HENNIKER, NH – New England College has selected Tal Bayer is the new Men's Head Rugby Coach, announced Director of Athletics Louis Izzi Wednesday.

The announcement came just two months after previous head Coach Jeremy Treece left following a disagreement regarding player availability and eligibility for the Las Vegas Invitational. Almost immediately after Treece left that post NEC started a search for a replacement, and after screening and interviewing a large number of candidates, settled on Bayer.

 "Tal emerged from an extensive search that produced several impressive domestic and international candidates.  He is an experienced player-centric coach with a strong commitment to the overall development of the student-athlete.," said Izzi.  "We are looking forward to Tal leading our Division I men's rugby program and continuing our proud tradition of rugby excellence."

Bayer previously was Head Coach at Wheeling Jesuit, a program he joined as an assistant after running the well-regarded Perry Street Prep (previously known as the Hyde Charter School) in Washington, DC. Bayer took over from Eric Jerpe at Wheeling Jesuit, and ran three teams - Varsity, JV, and Development.

Bayer has also served as a coach for the USA Rugby U19 National Team and has worked with several club teams and rugby camps nationwide.

 "NEC Rugby's outstanding alumni support, strong rugby history and recent success of the current team are a solid foundation to build on," said Bayer in the school's announcement.  "I am very impressed with the leadership, commitment and vision the players had for themselves and the team moving forward."

Bayer will inherit a program that finished their 2015 15s season with a record of 6-2 in the East Coast Rugby Conference. The Pilgrims have also had continued success in 7s earning an at-large bid into the USA Rugby Collegiate DI Nationals Tournament taking place in Cary, NC over Memorial Day weekend.