Hamilton, Ont - McMaster men's head rugby coach and
Kinesiology professor, Dr. Phil White, has announced he will
be taking a one year research leave effective July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.

A tenured Professor with the McMaster School of Kinesiology for
23 years, Dr. White is traveling to New Zealand to deliver guest lectures
at the University of Waikato (Hamilton, NZ & Tauranga, NZ) and the
University of Auckland (Auckland, NZ). Dr. White will tap into a vibrant
community of sociology scholars as he conducts research for a book he is
writing on the sociology of the body. His book will focus on the recent
cultural
shift and primary emphasis on the individual's physical appearance.

Already one of McMaster University's most successful coaches, having
won OUA Coach of the Year on four occasions en route to six Ontario
University Athletics (OUA) championship banners, Dr. White is also looking
to bring back an expanded knowledge and a new competitive edge to the
McMaster men's rugby program.
While in New Zealand, Dr. White will look to immerse himself in the island
nations rugby culture and bring back new ideas that he can use in the
Canadian
context. The sport of Rugby is regarded as the national sport of New
Zealand,
and home to the All Blacks, the number one ranked men's rugby team in the
world.
To assist with his immersion, Dr. White has arranged to be a guest coach and
consultant to the Otago Highlanders, a professional Rugby Union team that
competes in the Super 14, the largest Rugby Union Football Club championship
in the southern hemisphere.

In Dr. White's absence, former player and current assistant coach, Shaun
Allen
will serve as the interim head coach. Shaun will be assisted by Cal
Stafford,
Tyler Leggatt and Josh Boettger; all currently associated with the McMaster
Men's Rugby squad in various capacities.

McMaster Director of Athletics & Recreation, Jeff Giles commented that
"Dr. White will be missed, but we look forward to him sharing the knowledge
he will gain as a result of his experiences.

Dr. White will return to his coaching duties on July 1, 2011.