Hughes named new Brock women's rugby head coach

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Brock University Director of Athletics Chris Critelli is pleased to announce Peter Hughes as the new head coach of the Brock women's rugby program. He replaces Dan Valley who left Brock to pursue his master's in coaching.

"It is with great pride and excitement that we announce Peter Hughes as our new women’s rugby coach," said Critelli. "Pete played and coached rugby here at Brock and he brings with him not only some great coaching experience, but his chiropractic practice has sent  him in unique directions with the MLB and PGA. I believe the athletes will love what Pete brings to the field each practice and off the field he will bring the leadership that will take the team to the next level."

Hughes brings both a strong rugby background as a player and a coach. From 1986-90 he was one of the captains of the Brock men's rugby team. During his four seasons, he earned Most Improved Player (1987-88), Most Valuable Player (1988-89) and was a two-time OUAA All-Star. Other playing highlights includes four Ontario Men's 7 Championships with the Burlington Centaurs, captain of the Canada Rugby League in 10 international matches (1994-97) and captain of the Canada Rugby League World 7's.

Hughes was also a two-sport athlete at Life University in Georgia playing rugby and hockey. As a member of the Life University Hockey Team he helped lead them to three consecutive ACHA Championships from 1997-2000.

"I would like to thank the Department of Athletics for giving me the opportunity to come back to Brock to coach the women's program," said Hughes. "I am very excited and look forward to developing high calibre student-athletes and leading them to an OUA Championship."

His coaching began in 1992. From 1992-95 he was a coach with the St. Catharines Tigers men's and women's program. In 1994, Hughes led the Tigers to the Niagara Regional Women's Championship in their inaugural season in the league. In 1994-95 he was the head coach of the Brock men's rugby program.

Hughes graduated from Brock University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Physical Education Degree. Peter also holds a Masters Degree in Exercise and Sports Science along with a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University. He has also earned a Diploma of Sports Injury Management from Sheridan College.