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Kingsley Jones is no longer Head Coach of Canada’s Senior Men’s XVs team. A statement from Rugby Canada says they have “mutually agreed to part ways” with the 55-year-old Welshman. The media release also indicates that Jones will stay on with the organization in the interim to aid in the transition.
Jones’ tenure with the men’s team comes to a close after seven years. He arrived in 2017 and led the team to qualification for the 2019 World Cup. A four-year extension was awarded prior to that tournament, and despite failing to qualify for the 2023 edition – a first ever for Canadian rugby – Jones was again handed a two-year contract that was due to expire at the end of 2025.
Highlights were few, however, with several record defeats amidst a poor win-loss ratio. By the end of 2024 Canada’s record in tests under Jones was 14 wins from 48 tests, and one victory from seven this past year. In terms of World Rugby Rankings the team has stayed in roughly the same place, beginning at 24th (59.42 points) to their current spot of 23rd (59.18 points).
Canada will begin their process for RWC 2027 qualification in next year’s Pacific Nations Cup under a new coach. The team will first have the July international window to begin preparations though the opposition and number of games has yet to be confirmed.
A statement from Jones was included in Rugby Canada’s release:
“It has been an honour, and a great experience for myself and my family, to be with Rugby Canada over the last seven years. The discipline, hard work, and professionalism of the great people in this program are second to none, and I would like to thank the players and the staff for their commitment and support.”
Rugby Canada CEO Nathan Bombrys added:
“On behalf of Rugby Canada, I would like to thank Kingsley for his dedication and contributions to rugby in Canada over the last seven years. We wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter.”
