BLUENOSE
RUGBY
Ireland 2026 Tour
Welcome to the Bluenose Rugby U-18 Boys Tour Website!
This will be the first year that the U-18 boys will be sailing under the Bluenose Banner, and we couldn't be more excited for them and their amazing coaching staff! The boys will get to experience high-quality rugby and be immersed in the wonderful rugby and Irish lifestyle.
Our Coaching Staff
The Bluenose Boys are privileged to have these coaches on their inaugural tour to Ireland.
Axel Lawrence
Coach
One of Nova Scotia’s most respected rugby minds and A World Rugby Coach Educator. Lawrence brings decades of experience as both a player (Keltic's Captain) and educator. Known for his technical precision, discipline, and ability to connect with players, Axel’s coaching philosophy is built on structure, accountability, and growth.
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World Rugby Level 2 Coach & Coach Educator
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Head Coach NS Keltics U19M & Rugby Nova Scotia Academy Coach
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Head Coach Horton High School Boys
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Former Head Coach of Acadia University Men's
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Former Captain NS Keltics Sr. Men
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Home Club: Valley Rugby Union (also club President)
Mark Williams
Coach
Currently, the Chair of Rugby Nova Scotia’s Board of Directors, Mark, brings a wealth of leadership, coaching and playing experience. A Physiotherapist by training, Mark is currently a Provincial U17 Keltics Coach, Past-President of the Riverlake Rugby Football Club, and Coach at Lockview High School. His playing years were with CPA, SMU,, Halifax RFC and eventually Riverlake RFC.
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World Rugby Level 2 Coach
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Head Coach, Lockview High School Boys Rugby
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Assistant Coach, NS Keltics Provincial team, U-17 boys
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Head Coach Riverlake Rugby Football Club U16/U18 boys
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Home Club Riverlake RFC
Tyler Matchem
Assistant Coach
Tyler Matchem is part of a new wave of leadership helping shape the next generation of rugby players in Nova Scotia. A tighthead prop and Canada international (#511), Matchem brings elite-level playing experience into his coaching role, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of player development. Having grown through the Pictou County rugby system and the Nova Scotia Keltics pathway himself, he is committed to building strong foundations for young athletes while fostering a competitive, team-first culture.
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Head Coach: U15 Men, Nova Scotia Keltics (2026–2027)
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International Experience: Canada Men’s National Team (#511), Tighthead Prop
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Professional / Senior Club Experience:
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NOLA Gold Rugby of MLR
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Pacific Pride
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Pictou County Rugby Club
Sarah Casey
Tour Manager
Sarah Casey is a dedicated rugby supporter and travel agent with Envoyage Travel (https://sarahcasey.envoyageadvisor.com). She has worked tirelessly to support travelling coaches, players, and supporters over the last few years at Rugby Canada’s regional, provincial, and national levels. She's working in her management role with the Bluenose Rugby Ireland Tour in support of her local rugby club, the Valley Rugby Union, her son Jack, who is playing on the team, and the entire organization. Sarah's dedication to her work and commitment is always inspiring, pulling together the details and logistics of a trip like this is something she is naturally gifted at. We're thrilled to have her as our manager in support of the entire team.
Our 2026 Crew
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We are happy to introduce the 2026 Bluenose U-18 Boys Team, who will be touring Dublin and the surrounding areas on March 2026. All these boys were chosen not only for their skills on the rugby pitch, but for their ongoing dedication to the game in High School, Provincial Representation and Club.
Front Row
Alexander Pottie
School: North Kings Educational Centre
Club: Valley Rugby Union
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What do you like about Rugby: "A new environment and something active to do."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "A good time"
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Prop
Keith Morrison
School: Horton HS
Club: Valley Rugby Union
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What do you like about Rugby: "I like the team atmosphere, running into contact, and the confidence I experience on the field."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "On tour I am looking forward to touring around Ireland and exploring the rugby roots it holds. As well as turning 18 in a different country with my friends playing the greatest sport."
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Front Row
Cameron Bradbury
School: Kings Edgehill
Club: Enfield RFC
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What do you like about Rugby: "I like the connection in rugby and no matter who you play against or who you play with, it’s a big family with nothing other than respect."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "I am looking forward to playing where rugby has so much history and get the exposure in the sport where don’t many get the chance to! I have never been to Ireland and can’t wait to see it."
Hooker
Giacomo Pogliani
School: Kings Edgehill
Club: Halifax Tars
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What do you like about Rugby: "I like the contact."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "To play against great competition and get some experience"
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Hooker\Flanker
Andrew D'Arcy
School: Lockview HS
Club: Riverlake RFC
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What do you like about Rugby: "How fast pace everything is, and you get to play offence and defence at the same time."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Working on team chemistry and getting to play some good quality teams."
