The news is a massive boost to Canada, with coach Dave Clark who describes Charron as ‘the heartbeat of the team.’
Charron, 37, scored a fabulous try in Canada’s memorable victory over Wales in 1993, and underwent complete knee reconstructive surgery on June 8 if this year.
Read more about Canada in the wru.co.uk Rugby World Cup 2003 section
But Charron’s dedication to return to action saw him pushing the limits of medical advice, and now the eight-hour-a-day training and rehabilitation program he undertook has borne fruit.
“I didn’t foresee this possibility when I damaged my knee, but thanks to a great surgeon and great physiotherapists I’m ready to go ahead of schedule,” he said.
Canada and Wales do battle in Melbourne’s Telstra Dome at 0900 (BST) on Sunday
Canada: James Pritchard; David Lougheed, John Cannon, Marco di Girolamo, Winston Stanley; Bob Ross, Morgan Williams; Josh Jackson, Adam van Staveren, Al Charron (captain), Mike James, Colin Yukes, Jon Thiel, Mark Wilson, Rod Snow
Replacements: Aaron Abrams, Kevin Tkachuk, Garth Cooke, Jamie Cudmore, Ryan Banks, Ed Fairhurst, Ryan Smith
Wales: TBC
