Long-time rugby supporter pulls funding from U20 project over labour-dispute concerns

Karl Fix withdraws his financial contribution to the Canadian under-20 team due to labour dispute with the sevens players. Sevens team is at odds with Rugby Canada over the status of the game and financial terms offered. Rugby says players are not employees but rather amateur athletes who are provided financial support through Sport Canada. The Canadian men finished ninth on the world seven's circuit last season. Canada’s 15s side is currently ranked 23rd in the World. The team faces a last-chance World Cup qualifying repechage tournament in November. It is playing against a team ranked 25th.