WATERLOO, Ont. - Laurier Athletics and Recreation has announced that Eric Ciezar (SEE-zar) has been named head coach of its women's rugby program.

Ciezar was an assistant coach with last year's squad, supporting player development, fitness and game preparation, and orchestrating the backline offence and defence.

"I want to thank WLU for allowing me to take on and continue to foster the growth of the women's rugby program here at Laurier as its head coach," said Ciezar. "Getting to know the returning players and recruits coming in, I feel we will be a united force in 2024.

"Laurier women's rugby, along with support from the coaching staff, athletic therapy, and strength and conditioning, will bring in the mental and physical fortitude and the fundamental honed-in skills required for a successful season."

The 55 year-old veteran coach has no shortage of OUA head coaching experience, having led the University of Waterloo's women's rugby program from 1997-2009 before returning for another three-year stint from 2019-2022.

During that time, the Warriors finished in the top three provincially eight times. Over the initial 13-season span, his squads accumulated an overall record of 70 wins, 37 losses and three ties and went to three consecutive OUA finals (1999-2001) and five overall, winning gold in 2000 and 2001. Waterloo also won two Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) bronze medals ('99, '00) and one CIS silver medal in 2001.

The Warriors accumulated three conference bronze medals during his tenure as well.

At the local level, Ciezar served as Waterloo County Women's Rugby head coach from 1994-2000 and again from 2019-2022. He led the Bluevale Collegiate senior boys squad for a decade too, from 2007-2017, winning four regional titles.

Laurier's Associate Director of Interuniversity Sport Programming, Ryan Lannan, described Ciezar's appointment as ensuring that "the foundation for women's rugby at Laurier is in a great place."  

"I am excited to work alongside Eric and the coaching staff he has assembled to elevate the experience for our student-athletes," Lannan said. "His experience at the high-performance level and stature within the sport of rugby bodes well for the short and long-term success of our program."

The Golden Hawks begin its first season under Ciezar's tenure on the road at Toronto on Sunday, September 1 at noon. 

They return to Waterloo for their home opener on Sunday, September 8 at noon when they host the Western Mustangs at Knight-Newbrough Field. Admission is free.