Canada’s men began their three-match European tour with an impressive ten-try, 56-6 win over Norway at Vigernesjordet Stadium, Lillestrøm

“It was a great start to the tour, all 17 players contributing to the win,” said Wolverines head coach Aaron Zimmerle. “It felt like they found their rhythm as a side both in defence and attack, it was particularly pleasing how we defended in the middle of the field, aggressively turning over the ball. It was a team performance, some of tries going through more than five sets of hands.”

In wet conditions,  back rower Jason Chuck got the visitors off to the perfect start with two tries in the opening ten minutes, and they led 22-6 at the break, Norway skipper Kristoffer Milligan with their sole try despite carrying an injury throughout most of the game.

Finn Murphy scored tries either side of the break for Canada and scrum half Blake Mahovic - who was dominant throughout - also crossed twice in the second period, Jalen Harrison finishing with 20 points from a try and eight goals.

Norway head coach, Tim Jones, commented: “2026 for us, is all about setting standards and expectations, changing the culture and creating a more professional environment. This obviously takes time and the Canadians were a very good and well coached team.

“Their middles defended aggressively and the Canadian line speed prevented us getting into any shape. Unfortunately the weather and our inexperience resulted in too many errors, and you cannot give a team like Canada extra opportunities because they will capitalise on them.

“I was still very proud of the boys, six players making their national debuts. Overall it got them some vital experience, game time and a chance to play a good set of players.”

NORWAY 6
Denis Galic, Magnus Søiland, Lucas Zuniga, Martin Høgmoe, Idar Kjærstad, Kristoffer Milligan, Stephen Mwikaria, Rob Adams, Jamie Ward, Håvard GuinTjetland, Kevin Båtnes, Oliver Falk, Nils Holte
Interchanges: Isuf Peci, Mikal Berghom Ousdal, Mathias Stenseth-Holm, Andreas Skifjeld

Try: Milligan (37)
Goal: Kjaerstad 1/1

CANADA 56
Oliver Lenhan, Jalen Harrison, Fynn Murphy, Blake Marshall, Richard Lebel, Toby Horn, Blake Mahovic, Matt Fish, Nathan Roberts, Chuck Curran, Augustus Murphy, Jason Chuck, Mitch Talbot
Interchanges: Kyle Yurkiw, Luka Wicken, Doug Howard, Dillon Goos

Tries: Chuck (1, 9), Harrison (20), Murphy (30, 55), Mahovic (46, 49), Fish (62), Wicken (68), Lebel (76)
Goals: Harrison 8/10

Referee: Joseph Rago (Norway)

Half Time: 6-22