada's long list an opportunity to shine in front of Canadian head coach David Clark and national selectors.

"I was a little disappointed with our lack of punch in our last two matches, particularly in the second-half against Wales," says Clark. "We had ample possession and a territorial advantage yet couldn't finish. So, we're creating a healthy, competitive environment to look at other options. If we can find what we are looking for, then there will be changes in personnel."

Clark, BC coach David Johnston and the selectors have cooperated in order to match the teams in such a manner as to view different combinations at work. "We want to see players like Ben Travena and Mike Webb and Sean O'Leary and Josh Jackson and Stirling Richmond, Jake Osbourne and Harold Williams play in tandem," says Clark.

Fans will also relish the opportunity of seeing two of Canada's greatest and most experienced international players lead the sides. Ottawa's Al Charron, holder of a record seventy-three caps, will lead the Canada side, while former Canadian captain Vancouver's John Graf, with fifty-four caps, will be in charge of the BC team.

"Everyone is being given an opportunity to show their talents in front of the national selectors and the national coaching staff. It is good to have healthy competition for spots on the national team and we don't want any of the current national team to feel comfortable in their positions. There will be no easy rides to the World Cup," stated Clark.