NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University women's rugby program has added experienced collegiate coach Andrew Denson to its staff ahead of the 2025 fall season, as announced by Head Coach Baylee Annis '14 on Wednesday.

Denson joins the Cadets after most recently serving as the head men's rugby coach at Union College, bringing over a decade of coaching experience across both the men's and women's collegiate landscape.  At Norwich, he will work closely alongside Annis and Soph Mundell in leading the Cadets' nationally recognized 15s and 7s programs.

"I'm excited to join a team with such a great pedigree," Denson said.  "Rugby in the United States is reaching its climax and I'm very excited to be with a team that continues to push forward that storyline."

Denson's coaching career spans stints at Union College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where he led both the men's and women's programs over a season-year stretch.  Under his guidance, RPI's women's team made multiple conference semifinal appearances, while the men's program advanced to the Tri-State Conference championship match on three occasions.  A committed educator and mentor, Denson emphasized player development and community within each team he coached.

"My coaching philosophy has always centered around three things," Denson said.  "Defense wins games, cardio keeps you in games, and making sure every student-athlete feels comfortable on and off the field."

Denson was first introduced to rugby during a formative trip to Australia at age 14 and quickly immersed himself in the sport's many forms, including Union, League, and 7s.  A former coach and player with Thiel College and the Baltimore Blues Rugby Club, Denson earned his bachelor's degree in history from Thiel in 2015, where he also contributed to various media, athletic, and student leadership roles on campus.

"Andrew brings an energy and experience that will extend through Norwich Rugby and into the campus community," said Annis, who enters her third season at the helm.  "His experience with previous programs and passion for the game make him the best fit to complete the rugby coaching staff.  I look forward to adding his creative and strategic approach to our game, and for his thoughtful support of our student-athletes as we strive for another successful season in fall 2025."

In addition to thanking the Norwich community, Denson also recognized those who helped shape his coaching career.

"Thank you to all involved with the RPI and Union College rugby teams for helping me build my craft," he said.  "Thank you to Coach Baylee and everyone involved for giving me a chance to once again be a part of something great."

Denson joins a program coming off a strong 2024-25 campaign in both 15s and 7s play.  The women's 15s team finished 4-2-1 in its inaugural season within National Collegiate Rugby (NCR), highlighted by a win over nationally ranked University of New Hampshire and a draw with perennial powerhouse Roger Williams.  The team was also featured on NCR's prestigious Friday Night Lights showcase game at the United States Coast Guard Academy.

Norwich's spring 7s squad compiled a 9-6-1 record, capped by a tournament title at Providence College 7s and a return to the national stage at the 2025 Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) Women's Premier Cup in Boyds, Md.  The Cadets closed the season with a thrilling 22-15 win over Adrian College, their first national 7s tournament victory since 2015.

Norwich opens its 2025 fall 15s slate with an intrasquad scrimmage on Aug. 21, followed by a friendly against Mad River Women on Aug. 30.  The Cadets then travel to the Syracuse 15s Opener on Sept. 6, before hosting the University of Vermont for their official home opener during Homecoming Weekend on Sept. 20.