From Ireland to Ottawa, Jack Hanratty finds his stride with Gee-Gees women’s rugby

Jack Hanratty’s journey to the University of Ottawa began thousands of kilometres away, on the windswept coast of Ireland. He grew up in Skerries, a town where rugby was more than a sport,it was a family tradition and a community heartbeat. Years later, after a coaching career that has stretched from provincial clubs to the Olympic stage, Hanratty has landed in the nation’s capital, bringing his trademark energy and easy humour to the Gee-Gees women’s rugby program. For him, the challenge is as much about shaping student-athletes into resilient people as it is about chasing championships.

Hanratty’s rugby story starts with his local club, where his uncle once captained and his grandfather served as president. As a boy, he immersed himself in the sport in every way possible.

“I loved everything about the club, whether it was working in the sweet shop or at the summer camps,” he said. 

“I just loved being affiliated with such a special place.”

After gaining professional experience with Leinster Rugby, Hanratty crossed the Atlantic. What was supposed to be a one-week visit to Canada in 2012 stretched into 13 years, and eventually Canadian citizenship.

Although he played the game, Hanratty never expected to make it as an elite athlete. Coaching and managing teams offered another way to stay close to rugby.

“I wasn’t a brilliant athlete … but maybe having an outgoing personality and being a people person could be my own X factor,” he said.

That philosophy shaped the coach he is today. Hanratty calls his approach “people first” and emphasizes purposeful, game-based practices that are active and, above all, fun.

Hanratty stepped into the Gee-Gees role in January 2025. Adjusting to the rhythms of university sport has been eye-opening.

“You’re not just dealing with athletes, you’re dealing with student-athletes,” he said. “I probably make four or five mistakes every day, just ask the athletes. But I’m still trying to get to understand the nuances of university sport.”

Used to high-performance environments where wins were the ultimate measure, he has had to balance academic realities with athletic ambitions. 

“It’s the biggest organization I’ve ever worked for,” he said. “That brings huge positives, but also plenty of processes to learn.”

Hanratty says the personalities of his players have been a highlight.

“Here, although we want U SPORTS championships, we want the athletes to hopefully graduate and still love the University and still love the game of rugby,” said Hanratty. 

Before arriving at Ottawa, Hanratty guided Canada’s women’s sevens to a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, an experience he describes as unforgettable.

“Seventy thousand people watching women’s rugby in a sold-out three-day event … it felt like a huge step forward for women’s rugby,” he said. 

“Those athletes went in and did it all. I just got to be in the room, which I think is really special.” 

Hanratty says the success has helped inspire U SPORTS athletes, as they are able to see their peers and Olympians such as Queens’ Chloe Daniels and Victoria’s Krissy Scurfield competing around them and being recognized.

“For women’s rugby players to be recognized walking down the street, that’s something that reminds us every day how important this is,” said Hanratty.

Hanratty believes the momentum of women’s rugby has never been stronger, pointing to the Women’s World Cup and Team Canada’s success currently unfolding on the international stage as they head to the final on Saturday against England. With former and current U SPORTS athletes featuring prominently, he sees it as a continuation of the strides made in Paris. 

“It felt like a huge step forward for women’s rugby, and you’re still seeing the benefits of it,” he said of Canada’s Olympic medal. 

“The World Cup is adding to that, and it’s inspiring players here at home who now see rugby as a sport in the main spotlight.”