(LEBANON, Ill., Feb. 12) — McKendree University director of athletics Chuck Brueggemann announced has announced that rugby will become the newest intercollegiate athletics program to be offered by the University.  The new rugby program will offer both a men's and women's team and will be ready to compete during the 2020-21 academic year.

Brueggemann also announced on Thursday that Joe Lippert has been hired as the first head coach for the McKendree rugby team. "Rugby is an exciting sport to watch," said Brueggemann. "We are confident that our fan base will enjoy the energy of the contest. I am equally excited to announce the hiring of Joe Lippert as the head coach of our inaugural team. He will be assisted by Lee Abbott.  Coach Lippert and Coach Abbott have exceptional reputations in the sport and are experienced at recruiting exceptional student-athlete.

"The timing for McKendree to add rugby as our newest sport could not be better," continued Brueggemann. "We feel that there is great potential for growth in this sport, and we want to capitalize on the great student-athletes that enjoy this sport. Without question the matches will energize our fan base and the team members will add yet another cultural dimension to the University."

With a resume full of experience and success, Lippert is looking forward to his new role and to the challenges of building a new collegiate program from the ground up.

"I am extremely honored, humbled, and excited to join the Bearcat family" said Lippert. "I want to thank President Dobbins and AD Brueggemann for this opportunity and for having the vision to bring this sport to the campus and area.  Lee and I are excited to join such a historically successful university and athletic department.  Rugby will be a tremendous long-term addition to McKendree and we look forward to building a successful program which values hard work, honesty, inclusivity and accountability."