The Brock Badgers women’s rugby team will be guided by a leader who possesses a wealth of coaching experience ranging from grassroots sport to provincial powerhouses.

Adrian Brown, who has spent the past two years as an assistant coach with the Brock rugby program, was appointed as head coach of the Badgers on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

“Adrian brings practical experience, with a comprehensive understanding of university sport which prioritizes the development of our student-athletes both on and off the field,” said Melissa Krist, Executive Director of Brock Sports and Recreation. “His commitment to fostering a balance of both a positive and competitive environment aligns with our values here at Brock.”

Having previously served as the defensive and backs coach for Brock, Brown is no stranger to the team’s dynamics and has been instrumental in shaping their defensive strategies.

“I’m excited to step into this new role and continue building on the strong foundation we have at Brock,” Brown said. “The team has shown incredible grit and determination, and I’m looking forward to leading them to new heights.”

Brown’s coaching philosophy centres on experiential learning, creating a supportive environment for athletes to grow both individually and as a team.

“The biggest thing is making sure everyone is clear and striving for a common goal,” he said. “If everyone’s heading in the same direction, it makes achieving our goals a lot easier.”

Before joining Brock, Brown coached at various levels, including the Niagara Rugby Union’s 7s program, the Brantford Harlequins, Rugby Ontario and the Ontario Blues High Performance Program.

His dedication to sport is evident in his efforts to restart the varsity wrestling program at Centre Dufferin District High School and achieve multiple Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) podium finishes.

Brown’s background as a varsity wrestler at the University of Guelph has also influenced his coaching style.

“Coming out of high school, I was a better wrestler than a rugby player. I went in for wrestling and picked up rugby again after university,” Brown said. “That experience has shaped my approach to coaching, especially in tackling and defensive techniques.”

Brown is optimistic about the upcoming season, which begins on Aug. 31.

“Our team has a lot of grit and determination. They’ve grown massively since the COVID-19 pandemic, and there’s still room for growth,” he said. “One thing we are big on is intensity and aggression. Defence comes first, and that’s what wins championships.”

Brown’s appointment marks a new chapter for Brock’s women’s rugby team, with high hopes for a successful season after reaching the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) semifinal last season.

“I know we have a really strong senior group, and it’s really their program,” he said. “Our purposes as coaches are to facilitate their goals and hopefully lead them to a national championship.”