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Rugby Canada have announced a two-year contract extension for national Senior Men’s Head Coach Kingsley Jones. The 54-year-old Welshman has been in the role since 2017 and is also the Director of Men’s Performance Rugby having been promoted just prior to the 2019 World Cup.
It’s a decision not without controversy. Jones’ record in test matches since being appointed is 12 wins and 27 defeats. Under his direction the program notably did not qualify for the 2023 World Cup, the first time Canada has not competed at the flagship tournament.
Despite that failure Rugby Canada CEO Nathan Bombrys insists the decision is the right one.
“We recognize that it is disappointing not to see Canada in the Rugby World Cup this year. We need to make significant improvements and rebuild our program to see our Canadian team back knocking on the doors of the very top rugby nations. Considerable building work has already begun, but there are lots of elements that need to be put into place.
“We need regular fixtures and consistent competition for our national team squad, in addition to quality training and coaching. We believe that Kingsley is the right Head Coach for this next stage in our journey, providing consistency to our program and continuing the work started in developing our squad.”
The next order of business for Jones will be a two-test mini-series hosted by Spain next month. Canada will play against their hosts, and pending the result will then face either the USA or Brazil.
