Canada Rugby player Michael Sheppard added to Humber coaching staff

ETOBICOKE – Four-time provincial champion head coach Fabian Rayne has announced the addition of Michael Sheppard to his coaching staff for the upcoming 2020-21 OCAA season.

"I'm really excited to add Mike aka 'Shep' to our coaching staff," Coach Rayne said. "Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and rugby experience to our group, and I'm sure the players will appreciate and learn a lot from a player of his calibre."

As a player, Mike has represented Canada on the international stage since 2017, making his debut as a substitute against Kenya and scoring a try in the 69th minute. He helped Canada qualify for the 2019 World Cup in Japan, where they competed against the eventual world champions South Africa and bronze medal winners New Zealand.

"I'm incredibly excited to join the Humber rugby program as a coach," said Sheppard. "I know the amount of success this program has had in the past and it's my hope that I can help improve on that success."

Since the inception of Major League Rugby in North America, Sheppard has competed for the hometown Toronto Arrows. He was selected to the All-MLR first-team in 2019, making a team-high 203 tackles and scoring five tries in 15 matches.  

A native of Brampton, Ont., he attended McMaster University and helped the Marauders capture two OUA titles and was named an OUA all-star. Mike graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical and Biological Anthropology and minored in history and geography. He then attended Nipissing University from 2012-13 earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education.

Mike began his coaching career in 2014, returning to his high school to coach the Bramalea Secondary School women's rugby team. In their first season, they finished with an 8-0 record, winning the Tier II Championship, receiving a promotion to Tier I the following year.

"As much as I'm excited to teach the student-athletes, I'm also grateful to have an opportunity to learn from Coach Rayne," added Sheppard. "I've known him for several years now and can't wait to get started with him and the rest of the Humber staff."

Tryouts for the 2021 squad begin Sept. 7 and will be by invite-only this season. More information can be found here.

The 2021 OCAA rugby season begins Sept. 25 against the Mohawk Mountaineers. Game time is set for 1 p.m. and will be streamed live on the Hawks Sports Network.