Former Canadian international Sean White has been named assistant coach of the Canadian men's rugby sevens team.
White will work with head coach Henry Paul and Phil Mack, a former Canadian international who is in charge of Rugby Canada men’s development academy in Langford, B.C.
Word of White's appointment comes on the eve of this weekend's HSBC Canada Sevens in Vancouver.
Rugby Canada said the Victoria native was one of five people on the hiring committee’s shortlist.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to give this opportunity to an extremely talented Canadian coach in Sean,” Paul said in a statement. “Having worked closely with (Rugby Canada director of performance and men's 15s coach) Kingsley (Jones) throughout this process, we were impressed with the calibre of the coaches that applied and that were interviewed.
"Despite receiving strong interest from several very experienced international coaches, we felt Sean was the outstanding candidate, both for the position technically and culturally. Add this to Sean’s extensive experience in international rugby, both in 15s and sevens, we are certain he is the right man for the job."
The New Zealand-born Paul, who played for England in both sevens and 15s in rugby union and also represented New Zealand in rugby league, has been in charge of the Canadian men's sevens team since May 2019.
White won 32 caps for the Canadian 15s team, including the 2011 Rugby World Cup, He also played 27 times for the Canadian sevens squad, competing at two Pan American Games and two Commonwealth Games.
White has spent the last four years as head coach of B.C. Rugby’s men’s NextGen Sevens side and three years as head coach of the James Bay Athletic Association’s men’s team.
The Canadian men's team. which underwent a roster turnover with players retiring after an eighth-place finish at last summer's Tokyo Olympics, stands 14th after five of nine events this season on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
"This young, core group of players has limitless potential," White said. "I’m excited to support their long-term development as individuals and I cherish the opportunity to prepare these players with the tools necessary to succeed on the world stage.”
The Canadian men are in a tough group in Vancouver, playing in Pool C with first-place South Africa, No. 2 Australia and No. 9 Spain.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 12, 2022
Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
