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Get Involved in - Coaching

Coaching is, first and foremost, about people. The coach’s challenge is to encourage players to enjoy the positive benefits of rugby and to help them achieve their potential.

Coaches play a crucial role within rugby and can have a significant influence on the well-being and aspirations of the participants they coach. Anybody can coach, but to be an effective coach, you will need to fulfil a number of different roles and accept a variety of responsibilities. You will also need a good understanding of the coaching process and how to apply it so that you adopt a player-centred approach at all times. This may seem daunting, and you cannot expect to become an expert coach overnight. However, the RFU is well equipped to help you through the process of becoming an effective coach. The RFU is committed to ensuring that coaches are well-supported and capable of providing a really enjoyable experience for all participants.

The introductory courses, i.e., Mini Tag and Tag Rugby, the RFU Community Leaders Award, and Mini/Midi Contact Rugby are all designed to educate and improve coaches of modified (small sided) versions of rugby union. The rest of the structure, i.e., Levels 1, 2 and 3 is mainly, though not exclusively, designed for coaches of full 15-a-side rugby. The RFU’s overall aim is to improve the quality of coaching through user-friendly, coach-centred courses. In addition to the specific awards available under the RFU Coaching Structure, a wide selection of coach development seminars, workshops, refresher courses and update opportunities is available.

The Rugby Development Officers, in conjunction with their local Constituent Bodies, run these activities throughout the year, with constant emphasis on providing opportunities to learn more about coaching rugby, regardless of the current level of the attending coach.