Kieran Crowley resigns as Canada coach ahead of move to Europe

Kieran Crowley has resigned as Canada coach two weeks after agreeing to lead them through qualification for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby Canada confirmed on Wednesday it had started a search for a new coach, while reports in the Canadian press hinted that Crowley had agreed to take over at Guinness PRO12 side Benetton Treviso.

New Zealander Crowley had been in charge of the national team since 2008 and he took them to the World Cup in 2011 and last year, where they were beaten in all of their pool games.

He accepted a contract extension just before Christmas but told Rugby Canada on Tuesday he had changed his mind. Women's coach Francois Ratier will take over in the interim.

"We are disappointed to see Kieran leave, however we appreciate all he has given our program over the past eight years and wish both him and his family the very best as he takes on a new challenge in Europe," team manager Gareth Rees said.

Ratier's first game in charge will be against Uruguay in the Americas Rugby Championship on February 6.