June 28th, 2006

Former Rugby Football Union academy coach Tosh Askew and Neath & Swansea Ospreys coaches Jon Humphries and Sean Holley will headline this year’s South West Coaching Conference on July 8th and 9th at the University of Bristol and Coombe Dingle Sports Complex.

The residential conference, which is sponsored by O-Pro Mouth Guards, aims to support all coaches and those particularly in at Level 2 & 3 who have a huge role to play in the future of rugby union. The conference will give coaches the opportunity to see some of the world’s top coaches in action as well as discuss and share ideas with coaches from a range of coaching backgrounds.

The Regional Coaching Conference concept originates from recommendations made through the 2000 Blackman Report which identified the importance of improving coaching standards in order to keep more players in the game.

RFU Coach Development Officer Gary Townsend said: “Both Jon and Tosh are innovative coaches with experience of coaching elite performers in the modern game.

“Tosh comes from a player development background, which differs to Jon who coaches within a competitive environment. This will give delegates the opportunity to view two equally successful styles, and it will be interesting to compare and contrast the two backgrounds.”

Holley will be giving the after dinner speech.

For further details and prices please contact Helen Gould, SW Coaching Administrator 01452 702119 or e-mail Helen.gould@hartpury.ac.uk

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