New Eagle 7s coach Alex Magleby will have to spend a significant amount of time far from Dartmouth’s campus in Hanover, NH. But he isn’t leaving his post as the Big Green’s head coach.

He will have to miss some of the team’s matches due to national team commitments, including the upcoming spring tour and perhaps some matches in the National Men’s Division I-AA playoffs, supposing the team advances that far. While he is absent, current assistant coach Matt Long will handle head coaching duties.

Upon hearing Magleby would be the next 7s coach, players and administrators were quick to praise “Mags” for his coaching skills and to congratulate him on the new job.

Captain Paul Jarvis said, “The current squad is extremely proud of Mags and wishes him all the best. Playing for Mags and learning from him has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time at Dartmouth, and it is fantastic to see him reach the pinnacle of his profession.”

Current Board of Governors Chair Dan Kenslea echoed those thoughts. “All of us involved with Dartmouth Rugby who have worked with Alex over the last 11 years are very proud at this moment, both for Alex and for Dartmouth Rugby,” he said.

“Those of us familiar with Alex’s work ethic and coaching are confident that Alex is a great choice to lead the USA 7’s program for the near future, and into the critical run-up to the 2013 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.”