Rugby Canada release statement regarding Mark Anscombe's tenure as headcoach

Former Auckland Blues and Ulster headcoach Mark Anscombe is being relieved of his duties as headcoach of Canada after a ‘disappointing’ spell in charge of the Canucks.

Rugby Canada’s General Manager of Rugby Operations and Performance, Jim Dixon announced that Rugby Canada will be making a change in the Men’s Fifteens Head Coach position following an ‘extensive review’.

Anscombe had been in the job just 16 months.

The announcement comes after an extensive review of the National Men’s Fifteens Program – which Mark Anscombe has been the Head Coach of since May of 2016 – following a disappointing loss to USA in the 2019 Men’s Rugby World Cup Qualification matches in Hamilton and San Diego. Full details from the program review will be made available later today on the union’s website.

“On behalf of everyone at Rugby Canada, I would like to thank Mark for his commitment to the organization and the program, we wish him every success in the future,” said Dixon.

“It is very apparent to all in the Canadian Rugby community that in order for our Men’s Fifteens Team to be a successful and respected program we must continue to drive a culture of excellence, commitment and discipline. This goes for every level of the game. As a collective community we must address the gaps in our system and strive to provide our young players with the best possible environment to excel in the game, and we have a lot of work to do in this regard. I am 100% confident the National Senior Men’s Fifteens program staff, and most importantly the players, will respond to the challenge in front of them. The program will recommence in September with new resources in place to support them,” added Dixon.

Rugby Canada’s current staff will maintain preparations for the Men’s Fifteens Program, including re-centralization in September at the Canadian Rugby Centre of Excellence in Langford, BC. A Canada “A” side will compete in the Americas Pacific Challenge in Uruguay as part of preparations for their four-game November International series.

“Rugby Canada will work with World Rugby in conducting a global search for a permanent head coach. Fulfilling this important role is critical for Rugby Canada and we will take the necessary time to find the right candidate,” said Allen Vansen, CEO of Rugby Canada.