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Just two weeks out from signing an extension with Rugby Canada, Canadian Men’s Head Coach Kieran Crowley has resigned from his position. Crowley, a former All Black, took over the role in 2008 and led the Maple Leafs to two World Cups. He was under fire after a disappointing World Cup campaign as well as a drop in the World Rankings. In 2015, Canada went 1-9 under Crowley with their only victory being a 16-15 win over Georgia in a World Cup warm up match.
Crowley leaves his post with Rugby Canada to take over as Head Coach for Benetton Treviso of the Guinness Pro 12. He inherits a side that currently sits in last place in the Pro 12 with an 0-11 record. Francois Ratier, coach of the Canadian women’s team, will serve as interim men’s coach at the Americas Rugby Championship which kicks off next month.
“I am confident the players will continue to step up and perform under Francois’ leadership at the Americas Rugby Championship,” said Rugby Canada General Manager of Rugby Operations Jim Dixon in a release from Rugby Canada. “Ratier’s interim work with the Men’s Program will not interfere with his ability to lead our Women’s National Fifteens team, as there are no matches or camps planned for this period.”
Ratier, much like new USA Head Coach John Mitchell, has a short time to get his squad chosen and prepared for the inaugural ARC.
