COSTELLO HIRED AS NEW HEAD COACH OF YORK WOMEN'S RUGBY
In 2007, he helped start a high school rugby program at Bishop MacDonnell Catholic High School in Guelph and in 2008, the girls team finished third at OFSAA and the junior boys squad won CWOSSA without being scored on. He will continue to work with the teams at Bishop MacDonnell in addition to his duties with the Lions.
An NCCP certified coach, Costello has also helped various teams within the Fergus Highland junior ranks, one of the most successful junior clubs in Ontario, and he was a guest coach at the Guelph regional high school clinic put on at the University of Guelph.
"We are very happy to have Joe at the helm of the women's rugby program for the 2009-10 season," said Jennifer Myers, director, Sport & Recreation. "His familiarity with the players will be a big asset as he works to move the Lions up the OUA standings."
Costello was a talented interuniversity rugby player, winning provincial gold and silver medals with the University of Western Ontario. He also won two NRU championships with the Highland Rugby Club. He played for the Niagara Thunder of the Rugby Canada Super League (RCSL) and has participated in games in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean.
The Lions struggled to find their groove last year, finishing 0-5 and missing out on a playoff spot.
Source: York Lions