Canadian Classics Women's Team Announces Staff

Executive Director of Canadian Classics Rugby Darrin Chaplin recently announced the formulation of technical staff for the 2022 Canadian Classics Women’s Team which is in the process of being finalized for their inaugural fixture(s) this year.

Jen Ross, tireless career player, coach, and mentor has been named head coach. Ross has devoted countless hours to growing rugby, particularly on the women’s side, earning the prestigious Rugby Canada Coach of the Year Award in 2012. Ross was a member of the National Women’s 15’s 1994 World Cup team and has 4 caps for Canada.

“To be able to work with the quality and calibre of female athletes we’re assembling to once again represent this country is a privilege,” said Ross. “We wanted our coaching staff to represent the generations of women that have worn the Maple Leaf – the pioneers of the National program. The forthcoming match will represent the history of women’s rugby in Canada. It is the pillar our current National team’s success was built on. I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.”

Ross will be supported by Rugby Canada Hall of Fame member Julie Foster as backs coach (with an impressive 44 Canadian caps) and BC Hall of Fame member Ged Griffiths as forwards coach (3 caps for Canada). These distinguished coaches and Canadian rugby personalities are thrilled to work together to bring the inaugural Canadian Classics Women team to life.  

Ged Griffith has been involved with rugby since 1981 as both player and coach. Griffith played over 30 years and was capped for Canada in 1993. Highlights are many: playing with both of her daughters, coaching with her husband, and coaching her own grandson. Highly decorated as a volunteer, player, and coach, Griffiths has a trophy named for her; the Ged Griffiths cup is awarded to the second division BC provincial champions women’s team. Griffiths herself has earned the cup, having been on the winning team twice. 

Former National Women’s Team Manager (1996-2008), Newfoundland and Labrador legend Roxanne Butler will serve as Team Manager. Butler has a vast CV, beginning in the early 90’s when she captained the St. John’s Swilers. She has coached, managed, and directed at all levels of rugby within the Swilers’ club and Newfoundland and Labrador since then, deservedly netting the Rugby Canada’s Volunteer of the Year award in 2016. She is currently the Head Coach of Development for the Women’s U17 & U19 programs and is Secretary of Newfoundland Rugby.

Randi Hunter, a long-time athlete in both 7s and 15s, represented Canada in U17 and U19. She also played for the University of Victoria and currently laces up for Westshore RFC. Hunter joins the team behind the team as the Training Coach and Athletic Therapist. 

Filling the role of Communications will be Canadian rugby writer Karen Gasbarino. Gasbarino has attended countless Rugby Canada matches and events in a press capacity. Having written for multiple online rugby outlets, she has interviewed over 100 rugby personalities. 

Finally, Julie McGann-Taylor will feature as the Canadian Classics Women’s Player Ambassador. Representing the Brampton Beavers from 1990-2002, McGann-Taylor is capped 7 times and was also part of the 1994 national squad. A member of the Rugby Ontario Hall of Fame, having won 5 national championships with the Blues,
 

About Canadian Classics Rugby:
Canadian Classics were founded over 20 years ago by former Canadian International Tom Woods and traditionally compete in two events annually: The Classic Can Am Summer Series (North America), and The World Rugby Classic (Bermuda). These events provide a platform for former Canadian Internationals, and deserving domestic players, to represent Canada together on a world stage in the “Classic” (over 32) category.  

For more information on becoming a member of the Canadian Classics or to support, please contact Darrin Chaplin at: classicsrugby@gmail.com