Boris Stankovich will help wring ‘every bit’ out of Canada’s forwards over the coming weeks, according to the country’s head coach.

Kingsley Jones was full of praise for the Leicester Tigers scrum coach, who has linked up with Canada’s national squad for the Pacific Nations Cup and World Cup campaign – where Les Rouges face both New Zealand and South Africa in Pool B.

“Boris is a great addition. He’s someone with vast experience, particularly as a player,” Jones said of Stankovich, who appeared 119 times in Leicester colours following spells at Bath, London Irish and Albi.

Stankovich also played under Jones at Newport Gwent Dragons between 2014 and 2016, before returning to Tigers to oversee scrummaging at every level of the club.

Jones continued: “Boris played at Leicester for seven years – a renowned, formidable forward unit – and he’s a big part of that.

“He’s an excellent guy and will be a great support for myself and the team.

“We’re really pleased that Leicester have afforded him this opportunity to work with us.”

Canada kick off their Pacific Nations Cup campaign against the USA in Denver this Saturday (July 27), before taking on Fiji (August 2) and Tonga (August 8).

The three games give an opportunity for Jones and his coaching team to fine tune the systems put in place during their training camp over the past two weeks with an eye on the World Cup.

“I think the props particularly need someone with [Boris’] experience,” Jones continued.

“We’ve got some really good props – young guys as well as experienced ones, a good balance.

“I think the front row can be an area of strength for us going into the Pacific Nations Cup, which [serves as] a great team building effort and an exercise in building continuity and cohesion going into the World Cup.

“Boris’ experience will help us get every bit out of it.”

Stankovich will be back in Leicester at the conclusion of Canada’s PNC campaign before re-joining the set-up prior to the World Cup in September. He will return to Welford Road in the opening rounds of the new season’s Gallagher Premiership.