The Canadian men's rugby team is seeing more of Europe than expected on its November tour.

Between games in Romania, Georgia and Portugal, the squad has spent a fair bit of time cooling its heels in Istanbul due to travel issues.

"I know the airport quite well," Canada coach Stephen Meehan said dryly, "but I don't know the city at all."

After opening with a 31-21 loss to 21st-ranked Romania on Nov. 8, the team’s scheduled flight out of Bucharest was cancelled, forcing it to overnight in Istanbul. The travelling party landed in Batumi, Georgia, a day later, cutting into its preparation time.

The 24th-ranked Canadians faced a lengthy trip to Portugal after losing 38-17 to No. 11 Georgia last Saturday.

"I think it went as smoothly as it could. I don't think there were any delays of any s

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