Josh Canham
{{short description|Australian rugby union player}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox rugby biography
| name = Josh Canham
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| fullname = Joshua Canham
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2001|02|01|df=y}}
| birth_place = Peoria, Illinois, United States
| height = 202 cm{{cite web |title=Josh Canham – Wallabies |url=https://wallabies.rugby/players/josh-canham/2382 |date= |website=wallabies.rugby |publisher=Rugby Australia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250413164816/https://wallabies.rugby/players/josh-canham/2382 |archive-date=13 April 2025 }}{{cite web |title=Rising lock Josh Canham signs with Queensland Reds |url=https://reds.rugby/news/qru-media-release-rising-lock-josh-canham-signs-with-reds-2024625 |last=Tucker |first=Jim |date=26 June 2024 |website=reds.rugby |publisher=Queensland Rugby Union |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626000713/https://reds.rugby/news/qru-media-release-rising-lock-josh-canham-signs-with-reds-2024625 |archive-date=26 June 2024 }}
| school = Brighton Grammar School
| university =
| relatives =
| occupation =
| spouse =
| position = Lock
| currentclub = {{Rut|Reds}}
| youthyears1 = –2020
| youthclubs1 = Harlequin Rugby Club
| youthyears2 = –2020
| youthclubs2 = Brighton Grammar School
| youthyears3 = 2019–2020
| youthclubs3 = Rebels Academy{{cite web |title=Good luck and congrats to Josh Canham (Year 12), vice-captain of the Melbourne Rebels Academy team, who is off to Canberra this weekend to play the ACT Brumbies Academy. |author=Brighton Grammar School |url=https://www.facebook.com/BrightonGrammarSchool/photos/a.161300687316970/2035663559880664 |date=1 March 2019 |website=facebook.com |via=Facebook }}
| amatyears1 = 2020–2021
| amatteam1 = Eastwood
| amatapps1 = 2
| amatpoints1 = 0
| amatyears2 = 2021
| amatteam2 = Bond University
| amatapps2 = 3
| amatpoints2 = 0
| ru_amupdate =
| years1 = 2021–2024
| clubs1 = {{Rut|Rebels}}
| apps1 = 34
| points1 = 10
| years2 = 2024–
| clubs2 = {{Rut|Reds}}
| apps2 = 14
| points2 = 5
| repyears1 = 2024
| repteam1 = Australia A
| repcaps1 = 1
| reppoints1 = 0
| repyears2 = 2024–
| repteam2 = Australia
| repcaps2 = 1
| reppoints2 = 0
| clubupdate = 6 June 2025
| repupdate = 17 November 2024
}}
Josh Canham (born 1 February 2001) is an Australian rugby union player who plays for the {{Rut|Reds}} in Super Rugby. His playing position is lock in the forward-line. He was named in the Rebels wider training squad for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season.{{cite web | url=https://melbournerebels.rugby/teams/rebels | title=Rebels Squad | work=Melbourne Rebels | access-date=26 February 2022 }} He made his Rebels debut in Round 3 of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season against the {{Rut|Drua}}.{{cite press release | url=https://melbournerebels.rugby/news/round-3-team-announcement-202232 | title=Melbourne Rebels Round 3 Team Announcement | publisher=Melbourne Rebels | date=2 March 2022 | access-date=4 March 2022}} Canham has been labelled the "biggest success storiy of the Victorian Rugby system", having played all his junior rugby in the state of Victoria before making his professional debut for the Victorian-based Melbourne Rebels.
