Keith Cattanach wentworth Alumni Head Coach |
Keith Cattanach has led the Northeastern University Women’s Rugby program since 2012, building it into one of the premier women’s rugby programs in the country. Under his leadership, Northeastern has consistently competed at the highest collegiate levels, producing six undefeated 15s seasons in 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, and establishing itself as a sustained national contender.
The program has achieved significant national success across both formats of the game. In 2023, Northeastern captured the CRAA Division I 7s National Championship, followed by the CRAA Division I 15s National Championship in Fall 2023, demonstrating year-round excellence. After transitioning to National Collegiate Rugby (NCR), the team continued its upward trajectory—winning the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) 7s in Spring 2025, and later becoming the first program ever to win the NCR Division I AA National Championship in Fall 2025. Beyond on-field results, Keith has played a key role in shaping the collegiate rugby landscape. He led the merger of the Colonial Coast Rugby Conference (CCRC) and the New England Wide Collegiate Rugby Conference (NEWCRC) to form the North Atlantic Collegiate Rugby Conference (NACR), strengthening competitive alignment and long-term growth for men’s and women’s programs throughout the region. Since taking over at Northeastern, Keith has grown the program to 90+ student-athletes and built a four-coach staff, emphasizing player development, leadership, and sustainability. A USA Rugby Level 200 Certified Coach and Level 100 Certified Referee, he is widely respected for his strategic approach and commitment to fostering a competitive, inclusive environment. |
Margaret Reiss "Marge" UCONN ALUMNI Head 7s Coach |
Margaret Reiss, coaching at Northeastern since Fall 2019, specializes in Rugby 7's, attacking structure and back line play. Under her guidance, Northeastern has consistently ranked among the top on a national level, with notable achievements including both 7's and 15's CRAA National Championships in 2023 and most recently an NCR D1 Club 7’s National Championship and NCR D1AA 15’s National Championship both in 2025. In addition to her work with Northeastern, Margaret is in her second year as the Head Coach for the Rugby Northeast All Star 7’s Program. Margaret has played rugby since 2010, beginning at the University of Connecticut and later for Boston Women’s+ Rugby Club competing in both 15’s and 7’s.
Aside from coaching, she works full-time as a Physical Therapist at Spaulding Rehab Hospital, specializing in neurologic rehabilitation, including brain and spinal cord injury, stroke and amputation, with additional focus in pediatrics and aquatic therapy. As a USA Rugby Level 200 Certified Coach, Margaret emphasizes accountability, discipline, and excellence. She believes in fostering a culture where athletes find motivation to perform at their best in order to elevate the program for generations to come. |
Eliza Altobelli Penn state ALUMNI Developmental Coach 
Jaida Rudkin PENN STATE ALUMNI Assistant Coach |
Eliza Altobelli joined the Northeastern coaching staff this season, bringing three years of coaching experience and a strong background in competitive rugby from her time at Penn State. During her senior year, a major injury led her to return to the Boston area for specialized medical care, complete her undergraduate degree online, and resume competition with the Boston Banshees while beginning her coaching career.
Her approach emphasizes strong fundamentals, cohesion, and a growth mindset within competitive environments, while remaining committed to building positive, inclusive cultures where belief, accountability, and consistent effort drive performance. In addition to rugby, Altobelli serves as an assistant coach for the girls’ varsity basketball team at The Rivers School and was part of the program’s 2025 NEPSAC Championship season. Jaida Rudkin joined the Northeastern coaching staff in the Fall of 2025. She has been playing rugby since her sophomore year of high school in 2018. She continued her rugby career at Penn State University earning the role of backs captain her junior year and team captain her senior year. She graduated from PSU in the summer of 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and moved to Boston where she now plays with the Boston Women’s Rugby Football Club.
Her main role on the staff is to assist Eliza Altobelli in coaching the developmental side. She also helps create and run the team’s fitness and strength and conditioning programs. She is certified in USA Rugby level 100 coaching and has obtained her Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS) credential from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). She thrives to create a fun and challenging rugby environment where players can grow their skills and passion for the game. In her time with Northeastern, she hopes to bring a sense of joy to every aspect of the sport and continue to emphasize that every game is a gift, so everyone should play, or coach, with a smile on their face. |