Canada's rugby schedule for the fall is taking shape, with coach Kieran Crowley remaining at the helm.
Crowley, a former All Black who took over as national team coach in March 2008, applied this summer for the coaching vacancy with Super Rugby's Auckland Blues back in his native New Zealand.
The job eventually went to former All Black Sir John Kirwan.
Crowley, who is under contract to Rugby Canada through June 2016, asked Rugby Canada for permission before applying for the Auckland position.
"He's done a great job here. We're lucky to have him," Rugby Canada CEO Graham Brown said Tuesday of Crowley.
"I think we have an unwritten policy that if Kieran's time is up, he would be thanked very much for what he's done and he would be encouraged to move up in his career ladder," Brown added.
Crowley apparently is happy with his current role but was looking to make a signal for the future, that he would be interested in returning to New Zealand at some stage.
Despite stiff opposition for the position, he got to the final interview stage in Auckland.
Crowley inherited a Canadian team ranked 15th in the world when he succeeded Ric Suggitt. Canada currently stands 13th but Crowley has won kudos for making the Canadian program more professional while developing depth.
He is popular with his players and well respected in the rugby world.
