Steve Meehan, an Australian with coaching experience in England and France, was named coach of the Canadian men’s national rugby team on Friday. Meehan’s 17 years in the coaching ranks include a stint as head coach of Bath in the English Premiership from 2006-2011 that included a 2008 European Challenge Cup. He served as an […]
Steve Meehan, an Australian with coaching experience in England and France, was named coach of the Canadian men’s national rugby team on Friday.
Meehan’s 17 years in the coaching ranks include a stint as head coach of Bath in the English Premiership from 2006-2011 that included a 2008 European Challenge Cup.
He served as an assistant coach with France’s Top 16 2003 and 2004 champions Stade Francais as well as Toulon, the Western Force and Queensland Reds of Super Rugby and Japanese side Kintetsu Liners.
“This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the next chapter for Canada’s rugby team and help guide the program into the future,” Meehan said. “I see great potential in the players and I look forward to the role I can play to help grow the team and our sport across Canada.”
Meehan replaced Welshman Kingsley Jones, who mutually parted ways with the Canadian national squad after it failed to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. Jones finished 14-34 in test matches and Rugby Canada high performance director Stephen Aboud led the search process for a replacement.
“We did a wide and expansive search for the next coach, evaluated over 150 coaches and Steve came through the process as our top candidate,” Aboud said.
“Steve brings proven experience in coaching successful teams and a strong track record for improving players,” said Rugby Canada chief executive officer Nathan Bombrys.
“We believe Steve’s positive coaching and leadership will create the right environment for our team to achieve the growth needed to reach their potential and qualify for the Rugby World Cup.”
The 2027 Rugby World Cup will be conducted in Australia.
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