The Waterloo Warriors women's rugby team will have a familiar face back on the sidelines when they take the field this fall.
The department of athletics and recreation is excited to announce that Jay Shaw has been named the new head coach of the women's rugby program. Shaw is returning to the black and gold for his second stint with the Warriors, having served as co-coach with Leslie Shaw from 2010 to 2014.
"I truly missed being on campus," said Shaw. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to lead the team again."
"Jay is an experienced leader with a strong track record at the USports level," added Brian Bourque, associate director of athletics and recreation. "He's committed to the success of our student-athletes, both on the field and in the classroom. We're thrilled that Jay and his staff are joining the Warriors, and we're excited for the future of the women's rugby program.
During his first tour with the Warriors, Shaw helped lead the team to an OUA bronze medal in 2010. Along with Leslie, he was twice named co-winner of the Sheils divison coach of the year (2010, 2012), as well as sharing the Imprint coach of the year award as Waterloo's top varsity coach for the 2010-11 varsity athletics season.
Shaw also played at the OUA level, capturing a provincial title with Laurier in 1996. Most recently, Shaw has been on the coaching staff with Brantford RFC of the Marshall League, the top men's rugby circuit in Ontario. During his time with Brantford, the club made four straight McCormick Cup championship appearances, winning the title in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Shaw will be joined on the sideline by new assistant coach Levi Rowbottom, who currently patrols the sidelines as the head coach for the Waterloo County Rugby Club's senior women's team. Shaw said the fit with Rowbottom was a natural one, and is excited to get to work with not only his new players, but a new assistant coach as well.
"We have worked together before," said Shaw. "We know how to gameplan before a game, communicate during games, and break things down after a game."
Shaw says that he expects to get to know his players and formulate a style that fits best with the personnel as the season nears. But he and Rowbottom share a common goal of success both on and off the field.
"We stress fundamentals, for sure," said Shaw. "We teach a high-tempo game, so that's usually a strength of our teams. Education is first though. We are one of the top universities in Canada, so our mission is for our players to graduate, and have success after school, while having some fun and competing at a high level."
Shaw and the Warriors will return to campus for training camp in late August, before they host the York Lions for their OUA regular season opener on September 2.
