National Sports

Canada will be without injured backs Connor Braid and Jeff Hassler when it faces Uruguay in the second leg of a crucial Rugby World Cup qualifier in Montevideo on Saturday.

REGINA — Running back Kienan LaFrance, who helped the Ottawa Redblacks win the 2016 Grey Cup, was released by the Saskatchewan Riders on Thursday. The Riders also let American running back Shakir Bell go.

MINNEAPOLIS — Justin Timberlake was asked about a bromance with Tom Brady, a possible 'N Sync reunion and serenaded with "Happy Birthday," but the superstar didn't get a question about the wardrobe malfunction that rocked the world during a press con

VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions signed Canadian offensive lineman Hunter Steward to a contract extension through the 2018 season Thursday. The sis-foot-six, 315-pound Steward was eligible to become a free agent Feb. 13.

HAMILTON — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats signed Canadian defensive lineman Justin Capicciotti to a two-year contract extension and released American defensive back Emanuel Davis on Thursday.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact are banking on fitness as one answer to late-game breakdowns that plagued the Major League Soccer club last season. New coach Remi Garde ran the players hard during the first week of training camp in Florida.

DaVaris Daniels has more than just a passing interest in the Super Bowl on Sunday. His father, Phillip, is an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Eagles, who'll face the New England Patriots at US Bank Stadium.

ST. MARYS, Ont. — Pedro Martinez is heading to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. The former Montreal Expos pitcher, who won a World Series with Boston and three Cy Young Awards, was one of three inductees announced by the Hall on Thursday.

CALGARY — Defensive back Joshua Bell retired Thursday and joined the Calgary Stampeders coaching staff. Bell spent four seasons as a player with Calgary. He's now the Stampeders defensive backs coach.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos re-signed receiver Kenny Stafford and defensive back Ahmad Dixon on Thursday. Stafford appeared in five games last season with Edmonton, registering 20 catches for 265 yards and two TDs.