2nd Row
Jack Cosgrove
School: Kings Edgehill
Club: Lindsay RFC
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What do you like about Rugby: "Passing, Creating plays, Clean tackles, Athleticism."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Meet and play with new people. Experiencing a high and competitive level of rugby. Travelling to Ireland. Working with new and existing coaches."
2nd Row\Back Row
Keagan McCarthy
School: Montague HS
Club: PEI Abbies
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What do you like about Rugby: "Having the chance to meet new people and form friendships with fellow teammates. And how hard hits don’t break bonds between the players. "
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Visiting a new part of the world whilst competing against other teams."
Front Row\Flanker
Cohen Roberts
School: Montague Regional HS
Club: PEI Abbies
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What do you like about Rugby: "The adrenaline after a good play."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Meet new people, play and learn more about Rugby while seeing new places."
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Flanker
Kingston Eye
School: Horton HS
Club: Valley Rugby Union
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What do you like about Rugby: "IContact, tackling, rucking "
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Traveling and meeting other rugby players"
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Back Row
Jack Casey
School: Avonview HS
Club: Valley Rugby Union
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What do you like about Rugby: "I always enjoy how close and how connect the team can be and how that can make everyone become new friends "
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "I am looking to learn new things and further my rugby career and to open some more doors all around the community at home and away "​​
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2nd Row\Back Row
Zach Morris
School: Lockview HS
Club: Riverlake RFC
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What do you like about Rugby: "I like the team aspect and contact"
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Making memories in Ireland"
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Back Row
Gregor MacMillan
School: Horton HS
Club: Valley Rugby Union
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What do you like about Rugby: "The thrill of getting a big turnover"
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Visiting a place over seas with my good friends and competing internationally "
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Back Row
Wesley Harvey
School: Horton HS
Club: Valley Rugby Union
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What do you like about Rugby: "the connections ive made as well as the contact."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "furthering my experience in the sport, making more connections and hanging out with the guys"
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Back Row
Graham Lindsay
School: Bayview HS
Club: Valley Rugby Union
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What do you like about Rugby: "Everything. I’ve loved the sport since the first time I tried it in Grade 8."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "I’m excited to experience Ireland for the first time and to be a part of the Bluenose U18M Tour."
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Scrum Half
Issac Williams
School: Lockview HS
Club: Riverlake RFC
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What do you like about Rugby: "I love the atmosphere and the sportsmanship."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Touring with my friends that I will have for life. Also the chance to play against a different standard of the game. "
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Scrum Half
William Larder
School: Kings Edgehill
Club: Valley Rugby Union
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What do you like about Rugby: "The intellectual and strategic component of the sport "
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Playing!"
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Fly Half
Tommy Upton
School: Kings Edgehill
Club: Valley Rugby Union
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What do you like about Rugby: "I like how creative it is, just watching backline plays is a work of art to me. I also enjoy the intensity of it and how each player has a different role. "
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "I’m looking forward to playing against strong competition, growing my chemistry with the team on and off the pitch and playing the best of my ability."
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Fly Half\Fullback
Griffin Bidgood
School: Horton HS
Club: Valley Rugby Union
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What do you like about Rugby: "Ithe speed and physicality of the game "
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "playing high level rugby "
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Centre
Ted (Edward) Stevens
School: Lockview HS
Club: Riverlake RFC
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What do you like about Rugby: "Hitting ."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Getting to visit Ireland/getting to see family"
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Fly Half\Fullback
Denver Nelson
School: Montague Regional High School
Club: PEI Abbies
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What do you like about Rugby: "Making a good tackle"
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Playing Rugby"
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Utility Back
Brin Llyod
School: Kings Edgehill
Club: Valley Rugby Union
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What do you like about Rugby: "II get to run around and hit people."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Playing against a higher level of competition "
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Centre\Wing
Ben Melnyk
School: Island View HS
Club: Riverlake RFC
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What do you like about Rugby: "The main thing I like about rugby is the competitive aspect. And the fact that it’s a team sport that requires everybody to be involved ."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Playing against different people from a different country"
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Utility Back
Luca Jean Noel
School: Parkview Education Center
Club: Bright and Lions
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What do you like about Rugby: "I like the teamwork and coordination that it takes to play."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Training at a higher level and increasing my technical knowledge."
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Wing
Jack Hilliard
School: Horton HS
Club: Valley Rugby Union
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What do you like about Rugby: "I like rugby because the contact and open play make it feel fast, fun, and free"
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Playing Rugby against the Irish teams, Visiting Ireland with the team"
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Utility Back
Seamus Ryan
School: Montague Regional High School
Club: PEI Abbies
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What do you like about Rugby: "I like the team aspect of the game and the connections you make with others."
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What are you looking forward to on tour: "Seeing Ireland"
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Coming Soon
Tour Itinerary