CANADA

News | Profile | Anthem | Fixtures | Results

Crowley new Canada coach

Wednesday 19th March 2008

Canada Coach: Kieran Crowley

Former All Black full-back and selector Kieran Crowley has been appointed as the new coach of the Canadian national team.

Crowley has accrued an extensive coaching CV in New Zealand over the last nine years, having been a New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) resource coach, led the national Under-19 side to World Championship glory last year and also been in charge of Taranaki.

Although a dyed-in-the-wood Kiwi, the Canadian opportunity was too good to pass up and he now becomes the fourth New Zealander to coach an international side - Warren Gatland at Wales, Robbie Deans in Australia, Peter Thorburn with the USA and now Crowley in Canada.

"I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to coach the Canadian side," said Crowley.

"I have been very lucky to have had the support of a lot of people as a coach in New Zealand, especially the coaches, players and staff in Taranaki, and I'm now looking forward to the next move in my coaching career."

NZRU chief Steve Tew spoke highly of Crowley's influence in New Zealand rugby and reiterated that his appointment reflected the standing its coaches have on the world stage.

"There is an ongoing global demand for New Zealand coaches and with New Zealand coaches leading Wales, Australia, USA and now Canada, it's clear they are recognised as among the best in the world," Tew said.

"We see that as a vote of confidence in the New Zealand rugby coaching set-up and recognition of the exceptional skills our coaches have."

While the movement of coaches overseas would be seen by some as detrimental to the game in New Zealand, Tew said the NZRU recognised that many of the top bosses aspire to develop in their roles and to reach the highest level.

"We wish them well and if they return to New Zealand they will come home as better coaches through the experience gained in other rugby environments.

"Our challenge is to continue to have the best coach development systems in place to maintain depth in New Zealand coaching talent and to also provide an attractive environment for our best coaches to work in."

Crowley will start his new role with Rugby Canada next month and will be based in Victoria, in British Columbia.