Rugby Canada extends Stephen Meehan’s coaching contract through men’s World Cup
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LANGFORD – Rugby Canada has signed men’s coach Stephen Meehan to a contract extension that keeps him at the helm through next year’s Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia to 2028.
In his first year coaching Canada in 2025, Meehan led the men’s team to World Cup qualification after it missed out on France in 2023.
It was the first time since 1987 that Canada didn’t participate in the tournament.
Canada will host Spain on July 4 and Portugal on July 11 at Edmonton’s Clarke Stadium before heading to Winnipeg to meet Zimbabwe on July 18 at Princess Auto Stadium.
The matches are part of the inaugural 12-country World Rugby Nations Cup, which doubles as preparation for the 2027 World Cup.
The schedule for November’s round of Nations Cup matches in Europe and Asia will be announced at a later date.
“With the Nations Cup kicking off in Edmonton in July, we have the perfect opportunity on home soil for Stephen, his staff and our national team players to build toward the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year,” said Rugby Canada chief executive officer Nathan Bombrys in a statement Thursday.
Canada’s men, currently ranked 25th in the world, open the 2027 World Cup on Oct. 4 against Argentina in Brisbane, Australia. Fiji and Spain are also in Canada’s pool.
The 24-country tournament, expanding from 20 in 2023, concludes Nov. 13 in Sydney, Australia. Canada’s best result historically was reaching the quarterfinals in 1991.
“I’m very happy to continue with the team. Having had 12 months with Rugby Canada now, I’ve got a better understanding of the interconnected rugby landscape across the country,” Meehan said in Thursday’s statement.
“There are some big moments around the corner for us, and we’ve got some great challenges in there as well, but all in all, it’s an exciting time to be here.”
The Australian previously coached Bath in the English Premiership from 2006 to 2011.
He’s also had coaching stints with French teams Stade Français and Toulon, as well as Australia’s Western Force and Queensland Reds in Super Rugby.
Meehan was named head coach of Major League Rugby’s Toronto Arrows in 2023, but the team folded the following year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2026.