Stephen Meehan acknowledges the significant challenges that come with leading a Canadian national team but is prepared to confront them directly. Recently, Rugby Canada announced that Meehan, an Australian coach who took over the men’s rugby team last year, has extended his contract until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Meehan expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress, highlighting the importance of overcoming obstacles for personal growth. After Canada missed the men’s rugby World Cup in 2023 for the first time in over 20 years, Meehan played a key role in securing their qualification for the upcoming tournament in Australia.
With 17 years of coaching experience worldwide, including stints in England and France, Meehan emphasized the importance of building a talented and cohesive team. He aims to provide opportunities for players from various countries like Canada, Uruguay, Brazil, New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, Ireland, Wales, England, and France to come together and excel.
Despite the recent government funding boost of $775 million for Canadian sports over five years, Meehan stated that his decision to re-sign was not influenced by the extra support. However, he acknowledged that the additional resources would facilitate more frequent team gatherings, fostering stronger bonds both on and off the field.
Looking ahead, Meehan plans to elevate the men’s team’s world ranking from 25th and achieve success in the upcoming World Cup. The team is set to compete in Pool C alongside strong opponents like Argentina, Fiji, and Spain. Meehan aims to solidify the team’s performance and ensure a positive trajectory for future growth and success.
Meehan also emphasizes the importance of integrating the sevens and 15s teams to enhance overall team cohesion and performance. Rugby Canada CEO Nathan Bombrys commended Meehan’s dedication to developing the program and fostering a unified team approach.
As Meehan outlines his objectives for the next three years, he stresses the “one squad” concept, focusing on rankings, alignment, Olympic qualification, and overall community satisfaction with the team’s progress. His ultimate goal is to leave a legacy of continued success and growth for the Canadian national rugby team.