Tait takes the reins in Canada

Former men's Canada assistant coach John Tait will take up the role on an interim basis and his responsibilities will include both the 15 and 7 aside national sides. He will be in charge at least to the end of summer 2011.

Long, who is also heavily involved with Rugby Alberta cited a heavy schedule and an inability to commit to moving to Victoria fulltime as the reasons behind his departure. He is the fouth high profile women's rugby coach to step down since the World Cup - with Scotland'sGary Parker, the USA'sKathy Floresand WalesJason Lewisalso leaving their roles in recent months.

Canada impressed early in this year's World Cup but finished a disappointing 6th - down two places from the previous competition.

Tait is a former player and coach with the Canadian men's team along with professional stints in France and Wales.

"It is an honour to be at the helm of this national programme - a terrific opportunity and I look forward to working with the women in achieving a number of goals this season," said Tait. "I've been working hard, along with all of the High Performance staff and Rugby Canada's partners, to plan a long term competitive schedule that will give the women the best opportunity to succeed as well as develop our domestic competitions that will support the National teams.

"I have always been impressed with the commitment the women have made to represent Canada and I will be striving to build on that by utilizing every available resource out there to ensure we reach our full potential. "

Rugby Canada said that a major focus for the women's game will be the 7s game- and the Canadian women are working hard to position the womens game as medal contenders for Own the Podium (OTP) leaders, the Canadian Olympic funding agency that helps direct athletes and sports to medal success.

The goal for the women's 7s team is to get to the medal podium at the 2016 Rio Olympic games and a spot in the finals at the upcoming 2013 7s World Cup.