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.
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Building Rugby at Stonar
- Adam Izzard built a first XV rugby squad at Stonar, a small school known more for equestrianism.
- The team, composed of students with varying experience, even designed their own jerseys.
Prioritizing Safety in Rugby
- Prioritize safety when introducing new players to rugby, especially regarding contact.
- Start with tackling basics: body positioning, head placement, and controlled pad work.
Excitement Despite Loss
- Stonar's first XV rugby match resulted in a 21-10 loss but generated immense excitement.
- The game was a success because of the buzz it created and the support from the school community.