Background and early career
Canham was born in Peoria, in the Midwestern American state of Illinois, in 2001. He began his junior rugby career with the Harlequin Rugby Club in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Canham was educated at Brighton Grammar School, and was in the schools First XV for 2018 and was the schools First XV vice-captain in 2019.{{cite web |title=Josh Canham (OB 2019) CAPPED! – Wallaby #987 |url=https://www.facebook.com/BrightonGrammarSchool/posts/1061261576002524/ |date=9 September 2024 |website=facebook.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250413165241/https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrightonGrammarSchool%2Fposts%2F1061261576002524%2F |archive-date=13 April 2025 |via=Facebook |author=Brighton Grammar School }}
Career
In mid-2020, Canham moved to Sydney to play for Eastwood in Sydney's Shute Shield club competition.{{cite web |title=Academy Players take Unexpected Detour on their way towards a Melbourne Rebels Jumper |url=https://vic.rugby/news/2020/09/03/academy-players-abroad |date=4 September 2020 |website=vic.rugby |publisher=Rugby Victoria |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202181538/https://vic.rugby/news/2020/09/03/academy-players-abroad |archive-date=2 December 2020 }} After arriving on 18 July 2020 Canham underwent two weeks of self-isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic before he began training. In 2020 Canham had played for Eastwood's lower grades,{{cite web |title=2021: The Big Kick-Off – Eastwood |url=https://behindtheruck.com/2021/04/08/2021-the-big-kick-off-eastwood/ |last=Cook |first=Paul |date=8 April 2021 |website=Behind The Ruck |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408023355/https://behindtheruck.com/2021/04/08/2021-the-big-kick-off-eastwood/ |archive-date=8 April 2021 }} before getting promoted to the senior team for 2021, with head coach Ben Batger stating in an interview, "I've got a few really good, young locks I'm quite excited about that played lower grades last year. Charlie Cale, Jack Lafolafo and Josh Canham are all 198 centimetres – so they'll be playing Super Rugby next year as there's no locks anywhere! But it's good to have some height coming through." Canham was called up in March to the first of two Australia U20 (Junior Wallabies) training camps for 2021, which took place on the Gold Coast, Queensland in preparation for the 2021 Oceania Rugby U20 Championship.{{cite web |title=JUNIOR WALLABIES SQUAD CONFIRMED AHEAD OF FIRST CAMP |url=https://reds.rugby/news/2021/02/25/junior-wallabies-squad-confirmed-ahead-of-first-camp |last=Tucker |first=Jim |date=25 February 2021 |website=reds.rugby |publisher=Queensland Rugby Union |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226201834/https://reds.rugby/news/2021/02/25/junior-wallabies-squad-confirmed-ahead-of-first-camp |archive-date=26 February 2021 }} Canham eventually made two appearances for Eastwood{{cite web |title=Josh Canham – It's Rugby |url=https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/players/joshua-canham-49239.html |date= |website=itsrugby.co.uk }} in the shortened Shute Shield season and was called-up to the second Australia U20 camp in May.{{cite web |title=Super Rugby AU debutants included in Junior Wallabies camp |url=https://www.rugby.com.au/news/super-rugby-au-debutants-included-in-junior-wallabies-camp-202154 |last=Williamson |first=Nathan |date=6 May 2021 |website=rugby.com.au |publisher=Rugby Australia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506002220/https://www.rugby.com.au/news/super-rugby-au-debutants-included-in-junior-wallabies-camp-202154 |archive-date=6 May 2021 }} In June 2021, Canham was named in the Australia U20 squad ahead of the 2021 Oceania Rugby U20 Championship.{{cite web |title=Junior Wallabies name squad for Oceania Tournament |url=https://www.rugby.com.au/news/junior-wallabies-name-squad-for-oceania-tournament-2021617 |last=Williamson |first=Nathan |date=18 June 2021 |website=rugby.com.au |publisher=Rugby Australia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618031200/https://www.rugby.com.au/news/junior-wallabies-name-squad-for-oceania-tournament-2021617 |archive-date=18 June 2021 }} The team was based in the Gold Coast, Queensland until the start of the tournament in July, however the 2021 Oceania Rugby U20 Championship was subsequently cancelled due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |title=2021 Oceania Rugby U20 Championship Postponed |url=https://oceania.rugby/news/2021/07/01/Oceania-U20s%20postponed |date=2 July 2021 |website=oceania.rugby |publisher=Oceania Rugby |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019013658/https://oceania.rugby/news/2021/07/01/Oceania-U20s%20postponed |archive-date=19 October 2021 }} Instead of returning to Sydney, where lockdown restrictions were in place, Canham chose to remain on the Gold Coast, receiving a release from Eastwood to join the local side: Bond University.{{cite web |title=Fear not a factor for Bond 'Babies' |url=https://bond.edu.au/rugby/rugby-news/news/fear-not-a-factor-for-bond-babies |last=McLeod |first=Pat |date=9 July 2021 |website=bond.edu.au |publisher=Bond University |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328112341/https://bond.edu.au/rugby/rugby-news/news/fear-not-a-factor-for-bond-babies |archive-date=28 March 2023 }} Canham began playing for Bond University in July 2021, and made a total of three appearances for the club in Queensland's Hospital Cup competition.