Hennie Van Zyl has been named the new men's rugby coach at the University of Mary Washington, as announced by Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo. Van Zyl brings over 30 years of international rugby experience to the position.

"We are excited announce Hennie Van Zyl as the next coach of our successful men's rugby program", said Catullo. "His vast knowledge of the game as well as his experience as a head college coach makes him a perfect fit for the team and the athletic department. We look forward to him joining UMW Athletics!"

A national level player in his native South Africa, Van Zyl has played at the first division level of U.S. Rugby, and coached at the second level, having reached postseason play in each of his 16 years as coach.

He has invented a speed pass for rugby apparatus, which is implemented by the high perfomance center of the Free State Sport Science Institute. He has led numerous U.S. college and club clinics, and was most recently a consultant for programs nationwide.

He has served as head coach at both Old Dominion University and the University of Virginia.