The Saskatchewan Roughriders added international talent on both sides of the ball in the 2026 CFL Draft, selecting linebacker Mapalo Mwansa in the first round and kicker Kansei Matsuzawa in the second.
Mwansa was taken ninth overall after an impressive path through the NFL International Player Pathway Program. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker spent time with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent, appearing in three preseason games while on the practice roster.
The 22-year-old from Peterborough, England, has also represented the Great Britain national team and starred domestically with the Nottingham Caesars. Mwansa helped the club capture the Division 1 National Final at Britbowl XXXVI and showcased elite speed at the 2025 CFL Combine, running a 4.45-second 40-yard dash.
Saskatchewan continued to bolster its roster in the second round, selecting Matsuzawa 18th overall. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound kicker is coming off a standout collegiate career with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.
A native of Ichikawa, Japan, Matsuzawa connected on 27 of 29 field goal attempts in 2025, good for a 93.1 per cent success rate. His season included a career-long 52-yard kick against Fresno State, helping him earn Consensus All-American honours, Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year and First-Team All-Mountain West recognition.
He was also named a finalist for the Lou Groza Award, given annually to the top placekicker in U.S. college football.
Over two seasons at Hawaii, Matsuzawa went 39-for-45 on field goals while also handling kickoff duties, averaging 61.8 yards per kick with 15 touchbacks in 2025.
Following the NFL Draft, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent.
With Mwansa’s speed on defence and Matsuzawa’s consistency on special teams, the Roughriders have added two intriguing pieces as they continue building toward the future.
