Dan Valley on Talent Development

In 2022, his sixth season as Head Coach of the Queen's Women's Rugby program, Dan Valley led the Gaels to an OUA gold medal and a silver medal at the Canadian national championship (U SPORTS). Valley was named the OUA Coach of the Year in 2021 after leading Queen's to a OUA silver medal, and a gold medal at the Canadian national championship. Prior to his time at Queen's, Valley was the Head Coach of Rugby Canada's U18 Women’s 15s program, and was also a Technical Lead for Canada 7s NextGen program in Ontario. Dan Valley developed the high school program at Oakville Trafalgar High School which is regarded as one of the most successful rugby programs in Ontario, winning six provincial medals (three gold, two silver, and one bronze) since 2011. Dan is a thoughtful, methodical and passionate rugby coach. He brings his unique insights into program design, talent development, and team culture in our conversation today.