The University of Mary Washington athletic department is pleased to announce the hiring of 2016 alumnus and former UMW rugby standout Charbel Medlej as the new head men's rugby coach.

"We are very excited to bring Charbel on in this capacity", said Associate Director of Athletics Caitlin Moore. "His ability as a coach and mentor, as well as his familiarity with the league and team, will be a tremendous asset."

Medlej was a four-year standout for UMW, earning the position of club president and captain from 2014-2016. After graduating from UMW, Medlej went on to pursue a Doctorate in Chiropractic at Palmer College, also while playing rugby, serving as club treasurer and eventually club president.

Medlej served as volunteer Assistant Coach position at the University of Alabama for their Men's Rugby Club during the Fall 2019 season, and was appointed as head coach for the Palmer College women's rugby program for the Fall 2021 season, which culminated in finishing in third place at the Women's D2 National Championships.

After moving to Fredericksburg, he volunteered as an assistant coach for UMW Men's Rugby this Spring.

Medlej holds a doctorate of chiropractic from Palmer College, gaining valedictorian honors, and holds a bachelor of science in Human Biology and Neuroscience from UMW in 2016.