LANGFORD, BC – Rugby Canada and Kieran Crowley have agreed to terms on a new two year contract, which will see Crowley as Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Fifteens Team through the next Rugby World Cup qualifying round in August 2017.
Last week Rugby Canada released the findings and recommendations of its Rugby World Cup Review Committee, which included a recommendation approved by the Board of Directors, that Crowley be given a new two-year contract.
“I’m very pleased Kieran has re-signed with Rugby Canada as Head Coach of our Men’s Fifteens Program for the next two years,” said Jim Dixon, Rugby Canada General Manager of Operations and Performance. “There’s no denying Kieran is a world-class coach and his recommitment to Rugby Canada is the first step as we work to address some of the structural challenges that impact us.”
Rugby Canada recognizes that there are many systemic changes that will need to occur between now and 2017 in order to both qualify for RWC 2019 as well as improve on our world rankings. While Canada did not win any games at RWC 2015, the team’s performance in a number of key areas improved significantly and this was validated in a technical analysis completed by World Rugby.
“My family and I consider Canada as home, and I’m very pleased to continue working at Rugby Canada,” said Crowley from Langford, BC.
“While we faced many challenges at the last Rugby World Cup, I strongly believe there is a tremendous opportunity to grow and improve our National Senior Men’s program,” added Crowley. “I have always believed it is important for me to remain with Rugby Canada and support our team to achieve the success I know we are capable of achieving.”
Canada’s season kicks off on February 6 at the Home of Canadian Rugby at Westhills Stadium in Langford against Uruguay to open the newly formatted Americas Rugby Championship (ARC).
In the new competition – which World Rugby has sanctioned as official test matches – Canada will face Uruguay and Brazil (February 20th) in Langford, along with USA on February 13th in Texas before travelling to South America to face Argentina and Chile.
Canada will also be competing in a June International Series, with stops to be confirmed across Canada, as well as their annual November Tour to Europe.
For all information around Canada’s 2016 fixtures: http://events.rugbycanada.ca
Media Conference Call Details:
Who: Jim Dixon – Rugby Canada GM of Rugby Operations and Performance
Kieran Crowley – Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Team
When: Wednesday, December 23 at 12pm ET/9am PT
Where: 1-888-350-3035 – Conference Room #5289320
Men’s Fifteens 2016 Confirmed Schedule:
Canada vs. Uruguay – February 6th
Americas Rugby Championship
Westhills Stadium, Langford, BC
Kick off: 7pm ET/4pm PT
Canada vs. USA – February 13th
Americas Rugby Championship
Austin, Texas
Kick off: TBD
Canada vs. Brazil – February 20th
Americas Rugby Championship
Westhills Stadium, Langford, BC
Kick off: 7pm ET/4pm PT
Canada vs. Argentina – February 27th
Americas Rugby Championship
Argentina
Kick off: TBD
Canada vs. Chile
Americas Rugby Championship
Chile
Kick off: TBD
Canada vs. Italy – June TBD
Toronto, ON
Kick off: TBD
Canada vs. Ireland – November 12
Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
Kick off: TBD
