Suggitt and McKeen took the decision together that a recurring lower body ailment means the flanker wouldn’t “be healthy enough to give one hundred percent at the World Cup”, while Hirayama came up just short after a remarkable rise up the ranks this year.

It was only in April that Hirayama was captaining Canada to the Division B final at the IRB U19 World Championship in Northern Ireland, and he has since played in the IRB North America 4 and Barclays Churchill Cup.

“All decisions revolved around selection are difficult, but this one was particularly tough because of the hard work and effort these young men have put in,” admitted Suggitt, who didn’t completely close the door on Hirayama as a possible call up in the event of injury.

“Nathan is an extremely thoughtful and intelligent young man who will become a very fine rugby player in the future. It was a tough decision, but he’s had a very good year and has a bright future ahead of him … if anyone gets a bump or a bang, he might still end up at the World Cup, but at this time he is just the unfortunate man out.”

With Hirayama missing out, centre Nick Trenkel is the youngest member in the squad – not to mention the only uncapped player – at 20 years-old, some 17 years younger than the oldest player in prop Rod Snow.

Rugby World Cup 2007 will be the fourth tournament for Snow and second row Mike James, not to mention a third for captain Morgan Williams and prop Jon Thiel, the latter completing a remarkable return from open heart surgery little more than a year ago.

Another six members of the squad will be back for a second helping of Rugby World Cup magic in prop Kevin Tkachuk, second row Jamie Cudmore, flanker Colin Yukes, fly half Ryan Smith and scrum half Ed Fairhurst.

“As coaching staff we’re happy with this World Cup squad. It is one that can over-perform, which is what you have to be able to do at world championships,” added Suggitt, whose side open their campaign against Wales in Nantes on September 9th.

“Everyone in this squad is working very hard and is putting their bodies and brains together to become better. I think they will be a joy for Canadians to watch when we get to the World Cup. These guys are putting everything they have into representing their country and they aren’t going to lie down for anyone.”

Suggitt's team have been drawn in Pool B at Rugby World Cup 2007 with two-time champions Australia, Wales, Fiji and Japan. It is the third time they will meet Wales and Fiji in the Pool stages of the tournament.

Canada will continue their preparations for Rugby World Cup 2007 with a first ever Test against Portugal in Ottawa on Saturday before finishing their coast-to-coast tour with a match against Newfoundland Rock in St John’s on August 25th.

Canada squad

Forwards (17): Scott Franklin, Dan Pletch, Mike Pletch, Jon Thiel, Kevin Tkachuk, Aaron Carpenter, Pat Riordan, Mike Burak, Jamie Cudmore, Mike James, Luke Tait, Colin Yukes, David Biddle, Adam Kleeberger, Rod Snow, Sean-Michael Stephen, Mike Webb

Backs (13): Ed Fairhurst, Matt Weingart, Morgan Williams (Captain), Ander Monro, Ryan Smith, Craig Culpan, Derek Daypuck, David Spicer, Nick Trenkel, Justin Mensah-Coker, James Pritchard, Mike Pyke, DTH van der Merwe