Netherlands name squad to face Canada as James Adams prepares for Head Coach debut

The Nederlandse Rugby League Bond has named a 19-player Netherlands squad to face Canada on Saturday 11 July at Dordtsche Rugby Club, with James Adams set to lead the team as Head Coach for the first time.

The international fixture will kick off at 14:00 at Dordtsche Rugby Club, Schenkeldijk 10, 3328 LE Dordrecht, with tickets available via rugbyleague.nl/events.

Adams will take charge of the Oranje for the fixture, deputising for Jason Havenaar, who is currently based in Australia. His appointment for the match represents an important step in the continued development of the Netherlands national programme, with the fixture against Canada providing a valuable opportunity for the squad to test itself against strong international opposition.

The squad includes five potential debutants, with Bert Kuijpers, Joris van Lankveld, Robin Raaijmakers, Miquel Raven and Bjorn Scheffers all in line to make their first appearance for the Netherlands.

The fixture could also mark a special family moment for the Kuijpers brothers, with Bert, Paul and Kees Kuijpers all named in the same national squad.

Netherlands squad v Canada

1. Dimitri Haringa — Zwolle Wolves

2. Miquel Raven — Zwolle Wolves

3. Hidde van den Berg — Amsterdam Cobras

4. Mike Prins — Zwolle Wolves

5. Arie-Tjerk Razoux-Schultz — Harderwijk Dolphins

6. Paul Kuijpers — Zwolle Wolves

7. Kees Kuijpers — Brabant Bears

8. Joris van Lankveld — Brabant Bears

9. Rick Baats — Brabant Bears

10. Bjorn Scheffers — Brabant Bears

11. Kwinten Roeleveld — Den Haag Knights

12. Rowan Schuiling — Zwolle Wolves

13. Sylvan Vonken — Zwolle Wolves

14. Max van der Stroom — Zwolle Wolves

15. Francis Appleton — Amsterdam Cobras

16. Bert Kuijpers — Brabant Bears

17. Sam Klumpert — Zwolle Wolves

18. Robin Raaijmakers — Brabant Bears

19. Shadan Lavia — Rotterdam Pitbulls
    

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Head Coach James Adams said:

“We're looking forward to welcoming Canada to the Netherlands. They're a quality side and we know it'll be a tough challenge. Last year's results weren't where we wanted them to be, so this is a great opportunity for us to make amends."

“The lads have worked hard, they're proud to represent their country, and I know they'll give everything they've got for each other and for the Orange jersey.”

NRLB President Craig Shepherd said:

“We are delighted to see James Adams step into the Head Coach role for this fixture. James has already made a strong contribution to the national programme, and this is a great opportunity for him to lead the team in an important international match."

“We are also grateful for the continued work of Jason Havenaar, who remains an important part of the coaching structure despite being based in Australia. Fixtures like this are vital for the growth of rugby league in the Netherlands, and we’re excited to see this squad take the field against Canada.”

The match forms part of the Netherlands’ ongoing commitment to developing international rugby league opportunities for Dutch players, coaches and officials.