Barford Prepares For First Season as Cornell Head Coach

While the beginning of a season always signals a fresh start for every team in the Ivy Rugby Conference, one team in particular will be starting a significant new chapter in their history.

Paule Barford, a coach with experience at the collegiate and international level, has been named the head coach for the Cornell men's rugby team.

With his extensive coaching history and passion for the game, Barford hopes to establish a winning tradition at Cornell. According to Barford, his goal as Cornell's head coach is to make the program "the standard of excellence for Ivy League Rugby," building a program where players can "improve, develop, and enjoy the experience of playing rugby."

As for the style of play fans can expect from Cornell this season, Barford looks to establish a consistent and effective style that will depend greatly on the players under his command. "The team should find a method and system of play that compliments and best suits the all-around skill sets of the players," he said. "Each player, regardless of what position he plays... Needs to be aware what his role is on the team and what his role is in the club."

While there are bound to be some growing pains while Barford and his new club become acclimated to one another, it's safe to assume that his experience and knowledge will lend him a high level of credibility among his players. The team has already begun practicing and implementing their new system, but their first true test will come on September 21st during their season opener at home against conference rival Columbia.