Sydney 2018: Canada reveal squad

Wheelchair rugby team assembled to battle for world title 27 Jul 2018

male wheelchair rugby player Trevor Hirschfeild collides on court with a US male player

Trevor Hirschfeild (L) is one of seven Paralympians in Canada's squad for Sydney 2018

ⒸGetty Images

By Wheelchair Rugby Canada and IPC

Seven of the Rio 2016 Paralympic team are included in Canada’s 12-strong squad for the 2018 Wheelchair Rugby World Championship, which takes place in Sydney, Australia from 5-10 August.

“After a solid tournament at the 2018 Canada Cup, we are confident that this group of athletes represents our best combination, and capable of navigating through a very competitive Pool B,” said head coach Patrick Cote.

World No. 3 Canada have competed at every World Championship since its inception in 1995. The team’s best finish came at the 2002 edition, where they beat continental rivals USA to win gold, a match that was captured in the Oscar-nominated documentary "Murderball." They also hold two silver (1995 and 2014) and two bronze medals (1998 and 2006).

“There won’t be any easy matches in Sydney,” Cote said. “We are, therefore, pleased to have a lot of depth within our team, with a mix of young talent and proven veteran.”

In Sydney, Canada will compete in the preliminary round in Pool B alongside Colombia, France, Great Britain, Poland and Rio 2016 silver medallists USA.

Reigning Paralympic and world champions Australia, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand and Sweden will battle in Pool A.

Canada team in full

Cody Caldwell*

Patrice Dagenais*

Matt Debly

Trevor Hirschfield*

Fabien Lavoie*

Anthony Letourneau

Travis Murao*

Eric Rodrigues

Patrice Simard*

Shayne Smith