National Sports

TORONTO — Canadian interim women's rugby coach Sandro Fiorino is taking a young squad featuring 16 uncapped players to England for a three match series against England.

TORONTO — Former Canadian international Adam Kleeberger, who won 38 caps for his country and drew worldwide attention as one of Canada's "beardos," is looking to help others follow his rugby footsteps.

Sean Clayton was just hoping to play catch with Roy Halladay when he first met the former Blue Jays pitcher in 2008 through the Make-a-Wish organization. Halladay made sure the youngster from Montreal had a visit he'd always remember.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Roy Halladay was flying his tiny sport plane low over the Gulf of Mexico shortly before it slammed into the water and killed the retired star pitcher, witnesses told federal investigators.

WINNIPEG — Matt Nichols only threw a few short passes at Wednesday's practice, but Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea says the injured starting quarterback should be able to play this weekend. "I think he'll be healthy enough, I really do.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact got the coach they were looking for in former Olympique Lyonnais and Aston Villa boss Remi Garde.

TORONTO — It's a sporting conundrum. The captain of Canada's national rugby league team is out of a job with his Canadian club because he is considered an overseas player.

Toronto forward Auston Matthews will miss his first NHL game on Wednesday night when the Maple Leafs host the Minnesota Wild. Matthews is listed day-to-day with an upper-body injury after appearing to play in some discomfort earlier in the week.

MILAN — Canada's Denis Shapovalov picked up his first win at the inaugural Next Gen ATP Finals, defeating Italian qualifier Gianluigi Quinzi 4-1, 4-1, 3-4 (5), 4-3 (5) on Wednesday.

OTTAWA — The Canadian Hockey League is taking the game outdoors. The OHL's Ottawa 67's will host the QMJHL's Gatineau Olympiques in an outdoor game at The Stadium at TD Place on Dec. 17, the 67's and the CHL announced Wednesday.