Rugby Canada has confirmed a change to the Senior Women’s 15s setup which will see Kevin Rouet take the reigns as Head Coach. He will replace Sandro Fiorino, who brings an end to an 11-year stint with the organisation, including four years as Head Coach of the Senior Women’s 15s program.
Rouet comes into the role with notable experience having been the Assistant Coach of the Women’s 15s squad for the last four years, as well as the Head Coach of the Women’s Program at Laval University, Rugby Quebec’s Provincial Women’s program and assistant coach at Stade Bordelais, a professional club based in Bordeaux, France.
Rouet has signed on to lead the team through to the end of the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup, which takes place in New Zealand later this year having originally been postponed due to COVID-19.
“I’m delighted to be named Head Coach of the Canadian Senior Women’s 15s squad at such an exciting time. We have the quality to achieve a podium finish at the Rugby World Cup and that will be our primary aim as our preparations continue over the coming months. Rugby is growing in popularity across Canada, especially among young women and girls. This program is a beacon of inspiration to that next generation of players and we know a strong performance in New Zealand will encourage more Canadians to try our great sport.” Rugby Canada Senior Women’s XVs Head Coach Kevin Rouet
In his new role as Head Coach, and following Jack Hanratty’s transition to Head Coach of the Canada Women’s Sevens squad, Rouet will be flanked by regional coaching staffs for upcoming training camps before finalizing his staffing roster in early April.
Rouet’s first duties as Head Coach were overseeing check-in camps the past two weekends, with focus now turning to the program in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup:
- March 4-6: West Check-In Camp
- March 11-13: East Check-In Camp
- March 16-21: Overseas Check-In Camp
- April 7-17: Red & Black Camp Top 40
- May (dates TBD): Assemble prior to departure for Pacific Four tournament
- July 16-24: Red & Black Camp
- August 17-28: Red & Black Camp
- September (dates TBD): Assemble for Rugby World Cup departure (Vancouver)
These plans will include up to six possible test matches away and in Canada prior to departure for the Rugby World Cup with opponents and venues to be announced.
Sandro Fiorino departs Rugby Canada
Fiorino, who remains a valued Rugby Canada employee, will officially leave the organisation at the end of March. This departure aligns with the conclusion of the season for the Rugby Canada Development Academy in Ontario where he serves as lead, which Rugby Canada has made the difficult decision to discontinue following a reduction in funding.
“Sandro has been with Rugby Canada for over a decade in a number of roles and has been a significant contributor during his time with us,” said Jamie Levchuk, Interim CEO of Rugby Canada. “We thank Sandro for his contributions over the years. He will be missed and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Women’s Rugby Programs
Fiorino, who remains a valued Rugby Canada employee, will officially leave the organisation at the end of March. This departure aligns with the conclusion of the season for the Rugby Canada Development Academy in Ontario where he serves as lead, which Rugby Canada has made the difficult decision to discontinue following a reduction in funding.
“Sandro has been with Rugby Canada for over a decade in a number of roles and has been a significant contributor during his time with us,” said Jamie Levchuk, Interim CEO of Rugby Canada. “We thank Sandro for his contributions over the years. He will be missed and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
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