Steve Meehan appointed new head coach of Canada

Former Challenge Cup winner Steve Meehan has been named the new head coach of Canada’s men’s team.

The Australian had previously held the role of director of rugby with Queensland Premier club GPS and has a wealth of experience coaching around the world.

Meehan’s coaching career began over two decades ago at Stade Francais, working under former South Africa head coach Nick Mallett, followed by current France boss Fabien Galthie.

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He became head coach of Bath in 2006, and led them to Challenge Cup glory two years later, before leaving in 2011. He has since held roles with Toulon, Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in Japan and Western Force in his native Australia. He was named head coach of the Toronto Arrows in October 2023.

“This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the next chapter for Canada’s Rugby Team and help guide the program into the future,” said Meehan.

“I know Canada is a proud rugby country with a deeply passionate rugby community, and I look forward to start meeting coaches and players around the country. I see great potential in the players and look forward to the role I can play to help grow the team and our sport across Canada.”

Meehan arrives following the departure of Kingsley Jones earlier this month after seven years as head coach.

He takes over a side that are currently ranked 23rd in the world rankings.

“A coach profile was identified to guide the competencies, experience and characteristics the next Canadian national team coach would need to have to give the program the best opportunity to succeed,” said Stephen Aboud, Rugby Canada’s high-performance director.

“We did a wide and expansive search for the next coach, evaluated over 150 coaches and Steve came through the process as our top candidate.”

Rugby Canada CEO Nathan Bombrys added: “Steve brings proven experience in coaching successful teams and a strong track record for improving players.

“We believe Steve’s positive coaching and leadership will create the right environment for our team to achieve the growth needed to reach their potential and qualify for the Rugby World Cup.”

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson, reacting to the appointment, stated: “2025 marks an important milestone for the global game, and therefore Canada, with an era-defining Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 and Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027 qualifying in addition to Sevens. The appointment of Steve Meehan as the men’s 15s programme head coach demonstrates Rugby Canada’s long-term ambition, and we were delighted to have contributed to the appointment process. We look forward to a big year ahead.”