There are still some details to be worked out, but what is certain is that Kévin Rouet will be at the helm of Canada’s women’s rugby union team until the 2025 World Cup, which will be played in England.
Rouet, who was present in Madrid in recent days where Canada faced South Africa and the United States in the international window, confirmed the news.
“We’re still talking, but it’s being done,” summarized the person who had held the position on an interim basis since March 2022. I will take the post for the next cycle. »
Plunged into the heat of the action just seven months before the New Zealand World Cup when Rugby Canada severed ties with head coach Sandro Fiorino, Rouet is now in a much better position.
high potential
Canada’s fourth-place finish in New Zealand last November demonstrated Canada’s potential in the eyes of the International Rugby Federation.
“We’re risking receiving funds from World Rugby,” the former Rouge et Or head coach confided to Laval University, which he led to their first national title in 2019. Rugby is not a sporting culture in Canada and regardless of our association’s efforts, our budget will remain significantly lower than the other teams in the top 10.”
“World Rugby want to make sure we continue to get good results to continue Rouet. With security in hand and better funding, it becomes easier to work. We’ll have a more stable line-up and I’ll have more people with me. Money isn’t everything, but it helps. »
Unlike the Rugby 7s program, which is centralized in Langford, British Columbia, the 15s program has players grouped ad hoc by event.
Photo: AFP
Canada’s Keyara Wardley in action on March 5 in a match against Fiji.
“This year after the World Cup, there are six girls who haven’t been to Spain because they couldn’t stay away from their job for fear of losing their job,” explained Rouet. This is a problem in Canada where the girls have jobs unlike the best teams in the world where the players play rugby for a living. »
build relationships
Rouet is often in his suitcases. He travels the country to see provincial teams in action and visits professional circuit clubs in England and France.
“It is important to build relationships with professional clubs. It opens doors. The English championship is the best in the world and the French championship is just behind. We have multiple players in both circles. The girls don’t make the big living, but they can be paid with a decent salary and benefits. »