Kévin Rouet Joins Saracens Coaching Staff on Secondment While Continuing Role of Canada Women’s Head Coach
In the “why not” category, today’s story is Kevin Rouet taking up the role of Attack Coach with the Saracens while maintaining his role as Head Coach of the Canada Women’s XVs team. The next matches for the Canadian women’s XVs are likely part of the Pacific Four series which according to a NZ Rugby source will take place in April. The PWR season takes a break after March 28th, Round 16, and resumes Round 17 on May 30th. The only conflict may be around the end of March depending on when in April the Pacific Four begins. With 25 Canadian players in England taking part in the PWR it seems like a sensible move. The only question is who is monitoring the talent in Canada during this time. If there’s good communication between Rouet and the Provincial leads, like John Tait in BC, then this shouldn’t be an issue. There’s also the 7s coach, Jocelyn Barrieau, who reports to Rouet and deals with a lot of the University level players and upcoming talent. The women’s program seems to have their act together, which is why they’re #2 in the world.
The question becomes, what is the men’s coach, Stephen Meehan, doing during the “off-season” between matches and camps? There’s no concentration of elite players in professional leagues, like the PWR in England. I asked Ai for some insight as to what a national rugby coach does between matches, comparing Tier 1 with Tier 2. The results are below. I’m not sure how involved Meehan is in fulfilling these duties but it identifies a couple of interesting articles that Rugby Canada might consider writing up, one dealing with the domestic pathways and reporting structure while Rouet is in England, and the second on what does Stephen Meehan actually do outside the test windows and camps.
National Coach (Tier 2) Key Responsibilities Outside Camps
1. Player Identification & Development
- Scouting talent across domestic leagues, universities, and overseas clubs where Canadian players compete.
- Maintaining relationships with provincial unions and academies (e.g., Pacific Pride program) to monitor emerging players.
- Supporting pathways for U18, U20, and developmental squads to ensure continuity into the senior team.
2. Strategic Planning & Analysis
- Reviewing match footage and performance data from previous internationals.
- Designing long-term strategies for World Cup qualification and Pacific Nations Cup campaigns.
- Coordinating with assistant coaches and analysts to refine tactical approaches.
3. Stakeholder & Federation Engagement
- Working with Rugby Canada leadership on funding, sponsorship, and program priorities.
- Liaising with the Coaching Association of Canada for accreditation, safe sport compliance, and professional development.
- Representing the team in media, community events, and promotional activities to raise rugby’s profile nationally.
4. Logistics & Administration
- Planning travel, visas, and scheduling for upcoming tours and test matches.
- Coordinating with medical staff on injury management and player welfare.
- Ensuring compliance with World Rugby regulations and tournament requirements.
5. Coach Development & Mentorship
- Supporting the national coaching pathway, mentoring younger Canadian coaches, and contributing to Rugby Canada’s education programs.
- Promoting inclusivity and safe sport practices, which are emphasized in Canadian coaching frameworks.
Comparison: Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 Coach Duties
| Aspect | Tier 1 Nation (e.g., England, NZ) | Tier 2 Nation (e.g., Canada) |
|---|---|---|
| Talent Pool | Large, professional domestic leagues | Smaller, semi-pro leagues, reliance on overseas |
| Resources | Extensive staff, analytics, funding | Limited staff, budget constraints |
| Coach Focus | Tactical refinement, media management | Program-building, scouting, fundraising |
| Player Pathways | Strong academies, pro clubs | Developing pathways, bridging amateur to pro |
| Public Engagement | High-profile media duties | Advocacy to grow sport visibility |
from Rugby Canada
Rugby Canada and the Saracens of the PWR (Professional Women’s Rugby) in England are pleased to confirm that Kévin Rouet has joined the Saracens Women’s coaching group in North London on secondment, while continuing in his role as Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team.
Rugby Canada and the Saracens of the PWR (Professional Women’s Rugby) in England are pleased to confirm that Kévin Rouet has joined the Saracens Women’s coaching group in North London on secondment, while continuing in his role as Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team.
This move brings Rouet to England on a full-time basis for the remainder of the PWR season. It enables him to work closely with the eight Canadian players on the Saracens roster, while also giving him regular access to several other Canadian player competing across the PWR.
Rouet will specialize in attack during his time with the Saracens, gaining consistent weekly coaching experience following a successful Rugby World Cup campaign. The Canadian Head Coach will work alongside Saracens Director of Rugby, Alex Austerberry, with whom he served on the coaching staff that guided Canada to the 2025 Rugby World Cup Final. This appointment continues the strong and growing relationship between Saracens and Rugby Canada.