Jack Gore Earns His First Cap for Canada

Congratulations to Crusader Jack Gore, who earned his first cap for Canada on Saturday, November 7! Jack came off the bench in the No. 22 jersey around the 70th minute of Canada’s World Rugby Nations Cup match against Georgia at Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi.

Jack made his test debut just days before his 19th birthday. He plays his university rugby with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, where he was named the 2025 Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship Rookie of the Year and OUA Rookie of the Year.

Jack is a true Crusader. He joined the club as a U10 in 2017 and came all the way up through our Minis, Youth and Junior programs, playing U12, U14, U16 and U18 rugby at the Crusaders before stepping up to our Senior Men this season. That’s nearly ten years at the club, from the Minis to the Maple Leaf.

From the Cru to the Maple Leaf

Jack was first called into Canada’s senior men’s squad in September for the test window in Japan, one of five uncapped players selected. At the time he called his selection “an incredible honour”. Two months later, he has the cap to show for it.

The match

Canada made a strong start in Tbilisi, leading 14–10 after tries from Ben LeSage and Izzak Kelly, but Georgia pulled away to win 59–14. Canada’s Nations Cup campaign continues against Hong Kong on November 14 and Romania on November 20.

Everyone at the Crusaders is incredibly proud of Jack, and of all the coaches, teammates and families who have been part of his rugby journey. We’ll be cheering him on for the rest of the series. Well done, Jack!

Featured photo: Rugby Canada, used with permission.