By The Canadian Press

Canadian rugby coach Ric Suggitt dies suddenly at 58

Jun 27, 2017 | 2:32 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Canadian rugby coach Ric Suggitt, who led both the men’s and women’s national teams during his career, has died. He was 58.

Suggitt was the head coach of the women’s team at the University of Lethbridge.

He died Tuesday from a medical complication, according to a release from the school.

“He was a larger-than-life figure that demanded the best from all of us but gave back all he had in return and his energy was contagious,” the statement said. “His passing is heartbreaking for all of us in the Pronghorn family.”

Suggitt took over the Pronghorns program in 2015.

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“Ric, or Sluggo, as he was affectionately known was only with our program for a few short years but his impact has been profound,” the statement said. “He was a coach of the highest calibre, a colleague, a mentor but most importantly he was a friend to all of us here.”

An Edmonton native, Suggitt led the Canadian men’s side at the 2007 rugby World Cup. Prior to that, he coached the women’s national team and the men’s sevens squad.

Suggitt also coached the U.S. women’s sevens team until September 2015 when he joined the Pronghorns.

“It is with great sadness the Canadian rugby community mourns the sudden passing of Ric Suggitt, someone who did so much for our sport in this country,” Rugby Canada board chairman Tim Powers said in a statement.

Rugby Canada said Suggitt will be honoured at Saturday’s Canada-U.S. men’s game in San Diego.