Rugby Canada extends Kingsley Jones as Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team through 2025

Rugby Canada has signed Kingsley Jones to a two-year contract extension as Head Coach of Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team that will see him lead the team through 2025.  

Appointed as Head Coach in time to lead Canada to and at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Jones has worked to widen the depth of Canada’s men’s rugby program, investing in young players and building Canada’s depth chart, with now over 90 players in high performance daily training environments. Over the last six years, he has continued to foster opportunities for Canadian players to compete and train in the MLR and overseas while also improving collaboration between Rugby Canada’s sevens and 15s programs and supporting the development of the Canadian rugby pathway. Jones was instrumental in restarting the Pacific Pride Academy and has worked to bring Canadian coaches such as Sean White, Phil Mack and Hubert Buydens into Rugby Canada’s high performance programs. 

“We recognize that it is disappointing not to see Canada in the Rugby World Cup this year. We need to make significant improvements and rebuild our program to see our Canadian team back knocking on the doors of the very top rugby nations. Considerable building work has already begun, but there are lots of elements that need to be put into place. We need regular fixtures and consistent competition for our national team squad, in addition to quality training and coaching,” said Nathan Bombrys, Rugby Canada CEO. “We believe that Kingsley is the right head coach for this next stage in our journey, providing consistency to our program and continuing the work started in developing our squad.”  

“Kingsley brings a wealth of experience, technical knowledge and commitment to the role of head coach,” said Stephen Aboud, Rugby Canada Director of High Performance. “A tireless, passionate, and energetic approach underlined by a constant need for technical improvement are essential in the preparation and build up to the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in two years. Rugby Canada’s goal is clear, Rugby World Cup qualification, and Kingsley’s appointment ensures the stability and familiarity required to build with confidence towards achieving this goal.” 

Prior to joining Rugby Canada in 2017, the former captain of Wales held a senior high performance role with Wales Rugby Union. His coaching resume includes winning silverware in the English Premiership and the European Challenge Cup with the Sale Sharks, coaching Russia at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and helming Dragons RFC in the URC. Earlier this year, he earned his second appointment as Assistant Coach of Barbarian F.C. for the 2023 Killik Cup showdown against the World XV. 

“I am excited for the opportunity to continue building with this team. A lot of the dedicated, hard-working young players we’ve worked with over the last six years are now 26, 27, and reaching their prime, and I’m excited to see them fulfill their potential,” said Jones. “Having depth, raising and driving standards, pushing each other on, is very important to being competitive. It’s a great honour to coach for Canada and to have this opportunity to continue building cohesion and continuity with this young group to put us in a good spot for 2025.” 

Information on upcoming test matches and competition, and further updates about Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team, will be announced shortly.