PHILADELPHIA – Veteran rugby coach Chris Rowell, who has experience both domestically and abroad coaching, is joining the La Salle women's rugby program as an assistant coach, announced head coach Kelsie McDowell. Rowell most recently spent time coaching the Cardiff Metropolitan University rugby club, located in Cardiff, Wales, while earning a master's degree in Sport Coaching.

I am so excited to bring Chris on board for the inaugural varsity season of La Salle women's rugby," McDowell said. Chris' wide range of experience will be a tremendous asset to our program."

Rowell has spent time at the United States national pathway Eagle Impact Rugby Academy (EIRA) in Ireland, where he currently plays a role in coaching both U16 and U18 girls. Before his time in Europe, he coached the women's rugby team at Western Washington University. While there, he led the program to a national championship at the Women's University Club 7s tournament. During this period, he was also a member of the Washington State Logger's Boys representative team coaching staff, participating in All-Star competitions across Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and California.

Rowell began his coaching career at Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club in Bellingham, Washington where he worked his way through the youth program. He remains active with the club. In addition to his coaching achievements, Rowell holds degrees from Western Washington University and Whatcom Community College. A U.S. military veteran, he served in the Navy from 2003 to 2007, including a deployment to Iraq. Following his military service, Chris volunteered with the Peace Corps in Burkina Faso from 2014 to 2016.