Rugby Canada extends contract of women’s coach Kevin Rouet through 2030

TORONTO — Rugby Canada announced Thursday that Kevin Rouet’s contract as head coach of the Canadian women’s rugby team has been extended through the end of 2030.

Rouet was appointed to the role in March 2022 and has since led Canada through two Rugby World Cups, including a silver-medal finish at the 2025 tournament.

The 44-year-old from France has led Canada to a 31-12-2 record, along with a first-ever victory over New Zealand and a Pacific Four Series title.

Canada also held the world No. 2 ranking from May 2024 until April 2026, and is currently third behind England and New Zealand.

Rouet will serve as both head coach and director of women’s rugby as the team prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2029 Rugby World Cup.

The announcement comes one day before Canada faces world No. 1 England in a rematch of the 2025 Rugby World Cup final on Friday at BMO Field in Toronto.

Rugby Canada says it expects the largest crowd ever for a stand-alone women’s rugby match in North America, with over 18,000 fans.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to continue coaching this team for the next four years,” Rouet said in a release. “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.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2026.

The Canadian Press