Rugby Canada appoints Nathan Bombrys as new Chief Executive Officer

April 26, 2022 (Langford, BC) – Rugby Canada’s Board of Directors is very pleased to announce the appointment of Nathan Bombrys as Chief Executive Officer following an extensive and comprehensive global search.

Bombrys, originally from Michigan, joins the national governing body of rugby in Canada with over two decades of experience in senior leadership roles in European rugby, including as Managing Director at Scottish club Glasgow Warriors who compete in the United Rugby Championship and Heineken Champions Cup, Commercial Director at Sale Sharks of England’s Gallagher Premiership, and senior commercial roles at Scottish Rugby.

“Our rigorous recruitment process produced an extremely strong candidate pool, but Nathan stood out as the person with the character and experience that Rugby Canada needs in its leader at this time,” said Sally Dennis, Chair of the Board of Directors, Rugby Canada. “Nathan has a vision and a plan for restoring pride in Canadian rugby and leading us into a new era of growth, community engagement, financial stability and increased international performance success. We are excited and keen for him to get started.”

Bombrys, who will officially join Rugby Canada in the summer upon completion of his term at Scottish Rugby, has an accomplished track record of leading sports business transformations, building successful teams, driving commercial growth and achieving on-field success. He has also played a key role in the strategic planning and development of leagues and competitions from the early years of professionalism to present day, and leading successful major event bids for World Rugby Sevens World Series, PRO14 Finals, and international test matches.

“I am grateful to be asked to lead Rugby Canada, such a proud rugby nation with a strong heritage in the game and would like to thank Sally Dennis and the Rugby Canada Board of Directors for the opportunity,” Bombrys said. “I’m proud of the fact that my rugby journey started in North America, and I’ve enjoyed some truly unique experiences through my years in European professional rugby. I look forward to sharing that experience with athletes, staff and other stakeholders, working together to grow the sport in this country at what I believe is a truly exciting time for rugby in Canada.”

Bombrys added: “I can’t wait to start getting to know the staff, meeting the rugby community and learning more about the organization in the coming months. On a personal note, Anastasia and I are looking forward to making new friends as we settle into our new life in Canada.”  

With Bombrys’ appointment and having held the role of Interim CEO since February 1, Jamie Levchuk will move to the position of Managing Director, Revenue and Fan Engagement.

“I have been honoured for the opportunity to lead Rugby Canada during this time of transition,” Levchuk commented. “When Nathan joins, I will return enthusiastically to my role leading the business’ revenue and fan engagement area, and I’m excited for the opportunity to work with Nathan to implement transformational changes moving forward.”

Levchuk added: “I’d also like to thank the staff and partners of Rugby Canada for their dedication and support during this transitional period. Their hard work and commitment, and belief in rugby in Canada, have allowed our organization to weather difficult times and we now look ahead to a brighter future.”