Shawn Bullock Named as High Performance Director for Rugby Canada
Shawn Bullock, who has been working as a High-Performance consultant with Rugby Canada since 2022, has been named High Performance Director, replacing Stephen Aboud. According to his Linkedin profile, he also was working as the interim High-Performance Director for Nordiq Canada, the cross-country skiing NSO, during his time consulting with Rugby Canada. Nordiq Canada is based out of Canmore, Alberta. Prior to that he had time with Biathlon Canada (Canmore) as a High-Performance Consultant, and Hockey Canada as Director of Men’s National Teams (Calgary).
The first question is if Shawn Bullock was a High-Performance consultant with Rugby Canada since 2022, why did Rugby Canada hire Stephen Aboud from Ireland in 2023? They could have gone with Bullock in 2023 and avoided the wasted time and money. Other questions that come to mind, will he be based out of the Canmore/Calgary area or in Victoria? How much influence did he have on the Canada 7s program deciding to decentralize in 2024, or Rugby Canada’s decision to reduce its footprint at the U18 high-performance level?
It’s wait and see what direction Rugby Canada takes in high-performance. The men’s 7s program trying to finish top 2 in the SVNS 3 tournament in January seems an immediate priority as that will affect the national men’s 7s program for 2026. In the long term providing high-performance pathways from club to country in both men’s and women’s rugby is paramount.
You can also read Neil Davidson’s Canadian Press article here.
SHAWN BULLOCK APPOINTED AS HIGH PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR OF RUGBY CANADA
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 (Langford, BC) – Rugby Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Shawn Bullock as the new High-Performance Director, effective January 2026.
Bullock brings more than 27 years of experience in high-performance sport in Canada. He previously spent 12 years at Hockey Canada serving as the Manager, Hockey Operations, and moving into Director of men’s and para national team programs. In 2021, Bullock served as the High-Performance Consultant at Biathlon Canada before taking on a High-Performance Consultant role with Rugby Canada in 2022.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at Rugby Canada these past three years in a consultancy role and am excited to be leading the high-performance strategy,” said Shawn Bullock. “I understand the magnitude of this responsibility and am ready to continue building a culture of excellence across our teams.”
The High-Performance Director position underwent a comprehensive global process that attracted a strong field of candidates. The position went to the Canadian for his proven leadership, experience in building systems and his understanding of Rugby Canada’s culture and circumstances. Bullock is thrilled to work with the CEO, coaches, staff, and players to continue to bring the One Squad vision to life. Shawn will oversee the delivery of Rugby Canada’s National Teams and pathways heading into the RWC 2027 in Australia and LA2028 Olympics.
“Shawn brings outstanding experience and a track record of success in Canadian sport,” said Nathan Bombrys, Rugby Canada CEO. “He has developed a clear understanding and passion for Rugby Canada and our One Squad ethos, and we look forward to his collaborative approach to leadership as we build this next phase of Rugby Canada’s strategic plan.”
“Among all the NSOs I have collaborated with, Rugby Canada is highly professional and carries itself with a tremendous sense of pride. I look forward to leading this next chapter of excellence in what has become an incredible era for rugby in Canada on the global stage.” said Shawn Bullock.
I believe I speak for all punters when I say…who the hell is this guy? Maybe instead of a villa in the Italian Alps, he has a cabin in the foothills of the Rockies that he will retreat to when the going gets tough! Another swing and a miss!
I want to know what his statement means “he was a guest” re the sexual assault charges from back in 2018. Some clarification on this would be nice. See below
“I want to make it clear that I was not responsible for those 22 athletes and the staff members that were from the world juniors at the gala. I was a guest. I want to make sure that people understand that that never happened when I was responsible for the program.”