National Sports

Canada wraps up its Rugby World Cup preparations against the U.S. on Saturday with coach Kingsley Jones fielding a strong side for the game at B.C. Place Stadium.

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes have signed former Toronto defenceman Jake Gardiner to a four-year contract. Under terms of the deal announced Friday by Carolina general manager Don Waddell, Gardiner will make an average of $4.

CHICAGO — Not usually one to shy away from the limelight, Auston Matthews is more than happy to sit this one out.

BRUSSELS — Canada's Sage Watson won the women's 400-metre hurdles on Friday at the Diamond League finals. The native of Medicine Hat, Alta., finished in 55.58 seconds, more than one second ahead of runner-up Paulien Couckuyt of Belgium (56.68).

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos can take a big step toward silencing critics who say they haven't beaten anybody of significance with a win over the Calgary Stampeders at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Joe Thornton is coming back for another season at age 40, signing a one-year, $2 million contract with the San Jose Sharks on Friday after briefly contemplating retirement at the end of last season.

SHANGHAI — Owen Klassen had just touched down in Belgium and was going through the entrance protocol with his new pro team when he got the call from Canada.

Kia Nurse hasn't had to leave her New York apartment to find top-notch entertainment this week.

NEW YORK — Bianca Andreescu will try for Canada's first Grand Slam singles title when she takes on American legend Serena Williams in the women's final of the U.S. Open on Saturday.

TORONTO — With 20 straight wins under their belt, there is little drama for the Toronto Wolfpack as the Betfred Championship regular season wraps up this weekend.