{{cite web |title=Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup – GPS 1st Grade Men vs Bond University 1st Grade Men |url=https://xplorer.rugby/queensland-premier-rugby/match-centre/8d236e47cb2cc4420?tab=Player-Lineup |date= |website=xplorer.rugby |publisher=Queensland Premier Rugby }}{{cite web |title=Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup – Bond University 1st Grade Men vs UQ 1st Grade Men |url=https://xplorer.rugby/queensland-premier-rugby/match-centre/f88fabf7fbc02fa2a?tab=Player-Lineup |date= |website=xplorer.rugby |publisher=Queensland Premier Rugby }}{{cite web |title=Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup – Wests 1st Grade Men vs Bond University 1st Grade Men |url=https://xplorer.rugby/queensland-premier-rugby/match-centre/630933425f20bf076?tab=Player-Lineup |date= |website=xplorer.rugby |publisher=Queensland Premier Rugby }}
=Super Rugby=
==Rebels==
In February 2022 Canham was named in the Melbourne Rebels' wider training squad ahead of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, having come through as an Academy product. He played ten games for the Rebels in his breakout season, starting in six games and scoring a try in Round 12 against the Blues in a 71–28 defeat.{{cite web |title=Josh Canham, Lock – All Rugby |url=https://all.rugby/player/josh-canham |date= |website=all.rugby |publisher=All Rugby |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207114421/https://all.rugby/player/josh-canham |archive-date=7 February 2025 }}{{cite news |last=Hinton |first=Marc |date=8 May 2022 |title=Rieko Ioane says Blues embraced their identity in 11-try Super Rugby Pacific romp |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300582526/rieko-ioane-says-blues-embraced-their-identity-in-11try-super-rugby-pacific-romp |work=Stuff |publisher=Stuff Ltd }} Originally being deployed as a loosehead lock, Canham made one substitution in the back row in 2022.{{cite web |title=Match Centre: Hurricanes 45–22 Rebels |url=https://super.rugby/superrugby/match-centre/?season=2022&competition=205&match=523144 |date= |website=super.rugby |publisher=SANZAAR |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808125332/https://super.rugby/superrugby/match-centre/?season=2022&competition=205&match=523144 |archive-date=8 August 2022 }} In 2023, Canham transitioned once again — this time to the tighthead lock position — where he started in nine of his ten appearances for the Rebels.
Following consistent performances across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Canham featured in fifteen matches for the Rebels in 2024, including a quarter-final knockout against the Hurricanes,{{cite news |date=8 June 2024 |title=Axed Melbourne Rebels bow out of Super Rugby Pacific with 47–20 quarterfinal loss to Hurricanes |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-08/super-rugby-pacific-melbourne-rebels-lose-to-hurricanes-finals/103955478 |url-status=live |work=ABC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608223537/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-08/super-rugby-pacific-melbourne-rebels-lose-to-hurricanes-finals/103955478 |archive-date=8 June 2024 }} before receiving a call-up to the Wallabies squad.{{cite web |title=Wallabies squad confirmed for tour of Argentina |url=https://wallabies.rugby/news/wallabies-squad-confirmed-for-tour-of-argentina-2024819 |date=20 August 2024 |website=wallabies.rugby |publisher=Rugby Australia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820043958/https://wallabies.rugby/news/wallabies-squad-confirmed-for-tour-of-argentina-2024819 |archive-date=20 August 2024 }} In June 2024, The Sydney Morning Herald described Canham as 'terrific' and noted that his lineout work had reached the 'next level'.{{cite news |last=Cully |first=Paul |date=9 June 2024 |title=Lock him in, Joe: The rookie who can keep Rebels spirit alive in a gold jersey |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/lock-him-in-joe-the-rookie-who-can-keep-rebels-spirit-alive-in-a-gold-jersey-20240609-p5jkcz.html |url-status=live |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Nine Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612155550/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/lock-him-in-joe-the-rookie-who-can-keep-rebels-spirit-alive-in-a-gold-jersey-20240609-p5jkcz.html |archive-date=12 June 2024 }} This was, however, the final season for the Rebels. They were cut from the Super Rugby competition at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign.{{cite news |date=30 May 2024 |title=Financially-stricken Melbourne Rebels axed from Super Rugby Pacific |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/may/30/melbourne-rebels-axed-super-rugby-pacific |work=Guardian Australia}}{{cite news |last1=Pentony |first1=Luke |date=30 May 2024 |title=Melbourne Rebels' axing comes as no surprise but the ramifications may not be felt for some time |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-30/super-rugby-pacific-melbourne-rebels-axing/103913572 |work=ABC News}}
