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Following up on rumors emanating from Rugby Canada HQ in Victoria, the New Zealand Herald is now reporting that Mark Anscombe has been offered the job of National Senior Men’s Head Coach, though the deal has yet to be finalised with financial terms and official start date to be confirmed prior to the June test series. The Auckland, New Zealand, native is understood to have been short-listed for the position along with Australian coach Tim Lane and another unnamed New Zealander.
Anscombe, 56, was last seen in a major coaching role with Irish province Ulster, who he departed ahead of the 2014-15 season after spending two seasons with the Guinness Pro 12 side. Prior to that he was at the helm of Auckland’s provincial side for four seasons while also leading New Zealand’s u20 side to a world title in 2011. His professional coaching career began with English club Moseley in 1996, where his charges would include former Canadian captain Al Charron.
If confirmed, Anscombe would be the permanent replacement for departed coach Kieran Crowley, who resigned in January following a disappointing World Cup campaign. National Senior Women’s Head Coach François Ratier led the side in an interim capacity during the Americas Rugby Championship, where Canada would finish in third place with a 3-2 record. Crowley has since moved to Italy where he will coach Benetton Treviso in the 2016-17 Guinness Pro 12 season.
