Henry Paul Leaves Canada 7s Position: Sean White to Take Team to Dubai and Cape Town
Henry Paul is leaving the 7s coaching position at Rugby Canada, the Rugby Canada press release says “Rugby Canada has agreed to release Men’s Sevens Head Coach Henry Paul from his contract with immediate effect”. It’s hard to say what actually happened behind the scenes, was he encouraged to terminate the contract, did he see the handwriting on the wall, or does he have something else lined up that aligns better with family?
He was brought in by Kingsley Jones in 2018 to help with the XVs, the two had coached together with the Russian XVs team. Their time together in Russia has similarities to their Canadian relationship. Paul was brought in by Jones to help with the Russia XVs and then became the national 7s coach. Both left Russia in 2014, Jones to get the head coach position at Newport Gwent Dragons and Paul to a rugby manager position at a private school in England. He then moved to Dubai for two years before getting the Canada position.
The question now is will Sean White be made the permanent head coach or will Rugby Canada open up the position? Also does the departure of Henry Paul foreshadow the departure of Kingsley Jones down the road?
from Rugby Canada
Rugby Canada has agreed to release Men’s Sevens Head Coach Henry Paul from his contract with immediate effect. Paul started his tenure in Canada back 2018 as Defensive Coach for the mens national team that earned qualification for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He later took the helm of the Men’s Sevens program leading the team to their first ever bronze medal on the HSBC World Series, an 8th place finish at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, and later to the Quarter Finals of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham earlier this year.
“I’m really proud of my time here in Canada. I’ve worked with some incredible colleagues and coached some world class players, experiencing too many incredible moments to mention but ones that I will always cherish. Now is the right time for me to focus on my family and the next challenge in my career” said Head Coach Henry Paul. “The future is bright for this young developing side, and I look forward to watching the game we all love, continue to flourish in Canada.”
Assistant Coach Sean White will lead the Men’s Team as they depart for back-to-back HSBC Series stops in Dubai and Cape Town. A Victoria, BC native, and former James Bay coach and national team player, White’s playing career included 32 caps for Canada’s Men’s Rugby Team, including appearances at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and 27 games played with the Canada’s Men’s Sevens team.
Rugby Canada CEO Nathan Bombrys said, We would like to thank Henry for his service and commitment to our national teams in both 7s and 15s. Coaching Canada into the Olympic Quarter Finals was a highlight of his time with us, and we wish Henry and his family all the best for the future. We are excited about what Sean can bring to the squad and look forward to watching him develop the team over the next two tournaments.