Rugby Canada Provides Update Regarding National Senior Women’s 7s Leadership
Rugby 7s Senior Women
The investigation was conducted in accordance with the policy in place at the time the incidents occurred. The confidential findings were shared with both parties, including the investigator’s recommendations.
April 26, 2021 (Langford, BC) – Rugby Canada is updating our community following an independent third-party investigation by Win Win HR Solutions Inc in response to a complaint received from former and current National Senior Women’s 7s players on January 31, 2021 pursuant to Rugby Canada’s Harassment and Bullying Policy.
The investigation was conducted in accordance with the policy in place at the time the incidents occurred. The confidential findings were shared with both parties, including the investigator’s recommendations.
The investigator noted the conduct described in the complaint reflected the experiences of the 37 NSW7s athletes. However, the investigator determined that the conduct referenced was not behaviour which fell within the policy’s definition of harassment or bullying.
The investigator also concluded, in agreement with both parties, that it would not be viable for John Tait to resume his duties as head coach of the National Senior Women’s 7s. Mr. Tait has submitted his resignation as both head coach and high-performance director to Rugby Canada to pursue other professional opportunities.
With John’s departure, and as supported by the current National Senior Women’s 7s players, the interim technical leadership team announced in February will remain in place through the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo with Mick Byrne at the helm as Head Coach.
To protect the interests of all involved and to maintain confidentiality, Rugby Canada is unable to make further comment on investigative or human resource matters.
For additional information please refer to:
- Release on February 4, 2021 regarding Interim Technical Leadership Plan for Women’s 7s
- Additional release on April 26, 2021 regarding next steps Rugby Canada will be undertaking to ensure a safe environment for our athletes and staff
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About Rugby Canada:
Rugby Canada is the national governing body of the sport of Rugby Union in Canada. They administer and operate Men’s and Women’s Senior and Junior National programs in both rugby XV’s and 7s, as well as govern the Club and community game for more than 30,000 registered participants from coast to coast in conjunction with ten Provincial Union members.
Rugby Canada is headquartered at the Al Charron National Training Centre in Langford, BC, with staff also working from Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa. Rugby Canada business operations, programs and events are delivered nationwide, including the internationally recognized HSBC Canada Sevens annual tournaments.
For more information, please contact: media@rugby.ca.