KINGSTON, Ont. (April 22, 2024) – Queen's Athletics & Recreation announced today that John Lavery has been named the second full-time head coach of the Queen's Men's Rugby program.
Lavery will assume the role of head coach after serving as head coach of the Concordia Stingers Men's Rugby program for the past four years.
"I am thrilled to have John join Queen's Athletics & Recreation as our new Men's Rugby Head Coach," said Linda Melnick, Executive Director, Queen's Athletics & Recreation. "He is an accomplished coach who understands and values the importance of a strong environment that encourages student-athletes to excel. John has coached and competed at the highest level of Canadian men's university rugby, and knows the pathway to student-athletes reaching their highest potential. In the role of Head Coach, John will help shape the next chapter of the storied Queen's Men's Rugby program."
After Lavery's first season at Concordia was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the Stingers to a 5-1 regular season record and the RSEQ Championship in 2021. Concordia also competed in the Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship (CUMRC), hosted by Queen's that season, earning the Consolation Championship.
In three seasons at the helm at Concordia, Lavery led the Stingers to a combined 12-7 regular season record, with two RSEQ playoff appearances, one conference championship, and one berth into the CUMRC.
"I am honoured and thrilled for the opportunity to lead this historic program as Head Coach," said Lavery. "I started playing rugby in Kingston as a teen and it's a privilege to now join Queen's Men's Rugby and help contribute to the program's rich history. I look forward to upholding the standard and striving for new heights with our exceptional student-athletes, both on and off the pitch. I truly appreciate the hard work of the staff at Queen's, and I'm excited to join them and continue building on the great culture with the Gaels."
Lavery has served as a coach among the various men's rugby programs for Rugby Quebec and has led the U19 Men's teams for the past 14 years. He has also been a Skills Coach in the Quebec region for the Montreal Academy and served as an assistant coach for the Toronto Arrows Rugby Football Club Academy.
Lavery also held multiple positions with Rugby Canada, including Forwards Coach for the U18/19 Men's teams, and Scrum and Contact Skills Coach for the U20 Women's team, and Maple Leafs.
As a player, Lavery represented the Kingston Panthers, and Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue Rugby Football Club at the club level, and the Quebec Senior men in the RCSL. He also played at John Abbott College at the CEGEP level, and Trent University, where he was a three-time OUA All-Star.
Lavery will begin his new position on May 8, 2024.
