LONDON, Ont. – The Western Mustangs are pleased to announce the hiring of Tom Dolezel as the new head coach of the men's rugby program.
 
"Tom has been coached by some of the best rugby coaches in the world, and his rugby IQ is exceptional," said Thérèse Quigley, Western's Director of Sport and Recreation Services. "He is an outstanding leader and brings a passion for both the game and for the Western Mustangs that is second to none. We are delighted to have Tom lead our men's rugby program as they prepare for the Ireland Rugby Tour this February."
 
An assistant coach with the Mustangs this past season, Dolezel is a former player with both the Canadian National Senior Men's Rugby and Ontario Senior Blues programs. He has also suited up for the University of Otago in New Zealand and with RGC 1404, a professional club in Colwyn Bay, Wales.
 
"As a Western graduate I'm excited for this opportunity to give back to the University and to bring my rugby and other athletic experience to the program," said Dolezel.
 
Dolezel is a Western graduate, earning a Business Management and Organizational Studies degree from the University in 2007, and also has a diploma from the Culinary Arts Program from Liaison College in Hamilton.
 
In addition to his degree and time as an assistant coach, Dolezel is also a former Mustangs student-athlete and a two-time OUA Football All-Star at defensive tackle in 2005 and 2007. He was presented with one of Western's Purple Blanket Awards in 2007, an award given to student-athletes judged to have made an outstanding contribution to Western athletics. Following his graduation from Western, Dolezel was signed by the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League in 2008 and was selected as a member of the seconds team for New Zealand's Otago professional rugby team in 2009 before choosing to pursue opportunities with the Canadian senior team.