LETHBRIDGE - After six seasons of professional rugby in England, University of Lethbridge alumna Abby Duguid is returning to the Pronghorns as the program's full-time Lead Assistant Coach, bringing a wealth of international, professional and coaching experience back to the program that helped shape her career.

A product of the Nor'Westers Athletic Association and Strathcona Composite High School, Duguid progressed through the Alberta rugby pathway, representing Edmonton Gold, Rugby Alberta and the Wolfpack from U16 through Senior Women. She continued her development at the University of Lethbridge, where she represented the Pronghorns and earned selection to the Canadian Senior Women's National Team while completing her undergraduate and Education degrees.
Duguid relocated to England and began her professional career with Loughborough Lightning in Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR). After returning to Lethbridge to complete her final practicum and senior year, she headed back to England, where she spent a further five seasons, culminating with Exeter Chiefs.

Alongside her professional playing career, Duguid also coached within the Loughborough University Women's Rugby program, developing her coaching experience while gaining a deeper understanding of athlete development.
Head coach Graeme Moffat believes that combination of experience makes Duguid an ideal addition to the program.

"I am delighted to welcome Abby back to ULethbridge in a coaching capacity. As a proud Horns alumna with years of professional experience in the PWR, she will add a massive amount of value to the program. She has been coaching alongside playing in England, which has helped her develop her coaching craft."

Moffat also brings a personal connection to Duguid's development, having previously coached her and worked alongside her with Rugby Alberta.

"Having coached Abby and worked with her in my previous role with Rugby Alberta, I am confident she is the right fit to help us drive our program forward."

For Duguid, the opportunity marks a meaningful return to the university and the beginning of a new chapter in her rugby career.

"I'm really looking forward to being back in Lethbridge after so long. Being an alumna of the University of Lethbridge makes returning in a coaching role especially meaningful and I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity."

After six seasons of professional rugby, Duguid is now focused on athlete development and helping grow the game in Canada.

"Coaching at this level in Canada has been a goal of mine, and I'm thrilled to continue my professional development alongside such an experienced and accomplished coaching staff. I'm excited to have a new role in a program close to my heart."

Duguid's experience as an international athlete, professional player, coach and educator gives her a unique perspective on the technical, tactical, physical and personal demands of high-performance rugby.

Now, she brings that experience home to Lethbridge, with the goal of helping the next generation of Pronghorn athletes reach their potential.

Abby Duguid is home and ready to help drive the Pronghorns forward.