“Alex, Richard and Rob bring excellent rugby knowledge and experience which we believe will contribute to and enhance the success of the Arrows and Canadian players in their system.”
Howley is entering his third season with the men’s national team.
The Arrows 2023 roster includes 22 eligible players for Canada, including Canada captain Lucas Rumball and nine others who have already won caps for the national team. Canadian Sevens alumnus Ciaran Breen signed with the Arrows in November. There is also Canadian content in Arrows Academy.
Lee comes from Ealing Trailfinders, a club in England’s second division. He previously held positions in performance, sports science and strength and conditioning at England Rugby, Richmond Rugby and London Welsh. Lee has also acted as a consultant for Rugby Canada on several HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments and the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Owen comes from Welsh Rugby Union, where he analyzed the Wales women’s national team, as well as the Welsh Premier League and school teams.
Both Lee and Owen will also support Canada’s national programs for men, women and seniors.
“We are delighted to be working with Rugby Canada to appoint two coaches with a proven track record at the highest levels of the sport,” Arrows President Bill Webb said in a statement. “Alex and Richard will bring a wealth of first-class professional and international experience to Canada, with both the Canada national team and the professional team able to benefit significantly from their expertise.”
“We look forward to working more closely with Rugby Canada to support the growth of rugby in our country and using our combined resources to develop our sport from the grassroots to the professional level.”
The Arrows open the 2023 MLR season at Rugby ATL on February 17.
—
Follow @NeilMDavidson on Twitter
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on January 19, 2023
Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press