March 26th, 2008

England Women’s Under 20s coach, Giselle Mather, has become the first woman in the country to successfully complete the Rugby Football Union’s Level 4 Coaching Course.

Mather, who is from Sunbury on Thames, is one of just 24 other coaches in the country who have gained this prestigious coaching qualification.

The 41-year-old former England player, is also currently an academy coach at London Irish RFC and previously was an assistant coach to the England Women’s team in the 2006 IRB Rugby World Cup which saw England reach the final.

To achieve this award Mather had to complete an in depth 18 month programme which included modules on all aspects of rugby, such as technical, tactical, analytical and skill acquisition, as well as life skills such as leadership and management.

“It was very taxing,” said Mather, who was joined by other students on the course such as Leicester Tigers assistant coach and former England international, Neil Back. “However, I have a huge passion for coaching and love trying out new things and seeing players develop. I am delighted to have passed this course, and to be the first woman to do so is a great honour.”

Des Diamond, the RFU’s Coaching Development Manager, added: “For Giselle to have come through this course with such success and credit is a reflection not only on her quality of coaching but also her resolve. This is a very testing course with a string of assignments and demands on one’s time.”

The UKCC RFU Level 4 course is new, with 24 accredited coaches emanating from the 3 courses so far delivered.

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