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October 8, 2014 — After a very successful 2014 inaugural rugby season, the Life West Gladiators move to Division II and appoint a new coach.
“We chose rugby as a scholarship sport because of its long association with chiropractic and its incredible growth in the U.S.,” Life West President Brian Kelly, DC, said. “The ability to build a championship team is a great metaphor and showcase for chiropractic and the college.”
In 2014, the Gladiators won the following titles:
- Northern California Rugby Football Union, Division III Champions (held in San Francisco)
- U.S.A. Rugby Pacific North Conference, Division III Champions (held in Boise, Idaho)
- U.S.A. Rugby Western League, Division III Champions (held in Dallas, Texas)
- Runners-up in the U.S.A. Rugby National Division III Championship (held in Madison, Wisconsin)
The college is very pleased to announce the appointment of a new coach from New Zealand, Adriaan Ferris. Ferris is an international coach and ex-professional rugby player. He is the former head coach of the Northland ITM Cup team in New Zealand and is currently on the coaching staff on the Tonga National Team, the ‘Ikale Tahi.
“The opportunity to coach in the U.S. was too good to pass up,” Ferris said. “Undoubtedly, rugby in the U.S. is on the rise and to be part of that development is exciting.”
As a qualified IRB Coach Educator, Ferris will be developing new coaching staff with a long-term plan to develop coaches as well as players. With a degree in sport coaching and recreation, he has also been appointed the college’s first athletic director.
“What struck me with Life West was the passion,” Ferris said. “They have a clear vision for where Life West Rugby wants to be, which makes my job as a coach a lot easier. From my experience, organizations that have a clear vision and competent people in leadership roles tend to succeed in the long term.”
With Northern California Rugby confirming the Gladiators move to Division II, the Gladiators will field two sides and expand the coaching staff.
A twelve-week, pre-season training begin in October, and a team camp will be held in the Santa Cruz Mountains in November.
Interested players, assistant coaches, or chiropractic students looking to join the Gladiators on academic scholarship, contact Club President Bruce Chester at bchester@lifewest.edu or visit LifeWestRugby.com.
Source: Life Chiropractic College West
