The McMaster men’s rugby team is happy to formally welcome Dan Pletch as the program’s head coach, taking over for long-time Marauder coach Phil White.
A former standout player with the Marauders, Pletch is extremely excited to succeed one of his mentors at the helm of the Maroon. “Phil and I have developed quite a special relationship over the years, as of course he was my coach at McMaster from 2002 to 2006,” said Pletch. “We’ve since become coaching colleagues and great friends.”
As a player at McMaster Pletch served as team captain in 2006 and helped the Marauders capture three OUA championships over his varsity career. Pletch also played for the Canadian Senior National team from 2004-10, registering 31 caps, and representing his country in the 2007 World Cup of Rugby. He spent one season playing professionally for the Aix En Provence club team in France.
Pletch has been on the McMaster coaching staff for the last two seasons, and served as Associate Head Coach in 2013 to assist in the transition from Coach White, who completed his 25th season on the Marauder sideline and was named the OUA Coach of the Year for the fifth time in his career.
“Obviously I’ve got very big shoes to fill, but I’m well supported with an excellent coaching staff and athletic department,” Pletch said. “I’m excited about the prospect of producing more top-class rugby players from the McMaster program.”
McMaster Associate Director of Athletics, Mark Alfano believes Pletch is an outstanding addition to the Marauder coaching roster, saying “Dan was a tremendous athlete when he competed here at McMaster and for the Canadian National team and he will set a fine example for our current and future student-athletes. His passion, excitement for rugby and strong leadership will keep Marauder rugby at the top of the OUA for years to come.”
Along with assuming his McMaster duties, Pletch is employed as a teacher at Frank J. Hayden Secondary School in Burlington, where he is also the senior boy’s rugby coach.