Melanson joins Axewomen coaching staff

The Axewomen rugby program has made a significant addition to its coaching staff with the appointment of Matt Melanson as an assistant coach. Melanson, who brings a wealth of experience from high school, provincial, and club rugby, has established himself as a dynamic force in the rugby community over the past decade.

Alongside being the full-time technical director of Rugby Nova Scotia, Melanson has also served as the head coach of the senior women’s provincial team, a role he has held for three years. Under his leadership, the team clinched the regional super league title three consecutive times. His success at the provincial level is a testament to his ability to develop winning teams and leave programs stronger than he found them.

In addition to his coaching roles, Melanson is the full-time technical director of Rugby Nova Scotia, where he continues to contribute to the growth of the sport across the province. Known for his strong track record in program development, he prides himself on his ability to enhance individual skills and instill a love for the game in his players.

"Getting back involved in U SPORTS in a bigger capacity is such a great opportunity," said Melanson. "Part of the reason Canada does so well on the world stage is the quality of the training and competition our players get here. I am excited to be a part of that and help develop the world-class players we have here. The incoming class of recruits this year has so many exciting prospects, and the roster returns some really top-quality players."

Head coach Matt Durant expressed his enthusiasm for Melanson's arrival, emphasizing the impact his expertise will have on the team.

“Adding Matt Melanson to our coaching staff significantly deepens our coaching skill set," said Durant. "Matt is a great rugby mind, and we are excited to have him join us as a key tactical lead.”

Melanson joins returning assistant coach Sara Boudreau on Durant's staff. Recent graduate Amanda Jardine has also joined the staff as team manager.