Edmonton-born rugby player starts for France in test match against All Blacks
Edmonton-born forward Tyler Duguid had a memorable debut for the French national rugby team in a hard-fought 31-27 loss to the powerful All Blacks in Dunedin, New Zealand. The 24-year-old Duguid, who previously represented Canada at the under-20 level, now qualifies for France through residency after moving to Europe to pursue his rugby career with RC Narbonne as a teenager.
Currently playing for Montpellier in the prestigious French Top 14 league, Duguid showcased his skills on the international stage as he started in the second row for France in the absence of key players like Antoine Dupont and Damian Penaud. Despite the loss, Duguid expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, “There was a lot of outside noise saying that we’d come out and concede 50 points, but I thought we showed a lot of spirit tonight as a side.”
France coach Fabien Galthie also handed debuts to several other players, including flanker Alexandre Fischer and fly half Joris Segonds. Duguid’s physical presence and rugby prowess were evident throughout the match, as he stood tall at six-foot-seven and weighed in at 273 pounds.
Coming from a family deeply rooted in rugby, Duguid follows in the footsteps of his siblings and uncles who have also excelled in the sport. His brother Kaden and sister Abby have represented Canada at youth levels, while uncles John and Luke Tait have played professionally in Europe and for the Canadian national team.
Duguid’s journey from the University of Alberta, where he balanced wrestling and football, to the international rugby scene is a testament to his dedication and talent. With upcoming matches against New Zealand in July, Duguid will have more opportunities to prove himself on the world stage.
In a similar fashion, Canadian-born prop Mackenzie Carson made headlines by switching her international allegiance to England, following in the footsteps of many others who have made similar decisions. The dynamic nature of international rugby allows players with diverse backgrounds to showcase their skills and represent different nations.
As Duguid continues to make waves in the rugby world, his journey from Edmonton to France serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes with dreams of reaching the pinnacle of the sport. With the Canadian national team gearing up for test matches against Belgium and Spain, the landscape of international rugby continues to evolve with players like Duguid leading the way.
