Colette McAuley

At the University of Guelph, McAuley played fullback for the Guelph Gryphons.[1] She was also a member of the Ontario provincial team from 1994 to 2007 and was team captain in 2005.[4]

McAuley's first international cap was at a Can-Am test match in Saranac Lake, N.Y. on the 6th of August 2000[3] under Coach Ric Suggitt.[5] She would spend ten years with the program including participation at the 2002 Women's Rugby World Cup. McAuley played in the 2011, 2003, and 2005 Canada Cups.[1]

For two years,[4] McAuley also represented Canada at international sevens tournaments in Hong Kong, Dubai, and Los Angeles; including winning tournaments in San Diego and Toronto[1]

After retiring from her international career, McAuley spent a decade as an assistant coach for the Guelph Gryphons before becoming the head coach in 2006.[1] Under her supervision as head coach, the program won eight OUA championships and a national title in 2011.[1]

She runs an athlete-centered program[6] which focuses on technique as much as the psyche of her players.[1] Her ability to develop and spot talent earned her the title of Pathway Coach to National 15's and 7's programs for the past decade[4] including representation as Maple Leafs 7s Assistant Coach at the invitational Las Vegas sevens tournament in 2017.[6]

McAuley has also been a member on the Rugby Canada Board of Directors, Past-President of the Canadian Rugby Foundation, and the Monty Heald National Women's Fund committee member.[7][8]

The Rugby Canada Foundation honoured McAuley's contribution to the sport by founding an award in her name in 2009.[9] The recipient represents the true spirit of the game and gives back to sport of rugby. As of 2011, the award holder received a $1000 cheque from the Colette McAuley Fund.[9]

Recipients:

• 2009, Marlene Donaldson[9]
• 2010, Julie Foster[9]
• 2011, Julia Sugawara[9]
• 2012, Meaghan Howat[10]
• 2013, Maria Samson[11]