The Washington Loggers select-side program has announced that Central Washington University men’s varsity Head Coach Todd Thornley has joined the Loggers’ coaching staff.  

The Loggers are the rep-side rugby team for Washington girls and boys youth and high school players. In 2020 the program was officially recognized by USA Rugby as the National Development Program (NDP) for players throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Thornley, a native of Blenheim, New Zealand, owns an overall record of 48-18 with the Wildcats, producing over 20 All-Americans. His 2020 Wildcat XVs side shot-out to an 8-0 start, before the COVID outbreak shortened their collegiate campaign. Featuring many former Loggers, CWU completely dismantled BYU, and upset Arizona narrowly on the road, and defeated Army in the final game played in DIA last season to rise to #6 in the national rankings. 

“We’re excited to have Coach Thornley join our program,” said Dave Miller, Loggers Director. “For young, aspiring players in the Northwest to have access to national-caliber coaching talent is an exceptional opportunity. That coaches from university programs – including WWU, CWU and UW – are collaborating, through the Loggers, to develop the next generation of talent on a regional basis, is a testament to the fantastic people involved in our game.”

Prior to coaching at Central Washington, Thornley was an assistant coach for Dartmouth College. Dartmouth finished third in the 2013 7's National Collegiate Championship and made the quarterfinals of the Varsity Cup, and there  Thornley coached several accomplished players including USA Eagles 7s captain Madison Hughes.

“Joining the Loggers staff is a great opportunity to play a small part in developing the high-caliber rugby talent in this region," said Thornley. Also, working alongside some experienced coaches will only provide learnings that I can bring back to my current daily environment, and further enhance the collegiate opportunities here at CWU. I can’t wait to get started.”