Rugby Canada extend Kévin Rouet's contract to 2030 after World Cup final run

Rugby Canada have extended the contract of women’s head coach and director of women’s rugby Kévin Rouet until the end of 2030, the organisation announced on the eve of Canada’s WXV Global Series clash with England at Toronto’s BMO Field.

Rouet, 39, took charge in 2022 and has compiled a 31-12-2 record since then, culminating in Canada reaching the final of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, where they finished runners-up. The side also held second place in the World Rugby rankings for an extended period before New Zealand overtook them at this year’s Pacific Four Series.

“Kévin has done an outstanding job leading our women’s programmes, highlighted by Canada’s historic run to the Rugby World Cup final in 2025 and the team’s sustained position among the top teams in the world since he stepped into the role in 2022,” said Rugby Canada CEO Nathan Bombrys. “His leadership has been world-class, and we are pleased to extend Kévin’s contract through 2030.”

Bombrys added that Rouet’s dual role as head coach and director of women’s rugby would position the programme to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.

One of Rouet’s most notable contributions has been the introduction of a ‘One Squad’ philosophy, allowing players to move more freely between the 15-a-side and sevens setups — an approach that has coincided with Canada’s rise on the international stage, including a first-ever victory over the Black Ferns.

Rouet also served as an assistant coach at Saracens last season, where he helped the club claim the Premiership Women’s Rugby title.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to continue coaching this team for the next four years,” Rouet said. “We have grown so much as a group since I began in 2022, and I am excited to see what our teams and players can achieve as we build towards the 2028 Olympics and the 2029 Rugby World Cup.”

Friday’s WXV match against England’s Red Roses at BMO Field is expected to set a new attendance record for a standalone women’s rugby match in North America, with more than 18,000 supporters anticipated.