Having called an end to his storied playing career in January, McMaster Hall of Famer Aaron Carpenter is set to return to the Marauders men's rugby program in 2018.

The all-time leader in appearances for the Canadian Senior Men's National Team, Carpenter will take his first steps toward a coaching career as a member of head coach Dan Pletch's staff in the fall.

"We are thrilled to welcome Aaron Carpenter back to the men's rugby program at McMaster," says Pletch of the move. "He brings world-class technical and tactical knowledge to our coaching staff, along with a real passion for developing student athletes both on and off the field.

"Having him on the sidelines is a huge asset to our program."

Named the OUA Rookie of the Year in his first season at McMaster in 2002, Carpenter was a three-time conference all-star and was named as the OUA's Most Valuable Player in 2003. He helped the Marauders to three conference banners (2002, 2003, 2005) and one silver medal (2004) in his varsity tenure, and broke onto the senior national roster in 2005.

That led to a 13-year career as a mainstay of Team Canada and the English professional Rugby Union scene, which saw Carpenter feature at three Rugby World Cups (2007, 2011, 2015) and surpass Al Charron's previous Canadian record of 76 caps. Breaking that mark in September 2017, Carpenter ultimately finished his career with 80 appearances for Canada.

Earlier in September, Carpenter was inducted into the McMaster Athletics Hall of Fame, accepting his induction via video message while on duty with his professional club in England.

The decorated forward is excited to return to a program that played a crucial, formative role in his rugby career.

"I would like to thank Dan Pletch for bringing me in to the coaching team," says Carpenter. "I look forward working with him and the rest of his staff. Returning to the McMaster campus this fall will bring back a lot of great memories both on and off the pitch."

"Giving back to the McMaster men's rugby program, a program that helped shape my professional and international career, will be a great honour. I am excited to be working with some of the best student-athletes in the country, and hope to be able to pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation of rugby players."