WATERLOO, Ont. - Laurier Golden Hawks men's rugby standout Jack Gore has earned a place on Canada's Senior Men's Rugby Team roster for the September test window.

Head coach Stephen Meehan named a 32-player squad set to compete in Japan for a historic international fixture before competing in the 2026 Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup.

Gore is one of five uncapped players selected to the national team, joining Jamie Armstrong, Bryce Worden, Sam Turner and Ryan Cozens.

The call-up marks another milestone in the Golden Hawks student-athlete's rapid rise, as he was named the 2025 Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship Rookie of the Year after an impressive debut season with Laurier. The second-year communications studies major from Mississauga, Ont., also became the first Golden Hawk to win the OUA rookie of the year award since Nathan Jutronich in 2018.  

"Jack has shown leadership on and off the field, and he is a generational talent with a tremendous work ethic," said Laurier men's rugby head coach Phil Murphy. "To be selected to tour with the national team at such a young age shows the dedication and commitment to learning and growing his craft."

Murphy said Gore's selection reflects both his ability and his commitment to continual improvement, qualities that have helped establish him as one of the country's most promising young rugby players.

"Being selected to represent my country is an incredible honour, and I am super grateful to be able to put on the Maple Leaf," said Gore. "I thank everyone who has helped me on my journey to this point."

Canada opens its September schedule against Japan on September 5 in Niigata City as the Japanese Rugby Football Union celebrates its 100th anniversary.

According to Rugby Canada, the centennial match carries additional historical significance, as Japan hosted Canada for the country's first-ever test match in Osaka on January 31, 1932.

Following the anniversary fixture, Canada will begin Pacific Nations Cup play against Fiji on September 12 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka.

The 2026 Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup, the tournament's 17th edition, features a revised format that includes Canada, defending champion Fiji, the United States, and host nation Japan competing across two match days in Osaka and Tokyo.

Canada and Fiji last met in the semifinal round of the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup, where Fiji claimed a 63-10 victory.

The Pacific Nations Cup will conclude on September 19 in Tokyo, with Canada set to face either Japan or the United States in the championship final or the third-place playoff.

Canada's September Tour Schedule

Canada vs. Japan
Saturday, September 5
Denka Big Swan Stadium, Niigata City
1:50 a.m. ET

Canada vs. Fiji (Pacific Nations Cup)
Saturday, September 12
Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka
3:00 a.m. ET