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Rugby Coach Weekly

Building Rugby from the Ground Up: How Adam Izzard is Transforming Rugby at Stonar School

Dec 20, 2024
Adam Izzard, the Head of Rugby and Head of Boarding at Stonar School, shares his inspiring journey of building a rugby program at a school traditionally focused on equestrian sports. He discusses transforming a horse paddock into a rugby pitch and coaching a diverse group of players with varying experience. Adam emphasizes the importance of resilience, structure, and participation, highlighting rugby's role in developing life skills and teamwork. His passion is infectious, proving that even small schools can cultivate a vibrant rugby culture.
50:55

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Adam Izzard's initiative to start with basic skills like tag rugby encourages inclusivity and increases participation among students of all abilities.
  • The focus on enjoyment and personal growth in rugby prioritizes fundamental skills and resilience, fostering a supportive community for young athletes.

Deep dives

Building Rugby from the Ground Up

Establishing a rugby program at a small school presents unique challenges, particularly in terms of attracting and retaining players. The coach discusses how the school initiated its rugby program by starting with basic skills like tag rugby, which allowed students to ease into the game. As the school transitioned to a co-ed model, the gradual introduction of rugby led to an increase in participation, despite having small year groups. The overall aim is to create a strong rugby culture by ensuring that students enjoy the sport and see its value beyond just competition.

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