GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Davenport University has hired Lance Hohaia (Ho-hi-ya) as head coach of the men's rugby program effective June 4. Hohaia brings professional rugby experience to the position having played in New Zealand and amassed over 300 matches during his 15-year professional career. He played for the New Zealand Warriors (2000-11), St. Helens RFC (2011-15) and the New Zealand Rugby League National Team (2001-11).

Hohaia has an extensive knowledge of the game which he has parlayed into a coaching career with stops as assistant rugby coach at Grand Valley State University (2015-18) and USA Rugby Academy – Atavus Rugby (2017-18). He was also served as director of rugby for Infinite Rugby from 2017 until the present. He is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and helped as strength and conditioning coach at Davenport this past year.

"I am really excited about the opportunity to become head coach at Davenport University," said Hohaia. We have some great student-athletes on our roster and my aim is to create an environment where the players can succeed and play some outstanding rugby."

Hohaia launched Infinite Rugby in 2017 to develop skill clinics aimed at high school level rugby players in West Michigan. The purpose of these clinics is to provide opportunities for kids to practice and develop their techniques outside of their regular season and grow the game in the community.

"I am extremely excited about the addition of Lance. Not only has he played professionally and has that experience, but through getting to know him his passion for coaching is real. He has a vision for the program and I can't wait to work with him to achieve it," said Ryan McCosky, director of non-varsity sports and programming.