RUGBY CANADA PROVIDES FURTHER COMMENT ON INVESTIGATION AND REVIEW PROCESSES

May 6, 2021 (Langford, BC) - Rugby Canada issued further comment today as follow-up to our statements on April 26th concerning a complaint received from former and current National Senior Women’s 7s players pursuant to Rugby Canada’s Harassment and Bullying Policy.

Rugby Canada CEO Allen Vansen shared, "This is a very difficult time for our Women’s 7s program, particularly for the athletes and staff, past and present, who were involved in the recent complaint process. Our immediate priority is providing support for the mental health and well-being of everyone directly impacted by the investigation, as well as the physical health of those affected by the recent positive COVID tests.”

Rugby Canada has received messages from rugby supporters across the country interested to learn more about the Women’s 7s investigation process. While some have suggested that the report should be publicly released, we are following our policy by maintaining confidentiality.  

Vansen added, “We continue to recognize the interests of both the Complainant and the Respondent in keeping any investigative matters confidential. As is our practice, if new matters should become known related to this program or any other Rugby Canada performance team, we will assess expediently and act accordingly.”

Rugby Canada will commission an inclusive and transparent review of performance rugby programs following the Olympic Games as part of our commitment to better understand the complexities of the training and competition environment. Once an independent party is selected to lead the review, an immediate goal will be to co-create the Terms of Reference that will define the scope of work, with the support of players and staff from each of the national team programs.

Rugby Canada Board Chair Tim Powers said, “Our belief continues to be the independent review process is the best way to help us uncover leading practices for our Women’s 7s, and other performance programs, moving forward. We acknowledge the rugby community’s passion for our sport and its values, and everyone’s right to express their views.  We understand the desire to debate, discuss and in some cases look to assign blame.  For the well-being of all involved in this process, we encourage reasonable, compassionate and respectful engagement now more than ever. Together we will plot the way forward and make the necessary changes for the good of our game.”     

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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.