Suggitt facing stiff opposition

Suggitt: Forced to follow in Graham Henry's footsteps

Rugby Canada has named a five-man panel that will assess applications for the post of head coach of the national side.

Ric Suggitt's contract expires at the end of the month and Rugby Canada, like the New Zealand Rugby Union, has opted to advertise the job while inviting Suggitt to reapply if he so desires.

The panel is made up of CEO Graham Brown, high performance director Geraint John, board member Dave Robertson, former coach Pat Parfrey and former Canada star Mike James.

With the job posting closing on Friday, Rugby Canada hopes to choose the coach by 1 March and have him in place by 1 June in time for the Churchill Cup tournament.

In the interim, current assistant coach John Tait - under the advice of John - will act as caretaker coach, working with the 22-man senior Canada squad.

John explained the timing of the overall process, noting the response has been great both from within Canada, with applicants who have senior team experience applying, as well as candidates from the northern and southern hemisphere, a number of whom have Tier One coaching experience.

"We have been overwhelmed by the response to this posting," he said.

"There is a lot of interest from across the country and around the world from people who believe in the Canadian team and what they can achieve."

Brown was pleased with how the process has gone and welcomed the input of Parfrey and James.

"They have been involved with the game of rugby in Canada from very diverse perspectives, and that was why we got them involved," he said.

"A former coach is going to look for things that maybe a player wouldn't and vice versa, so I think it is a good mix, along with our other committee members."

Canada, currently ranked 14th in the IRB World Rankings, failed to register a win at the recent World Cup.