Queen's Athletics and Recreation is pleased to announce that David Butcher, the current high performance manager for Rugby Ontario, will become the first full-time coach of Queen's men's rugby, beginning July 31.

"We are thrilled to welcome David to Queen's, and look forward to his leadership and expertise as we begin a new season of men's rugby with a full-time coach in place," says Sean Scott, Director, High Performance Sport Operations.

Butcher has been involved in rugby for more than 20 years, first as a professional player and then as a coach and sports development professional working with provincial and national teams in both Canada and the United Kingdom. In addition to his current role with Rugby Ontario, Butcher is the technical resource coach, national A team assistant coach (forwards), national U20 coach (forwards), and national scrum development coach for Rugby Canada. Prior to that, he was the high performance coach for Scottish Rugby.

"I am extremely excited to be taking up the role of head coach for Queen's men's rugby program," says Butcher. "The rugby program at Queen's is one of if not the biggest and most successful University rugby programs in Canada, and I am looking forward to continuing to drive this success and exceed it."

Queen's recently announced it was establishing full-time coaching positions for both its men's and women's rugby and soccer programs, creating opportunities for sustained excellence, increased athlete development and strategic planning for both sports.

"Having a full-time men's rugby coach allows for increased athlete and team development, community interaction, and strategic planning year-round, which in turn enhances the student-athlete experience and the team's overall competitive advantage," says Leslie Dal Cin, Executive Director, Athletics and Recreation. "This role would not be possible without the generous support of our men's rugby alumni and the efforts of the many volunteer and part-time coaches, most recently Gary Gilks and his team of assistant coaches, that have brought us to this point."

The men's rugby team begins its 2017 OUA season Monday, September 4 against the Trent Excalibur in Peterborough.