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One of Canada’s brightest international prospects took another big step in his rugby career on Saturday. Named for the first time in a Top 14 roster as a reserve by French club Pau, 19-year-old tighthead prop Matt Tierney came on as a replacement in the 64th minute to make his senior club debut against Champions Cup finalists Racing 92. The occasion will be particularly memorable given that his opponent in the scrum was former France international Julien Brugnaut.
Though the match ended with Racing decisive 43-13 winners, it’s a second milestone achievement in the space of a week for the youngster. Just days ago Tierney was named in the Canadian training squad for the June test series against Japan, Russia, and Italy. For a player who was representing Canada u20 in February, it represents a significant step up in competition.
Tierney wasn’t the only Canadian in action at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir. Americas Rugby Championship lock Cameron Pierce started his sixth match of the season for Pau. The aerial specialist would have played a full game were it not for a yellow card in the 29th minute that afforded him a temporary breather. Pierce will travel with Tierney to the Shawnigan Lake training camp in a week’s time.
