Head coach Clive Gibson is pleased to announce Shane Thomas has joined the Concordia Stingers men’s rugby program and will take on the duties of forward coach for the 2010 season.
Thomas has more than 30 years of rugby experience, including a vast amount of knowledge from the Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere versions of the game.
“I’m happy to welcome Shane and look forward to seeing the impact his varied knowledge base can bring to the players in the coming season,” Gibson said.
Thomas started playing rugby as a youngster in his native New Zealand. As a young man he travelled extensively spending time in Australia, Europe and finally settling in London where he played for the London New Zealand RFC.
He came to Montreal in 2009 and became an active member of the Beaconsfield RFC. He played a major role in resurrecting the dormant women’s program as well as making contributions off the field with fundraising and team building activities.
In the spring of 2010 he coached Westwood High School (Hudson, Que.). He’s also coached the forwards with the Quebec U16 boys program.
The Concordia men’s rugby team opens training camp Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. on the university’s Loyola campus. There will be a team meeting followed by fitness testing. The Stingers open Quebec conference play on Sept. 12 when they host the Bishop’s Gaiters.
