After a four-year retirement, Jean-Gabriel Poulin, head coach of the Voltigeurs football team at Collège Bourget, is making a comeback on the gridiron with the senior men's national football team. Retired since 2021, he is about to return to international competition, an experience he eagerly awaits.

In an interview with Néomédia, the former Montreal Alouettes player spoke about his return to competition. “Physically, I feel ready. I have always kept training. I can’t wait for my first contact and to see how my body will react.”

He mentioned that he has missed football for quite some time and is approaching his return with no stress but great excitement. “It’s something I truly miss. I often said I would give anything to play another football game, and now having the opportunity to do so is really exciting.”

A selection process that paid off

The selection process for the national team was lengthy, involving several identification camps across Canada, as well as a selection camp held at the University of Waterloo.

Due to his professional obligations, Jean-Gabriel Poulin was unable to attend in person, but he still managed to showcase his physical abilities. The coaching staff of Team Canada traveled to the Collège Bourget sports complex in Rigaud to conduct physical tests, after which he was selected for the Canadian roster.

A National team comeback that feels like a reunion

For Poulin, representing Canada on the international stage is an honor he knows well. In 2012, he was already part of the Canadian junior team that won a gold medal against the United States. “Having the chance to relive this experience at the senior level, to represent Canada once again, makes it even more special. I feel privileged, and it makes me very proud.”

This return to the national team is not just about competition, it is also an opportunity to reunite with former teammates from his university days, particularly with the Western University Mustangs.

He will be rejoining quarterback Chris Merchant, linebacker Myles Manalo, defensive backs Hakeem Johnson and Daniel Valente, as well as fullback Anthonio Valvano, all players with whom he won the Vanier Cup in 2017. “Getting the chance to play with them again is one of the reasons I was so excited to take part in this tournament,” he added, emphasizing the significance of these reunions.

Preparations are already underway

For now, the Canadian team is preparing for its qualification match against Italy, scheduled for April. A victory would secure Canada’s spot in the international tournament set to take place in November in Germany.

The biggest challenge for the team will be building strong chemistry among the players in a short amount of time. Poulin explained that both players and coaches are in weekly virtual contact. “On April 11, we start our training camp. We’ll have about five or six days of intensive training before playing against Italy.”

The Canadian roster will consist of 45 players from Canadian and American university programs, along with several current and former professional players.