Rugby Canada Coaching Updates – March 2024

Jack Hanratty to Leave Head Coach Position of National Women’s 7s Team Following 2024 Paris Olympics – Starts at University of Ottawa in 2025

Jack Hanratty will leave his position as Head Coach of the national women’s 7s team after the Paris Olympics which ends mid-August. The Rugby Canada press release indicates he will take a short break and start his university role in 2025 which would mean he would miss the 2024 USports rugby season which runs from September to November. The 2024 championship will be hosted by UPEI.

The position at the University of Ottawa caught our eye in November when we posted it on X as it represented the high end for salary for university rugby coaches in Canada.

The position of Head Coach for the national women’s 7s program has a history of being a stressful, and volatile environment. It created a lot of controversy when John Tait was ousted by a player led movement prior to the 2020 Olympics (held in 2021). The team ended up finishing out of the top 8 in 2021 after winning the Bronze medal in the 2016 Olympics under Tait’s leadership.

It seems a wise move by Hanratty, the best rugby coaching jobs in Canada tend to be at the university level and at private colleges. We wish him all the best and will miss seeing him around the rugby pitches on Vancouver Island.

from Rugby Canada

Jack Hanratty, Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team, will depart Rugby Canada following the Paris 2024 Olympics. Hanratty will begin a new role in 2025 as Head Coach of the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees women’s rugby team.

“This has been one the most rewarding and challenging roles I have ever had; I am tremendously proud of how much the team has developed and working with such quality staff and these world class players is something I feel very fortunate about,” said Hanratty. “We are looking forward to the final rounds of the HSBC SVNS Series, and then all eyes on the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.”

Rugby Canada celebrates Hanratty being appointed the Head Coach of the University of Ottawa women’s rugby program beginning in 2025.

“Jack’s enthusiasm and energy will be a huge asset to the University of Ottawa program, in tandem with his knowledge of the Canadian rugby landscape and women’s rugby.” said Stephen Aboud, Rugby Canada’s High-Performance Director. “Jack and the team remain highly focused on preparing and proudly representing Canada on the World Rugby SVNS Series and at the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.”

Rugby Canada will continue preparing and succession planning for the next cycle for both of Canada’s Women’s and Men’s Sevens Teams.

Hanratty was named Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team in August 2022, having served in the role on an interim basis starting in October 2021. His time with Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team is highlighted by the team’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, silver at the 2023 Pan American Games and bronze at the recent 2024 HSBC SVNS Vancouver. Since 2021, 22 players have made their international debut for Canada.

“I’m looking forward to a short break to rest and reset before starting my new role where I’ll happily continue growing women’s rugby in Canada,” Hanratty said. “I want to thank everyone at Rugby Canada for the opportunity and support over the last number of years and look forward to continuing to be a member of the Rugby Canada community.”

Posted in Coaching, Front Page, Rugby Canada.