Webster steps down as UPEI rugby coach

After three years as the head coach and two years as assistant coach of the UPEI women's rugby team, Mary Jane 'MJ' Webster has resigned due to other rugby and personal commitments.

'After five years with the program, I felt it was time to step aside as it's important to allow for fresh ideas and a fresh approach to continue the growth of the program,' says Webster, who also coaches the Morell High School rugby team and is President of the PEI Rugby Union. 'I plan to continue recruiting and fundraising until a replacement is named, and certainly will look to help in any way I can to ease the transition.'

During Webster's tenure, the rugby team produced several AUS All-Stars, two CIS All-Canadians, and recently, current players Sumara Profit, Katie Champion, and Hannah Szwarc were invited to a U20 Canadian Women's Rugby Development Team camp in California.

'We are sorry that MJ is giving up her position as our head coach,' says Ron Annear, UPEI Athletics Director. 'Her love for and commitment to the sport have had a positive impact on the team over the years. We hope that she will be able to contribute to the program in other ways in the future.'

Webster, who played with St. Francis Xavier, Saint Mary's, and UPEI during her own rugby career, leaves her coaching position with a positive outlook. 'I really enjoyed my time coaching the Panthers, especially alongside Shannon Atkins and Michelle Tremere. I know that the team has the potential to be even better with a new head coach and a commitment to support the players.'

UPEI will begin advertising for the vacant position later this week.