==Reds==
{{Further|2025 Queensland Reds season}}
At the conclusion of the 2024 season, Canham was announced by the Queensland Reds as a new signing.{{cite news |last=Worthington |first=Sam |date=26 June 2024 |title='Huge potential': Reds land offload king from Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific signing coup |url=https://www.nine.com.au/sport/rugby/australia-news-2024-josh-canham-signs-for-queensland-reds-after-melbourne-rebels-end-20240626-p5jovu.html |url-status=live |work=Nine's Wide World of Sport |publisher=Nine Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715083519/https://www.nine.com.au/sport/rugby/australia-news-2024-josh-canham-signs-for-queensland-reds-after-melbourne-rebels-end-20240626-p5jovu.html |archive-date=15 July 2024 }}{{cite news |date=26 June 2024 |title=Canham's Reds move confirmed after Rebels' demise |url=https://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/40432688/josh-canham-joins-queensland-reds-melbourne-rebels-demise |url-status=live |work=ESPN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729155910/https://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/40432688/josh-canham-joins-queensland-reds-melbourne-rebels-demise |archive-date=29 July 2024 }} Canham signed a two-year deal with the Reds, and was joined by five former Rebels teammates (2025 Queensland Reds season § Transfers).
International career
Being born in the United States, Canham was eligible to represent the United States or Australia at international level.
Canham began his international career in 2021 after being called-up to the Junior Wallabies camps for the 2021 Oceania Rugby U20 Championship. Canham was not called-up at international level again until August 2024 for Australia's two-test tour of Argentina in the 2024 Rugby Championship. Canham made his international debut for Australia on 7 September 2024, coming on as a substitute in the 66th minute for Nick Frost.{{cite news |last=Gallan |first=Daniel |date=8 September 2024 |title=Argentina 67–27 Australia: men's rugby union international – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2024/sep/07/australia-wallabies-vs-argentina-rugby-test-live-updates-scores-results-kick-off-time-santa-fe |url-status=live |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian Media Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907233006/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2024/sep/07/australia-wallabies-vs-argentina-rugby-test-live-updates-scores-results-kick-off-time-santa-fe |archive-date=7 September 2024 }} Australia lost 67–27 in Santa Fe.{{cite news |date=7 September 2024 |title=Argentina condemn Australia to biggest Test defeat |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/cpw8lk9djd7o |url-status=live |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910071320/https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/cpw8lk9djd7o |archive-date=10 September 2024 }} Two months later, in November 2024, Canham represented Australia A on their Spring tour. Canham started at tighthead lock, however Australia A lost 17–38 against the England Saxons in Twickenham Stoop, London.{{cite news |last=Telfer |first=Alastair |date=17 November 2024 |title=Murley scores twice as England A beat Australia A |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/c1mljvg71d4o |url-status=live |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206191025/https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/articles/c1mljvg71d4o |archive-date=6 February 2025 }}{{cite news |date=17 November 2024 |title='Confrontational' Henry Pollock makes case to be fast-tracked by Steve Borthwick after England A win |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2024/11/17/england-a-vs-australia-a-live-score-latest-updates/ |url-status=live |work=The Daily Telegraph |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241119023825/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2024/11/17/england-a-vs-australia-a-live-score-latest-updates/ |archive-date=19 November 2024 }}
Statistics
{{updated|3 June 2023|{{cite web | url=https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/players/joshua-canham-49239.html | title=Player Statistics | work=It's Rugby}}}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; line-height:90%; font-size:95%; width:60%;" | ||||||||||||
| Season | Team | Games | Starts | Sub | Mins | Tries | Cons | Pens | Drops | Points | Yel | Red |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 AU | {{Rut|Rebels}} | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 TT | {{Rut|Rebels}} | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | {{Rut|Rebels}} | 10 | 6 | 4 | 477 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | {{Rut|Rebels}} | 10 | 10 | 0 | 800 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| colspan="2"|Total || 20 || 16 || 4 || 1277 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 5 || 1 || 0 |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{ItsRugby|49239}}
{{Queensland Reds squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Canham, Josh}}
Category:Australian rugby union players
Category:Rugby union players from Melbourne
Category:Melbourne Rebels players
Category:Place of birth missing (living people)
Category:Queensland Reds players