Kevin Rouet Staying on as Canada Women’s Coach, Phil Berna Moving On from Rugby 7s, Liz Montroy Leaving Rugby Canada for PWHL
This week several announcements about Rugby Canada players, coaches and staff either staying, leaving or moving on came across the desk, hence the “Who is Leaving, Staying and Moving On”. It could become a regular column.
Kevin Rouet is staying on as head coach of the women’s XVs program past the World Cup and at least till the end of 2027. Good news as he’s been effective, not only as a head coach but in growing the women’s game across Canada and developing pathways, as he stated, he’s “looking forward to building and growing not just this squad for the future but helping grow women’s rugby across Canada.” In a vast country like Canada where rugby is a secondary sport, we need head coaches who see the big picture, develop relationships with provinces and help develop pathways. If they would only find someone like that for the men’s programs.
Talking of men’s programs, Phil Berna recently announced his “formal” retirement from the national 7s program. He’s moving on with his business career post rugby. We’ve linked his Linkedin profile, if you can help in his career path, reach out to him on that platform. Best of luck Phil.
Liz Montroy, the current Manager of Communications at RC, also posted on Linkedin about leaving RC and finding her “dream” job at the PWHL Vancouver franchise. We’ve seen many Communication Managers come and go at Rugby Canada and Liz was one of the better ones, no one was better than Bryan Kelly, but Liz did pretty well. Hoping someone from the rugby community fills the role, and the link to the job posting at RC, is below. Best wishes to Liz at the PWHL Vancouver franchise.
Rugby Canada is pleased to announce that Kevin Rouet will continue in his role as Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team through the end of 2027.
Rouet was named Head Coach in March 2022 in time to lead the team through the Rugby World Cup that fall. He is now preparing to coach Canada at the Rugby World Cup once again, and with this contract extension has committed to another two years with Rugby Canada following England 2025.
In his time as Head Coach, Rouet has led Canada to a historic first-ever win over New Zealand and a Pacific Four Series title, achieving a 21-8-1 record and helping the team maintain a position as second overall in the world rankings for a period of over a year (May 2024 to now). Rouet has also been instrumental in championing Rugby Canada’s One Squad philosophy, leading the way for increased collaboration between teams and programs.
“Kevin has done outstanding work with our women’s program, and we would like to recognize his great commitment to developing a world-class team and the culture he has built within his squad,” said Nathan Bombrys, CEO of Rugby Canada. “We are pleased to be able to secure one of the world’s top international coaches in Kevin for another two years and continue to work with him as he leads our women’s program on to new heights.”
“I am very excited for the opportunity to continue coaching this group of amazing players,” said Rouet. “This gives the team and myself confidence going into the World Cup. I know next year will be a new chapter for the team but I am already looking forward to building and growing not just this squad for the future but helping grow women’s rugby across Canada.”
Following this week’s training camp in Perth, Ontario, 32 players will be selected to Canada’s Women’s Rugby Team to travel to South Africa for a pair of matches against the Springbok Women on July 5 and 12. The team will then play the United States in Ottawa on August 1 and Ireland in Belfast on August 9 before officially kicking off the Rugby World Cup on August 23.
Just over a year ago, I pulled on a Canada 7s jersey for what I suspected would be the last time.
I’ve gone back and forth on whether to write something to mark my retirement, partly because it took months to admit to myself that I was done (does that “I still got it” feeling ever really go away?), and partly because I wrestled with whether I was even deserving of a formal sendoff.
But after 9 years, over 50 Sevens World Series tournaments, an Olympic Games, and countless memories, it feels right to put a bow on it.
It’s true that the most memorable parts of those years aren’t the scores or standings, it’s everything in between. The lessons in resilience, leadership, and perseverance; the countless hours spent in training and recovery; the mental battles on and off the field; and the friendships made through shared purpose. The wins were great, and the lessons were many, but it was the growth, the travel, the challenges, and the small moments with teammates and supporters that made it all unforgettable.
I’m grateful that I got to live out my dream job. Representing Canada for as long as I did was an incredible privilege, and a major goal realized. Now, I’m energized by the chance to discover what my next dream job looks like.
I’m currently finishing the final stretch of a business undergrad and exploring opportunities in consulting and business more broadly. I’m excited to bring the same commitment, curiosity, and drive I developed through sport into new challenges.
If you’ve walked this road before, or value the experience athletes bring to the workforce, I’d love to connect. The support I’ve already received has made all the difference, and I’m keen to pay it forward and keep building new relationships.
Here’s to what’s next.
Phil.
After 2.5 years with Rugby Canada, this chapter is coming to a close.
There are so many things from the last 2.5 years that I am grateful to have experienced and proud to have achieved: three Vancouver Sevens, the Paris 2024 Olympics, and many more tournaments, test matches, media days, and PR plans.
Rugby Canada is made up of incredibly talented and dedicated people who really care about seeing our national teams and this sport succeed. I have learned so much from my colleagues who I know will continue to accomplish great things for rugby in Canada, and I’m excited to keep cheering for them and our teams.
My role has been posted on rugby.ca, please share if you know someone who might be a good fit: https://lnkd.in/geJ8GGGc
What’s next for me is a dream role, as Media and Community Relations Manager for PWHL Vancouver. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and very excited to get started and to play my part in building something amazing in my home city!