Canada’s Senior Men’s National Tackle Team Returns to International Action Against Italy Tomorrow, Streaming Live on IFAF.TV
April 18, 2025 – Cagliari, Italy – Canada’s Senior Men’s National Tackle Football Team takes the field tomorrow for the first time in 14 years, facing off against Team Italy in an international friendly at Impianto Polivalente Terramaini Stadium in Cagliari, Sardinia. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. EST (4 p.m. CET).
Head Coach Jesse Maddox and his staff have dedicated months to evaluating and assembling the 45-player roster, narrowing down from more than 500 hopeful athletes nationwide. The squad features a blend of experience from prominent football leagues, including the CFL, CJFL, NCAA, and U SPORTS.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to put Canadian football back on the international stage,” Maddox told 3DownNation.com. “This team is ready to compete, and we aim to show the football community that Canada is a serious contender.”
Among those selected are former CFL quarterback Michael O’Connor, CFL veteran offensive lineman Josiah St. John, CJFL standout running back Jamel Lyles, former Hec Crighton Trophy winner Chris Merchant, and defensive lineman Makana Henry with significant CFL experience.
The game marks Canada’s first senior men’s international appearance since winning silver at the 2011 IFAF World Championship in Vienna, where the team secured victories against Japan, France, and Austria before ultimately falling to the United States in the championship game.
Canadian football fans and supporters worldwide can watch the game live on IFAF.TV at 10 a.m. EST (4 p.m. CET) on April 19, 2025: https://ifaf.tv/sportitemset/67eb99681a2cb5b71b7bc87b.
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Braydon Stachel
Marketing and Communications Manager
Football Canada
bstachel@FootballCanada.com
