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New Canada Sevens coach Geraint John is determined to close the gap on the leading rugby nations following a tough baptism of fire at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

It was the Maple Leafs’ first major tournament under the stewardship of John, eventually finishing in tenth position at the two-day competition.

Canada missed out on qualification to the main medal quarter-finals following defeats to eventual gold medallists New Zealand (43-7) and Scotland (19-17) despite a victory against Guyana (47-0) on the opening day’s pool play.

Two victories came on the following day in the Bowl competition against hosts India (43-10) and the Cranes from Uganda (22-17) before they come unstuck against an unpredictable and talented Papua New Guinea side in the final (10-17).

Canada’s squad saw a blend of experienced and young talent with the Maple Leafs’ next major tournament the NZI Sevens in Wellington – the third leg of the HSBC World Sevens Series.

"I think when you look at them (leading nations), you've got to remember they are fully professional players," said coach John.

"Our players are all amateur, domestic players. So, there is a gulf. It's sometimes easier to close that gulf when there's only seven of them. I suppose the media interest in terms of sevens is that it brings the smaller nations up against the bigger nations. You do have opportunities to actually beat them.

"We have to make sure that we're part of that group that keeps closing the gaps on those teams,” he added. 

Despite the disappointing end in Delhi playmaker Nathan Hirayama was glad to be part of one rugby sevens’ might high profile showpieces.

"This is one of the most memorable experiences I've ever been a part of,” he said.

 "It's just too bad we couldn't do better. But I don't blame anything on the distractions. It was all down to us. We should have been better."

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