Jennifer Russell was appointed head coach of the York women’s rugby program in 2016 after serving as an assistant coach for three seasons. She is a graduate of Western University and is the sixth head coach in program history.
Russell began her coaching career assisting the Mustangs women’s program while finishing off her bachelor of education in physical education. In addition to her coaching duties with the Lions, Russell will continue in her role as coach of the Ontario Storm’s U18 central hub program. Her coaching history also includes a stint as head coach and director of women’s rugby with the Toronto Nomads Rugby Football Club, head coach of the varsity women’s rugby team at Havergal College and assistant coach with the U20 Newfoundland Rock girls’ team.
Russell comes from a family of rugby enthusiasts. Her father, Sandy Russell, got her and her sisters involved in the Toronto Nomads Rugby Club, where their love of the game was sparked. One of three siblings to play rugby at a high level, Russell’s two younger sisters Kelly and Laura are two of the current leaders and key players within Rugby Canada’s national team program, with Kelly representing Canada and winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics with the women’s rugby 7s team.
In her playing days, Russell was a star on Western’s rugby team and with the Ontario Storm provincial squad. She’s a competition development trained coach and brings a passion for defence, contact skills and sharing her field vision to the Lions.
