Canada axe their coach
Rugby Canada's General Manager of Rugby Operations and Performance Jim Dixon confirmed that they will not be renewing the contract of Middleton.
Canada finished 13 in the 2015-16 Sevens Qorld Series, having failed to reach the Cup stage an all 10 tournaments.
Wednesday's announcement came after an extensive review of the Sevens team's season – which Middleton has been the coach of since September of 2014 – following a fifth place finish at the last-chance repechage qualifier in Monaco for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
"On behalf of everyone at Rugby Canada, I would like to thank Liam for his service to the organisation," Dixon said.
"Liam has given his all as coach of our Men's Sevens program and we thank him for his dedication to achieve success. The program has made positive progress in a number of areas under his leadership."
Rugby Canada's current staff will maintain preparations for the 2016-17 Sevens World Series, including re-centralisation in August at the Canadian Rugby Centre of Excellence.
"The future success of this program is reliant on continuing the culture of excellence, commitment and discipline established by Liam. I am 100 percent confident the program staff, and most importantly the players, will respond to this challenge. Our objective is to have a new coach in place by October 1st," added Dixon.
"There are some outstanding people in the Rugby Canada Men's Sevens program, who are genuine world class deliverers in their respective fields and I wish them well and look forward to watching their progress," said Middleton.
"Rugby Canada will conduct a global search for a permanent head coach immediately. It is expected there will be plenty of interest in fulfilling this important role and the necessary time will be taken to find the right candidate," said Allen Vansen, CEO of Rugby Canada.
"We appreciate all that Liam has given our Program over the past 22 months and wish both him and his family the very best moving forward," added Vansen.
