In this engaging discussion, Keith Lewis, a practicing rugby referee and founder of RugbyReferee.net, shares his expertise on the latest innovations in rugby laws, including three new regulations for the season. He dives into the nuances of tackle height changes and how they're crucial for player safety, particularly in junior rugby. Keith also tackles ongoing challenges with scrum rules, emphasizing the need for clarity and consistency in officiating. Finally, he highlights the importance of a supportive community for referees, fostering collaboration with coaches to elevate the game.

Gary Townsend, head of rugby at Switch Rugby Academy and expert in youth development, delves into the realities of coaching U14 rugby players. He discusses how expectations can often misalign with the players' developmental stages. Townsend emphasizes essential skills like catching and passing, while advocating for non-contact games to build confidence. Effective communication and recognizing individual motivations are crucial for fostering a positive team culture. Ultimately, nurturing creativity in young athletes leads to a more enriching rugby experience.

Send us a textWe are going to turn the tables and Stu James, is going to ask me the questions.Stu is a club coaching ordinator and colts coach at Guildford RFC, as well as a coach within the Quins Foundation programme and for Surrey Colts. In addition to these volunteer roles, he has a day job as a business consultant and executive coach.In the podcast, Stu challenges me on:What question do I wish other coaches asked me on coursesHow do I help coaches who haven't got my experienceHow important is a coaching philosophyHow do I balance taking control and giving controlHow do I know when things are going wrong in training, and how do I fix itWhat has made my coaching philosophy changeWhat is the most important lesson learned from my coaching journey  To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyAlso, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!

Gary Townsend, head of rugby at Switch Rugby and former RFU National Player Development Manager, dives into the pivotal age for young players specializing as scrum halves and fly halves. He discusses the balance between diverse experience and targeted training, emphasizing the importance of passing skills and decision-making. Townsend advocates for individualized training that focuses on empowering young players in real-game scenarios while nurturing their talent without pressure for perfection.

Martin Haag, a high-performance team and executive coach with a rich rugby background, dives into the crucial role of coaching philosophy. He discusses how personal beliefs shape relationships between coaches and players. Haag emphasizes the need for empowering players in their training while balancing guidance and autonomy. He shares insights on building consistent coaching practices and the evolution of one’s coaching philosophy through mentorship and hands-on experiences. Get ready for a compelling conversation on how to inspire and develop athletes!

Nic Evans, a former rugby player for Wales and an experienced L4 coach, dives deep into the challenges women face in coaching, especially in a male-dominated sport like rugby. She discusses the stereotype barriers that hinder women's professional opportunities and emphasizes the urgent need for inclusive hiring practices. Drawing from personal stories, Nic highlights the power of patience and relationship-building in overcoming biases. The conversation also celebrates female achievements in rugby, showcasing how representation can inspire future generations.

Will Owen, one half of the Squidge Rugby duo, is a passionate analyst and coach in the rugby world. He shares insights on how Squidge Rugby began and the journey of translating complex game strategies for fans. Will discusses the balance between analysis and coaching, the role of revenue in content creation, and the influence of top coaches in innovating the game. He also reflects on memorable matches and the unique position of being both a player and analyst, emphasizing how this dual role informs his coaching style.

Gavin Blackburn, Head Coach of Cambuslang RFC and a former international prop, shares his expert insights on tackling the challenges of dominated scrums. He discusses key techniques for mastering body alignment and positioning while emphasizing the vital connection between the hooker and scrum half. Gavin also highlights effective drills that simulate match pressure, helping players build confidence regardless of their strength. Plus, he reflects on his coaching philosophy, shaped by influential figures and personal experiences that emphasize preparation and patience.

Send us a textDr Jocelyn Solomons tackles significant issues in women's sports.In this episode, she talks to Lyndon Julius about the role of media in this domain.Lyndon is a communications specialist and creative storyteller with over a decade of experience in sports reporting. He is dedicated to community sports and immerses himself in grassroots athletic endeavours. With written and digital media expertise, they delve into his insights on the global impact of sports reporting, particularly concerning women’s sports. They discuss his experiences in writing and reporting on women’s sports, the effect of media coverage on the growth and recognition of female athletes, and the media's responsibility for equitable coverage of women’s sports, both locally and internationally. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyAlso, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!

Send us a textWelcome to the Coaching Knife when we cut to the root of the matter. In this episode, we speak to Jamie Barnwell, Head Coach Cayman 7s and Performance director.Focusing on 7s rugby we are going to cut to the root on to coach to compete when you have limited speed.Can you win a game of sevens if you don’t have any pace in your team?Jamie spent five years as head coach of the Bermuda national team for both 15 and 7s. Back in the UK he was attack coach with Richmond, and head of coach of the England senior women’s academ.His philosophy is to inspire, and facilitate a group to become better, people, athletes and a team.Go to the Rugby7splaybook on Substack for some excellent resources and games to improve your 7s coaching.You can contact him on thebarnwells138@gmail.comTo find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyAlso, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!