Explore every episode of the podcast Rugby Coach Weekly
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top tips for refereeing age grade rugby for 2026 season | 12 août 2026 | 00:59:45 | |
Refereeing age-grade rugby is rarely straightforward, particularly when you are also the coach. Dan Cottrell is joined by Advantage Over podcast host and laws expert Keith Lewis to explore how coaches with a whistle can create a safer, fairer and more enjoyable game. They discuss managing players, coaches and parents, applying the laws in context, finding the right position at the breakdown and knowing when to communicate or let the game flow. A practical conversation for anyone refereeing rugby from tag through to the teenage years. Five key takeaways
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Talent, Pathways and Potential, with Martin Mctaggart | 01 juil. 2026 | 00:51:47 | |
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell speaks to Martin McTaggart, RFU Playing Pathways Manager, about the EDGE framework, a way of helping coaches, selectors and pathway volunteers think more clearly about potential in young players. Martin explains why current performance can be a poor guide to future potential, especially when players arrive with very different rugby backgrounds, sporting experiences and levels of opportunity. A player who has had ten years of coaching is not the same as a player who has only been in the game for a year, so why should we assess them as if they are starting from the same place? The conversation explores the four parts of EDGE: Explore, Decision-making, Growth and Effort. These can help coaches look beyond the obvious. Rather than simply asking who is the strongest, fastest or most polished on the day, Martin challenges us to think about what players might become with the right support. Dan and Martin also dig into the problems with one-off trials, the dangers of bias, the limits of “coachability”, and why better assessment needs “many eyes, many times, many environments”. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Honesty, Detail and the Art of Coaching the Scrum, with Mark Williams | 24 juin 2026 | 00:56:49 | |
In this episode, Dan Cottrell speaks to Mark Williams, head coach of North Division U18s, lead rugby coach at Birkenhead School, a forward's coach with Lymm in National Two, and Liverpool John Moores University director of rugby, The conversation starts with the value of coaching relationships, especially the importance of having trusted people around you who will challenge lazy planning, sharpen your thinking, and keep you honest. Mark reflects on working with Sarah Jones, a highly respected Level 3 coach, and how her calm, detailed approach has influenced the way he prepares and delivers sessions. The discussion then moves deep into the scrum, from the difference between loosehead and tighthead roles to how coaches can introduce scrummaging safely with younger players. Mark explains why safety, body position, foot placement, and stability matter before anything more tactical is added. The second half explores Mark’s key coaching qualities: honesty, respect, detail, clarity, and organisation. He explains how honest feedback changes depending on the environment, from Year 7 rugby to National Two selection conversations, and why players need to trust that feedback is given to help them improve. You can find more of Mark's insights on his TikTok page: @MWRugbyCoaching. And his Instagram page: @mwrugbycoaching To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| 50 22 The pros and cons pads, shields and tubes | 17 juin 2026 | 00:08:28 | |
Pads, tackle shields and crash mats can be some of the most useful kit in a rugby session, but only when coaches know exactly why they are using them. In this 50:22 episode, Dan Cottrell and Stu James discuss the role of contact equipment in training. They explore how pads can reduce impact, build confidence, develop body shape and allow players to enjoy physicality, while also warning against the false habits they can create if players hit them in ways they would never use in a game. The key message is simple: Equipment is a tool, not a solution. Coaches need to know when pads help learning, when they simply create activity, and when it is time to take them away. For any coach working on tackle, ruck or contact confidence, this episode offers a practical reminder: It does not have to be perfect, but it does have to be intentional. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| 50 22 Tools for neurodivergent inclusion | 10 juin 2026 | 00:08:50 | |
One in five players may be neurodivergent, and rugby is often a sport that attracts players who think, learn and experience the world differently. The good news? The coaching adjustments that help neurodivergent players often make coaching better for everyone. In this episode, Dan Cottrell and Stuart James explore practical ways coaches can create more inclusive environments without overcomplicating their sessions. The discussion covers the importance of language, understanding individual needs, and recognising that most neurodivergent players simply want to be treated like everyone else while having the right support available when needed. A key theme is clarity. Clear instructions, predictable structures, and simple explanations reduce uncertainty and help all players engage more effectively. The pair also discuss the importance of managing transitions between activities, often the most challenging moments in a session, and how giving players clear roles and responsibilities can maintain focus and engagement. The episode highlights an important principle: design your coaching with inclusion in mind, and everybody benefits. Just as accessible design improves everyday life for everyone, inclusive coaching creates better learning environments for all players, not just those who are neurodivergent. Finally, Dan and Stu reflect on the need to coach the group in front of you rather than the session plan in your pocket. Understanding your players, managing group energy, and being prepared to adapt remain at the heart of effective coaching. Key takeaway: Better coaching for neurodivergent players is usually just better coaching. Be clear, be consistent, be intentional, and focus on creating an environment where every player can thrive. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| 50:22 Fault correction and when to say nothing | 06 mai 2026 | 00:08:54 | |
Fault correction sits at the heart of coaching, but done poorly it kills flow, confidence and learning. In this episode, Dan Cottrell and Stu James break down how to intervene with purpose, so players improve without feeling overwhelmed or criticised. They explore how coaches often chase a “perfect” technical model that doesn’t match the player in front of them, and why understanding stage of development is critical before stepping in. From knowing when to leave players to self-organise, to using “hot feedback” at the right moment, this conversation is about timing, judgement and intent. You will hear practical ways to correct faults without defaulting to constant instruction. That includes using demonstration, questioning, peer learning and even handing responsibility to assistant coaches or parents. There is also a powerful idea around asking permission to be critical, helping players receive feedback in a more constructive way. This episode challenges the idea that fault correction is simply telling players what to do. Instead, it reframes it as helping players feel, understand and own the solution. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| 50:22 Coaching Belief, Not Just Skill | 29 avr. 2026 | 00:08:35 | |
What if the biggest thing holding your players back is not skill but belief? In this episode, Dan Cottrell, head coach at Rugby Coach Weekly and Stuart James, coach developer at Guildford RFC, unpack one of the most overlooked areas in coaching. While most sessions are built around skills and rules, belief is often left untouched, yet it may be the very thing that unlocks performance. They explore why belief is not just mindset or empty praise, but a player’s identity, built around three powerful statements. I can do this. I belong here. I make a difference. When these are in place, everything else changes. The conversation dives into how coaches can actively build belief through session design, challenge, and, most importantly, noticing players. From small, intentional moments before a game to reinforcing effort over outcome, this episode shows how belief is grown over time, not delivered in a single speech. 💡 Key insight: The players who struggle most often do not lack ability, they lack belief. And that is something you can coach. If you want players who take ownership, step forward, and perform under pressure, this episode gives you practical ways to start. 👉 Because great coaching is not just about what players do, it is about what they believe they can do. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| The biggest myths in rugby stats, with Sam Larner | 25 mars 2026 | 00:45:49 | |
What really wins rugby matches — instinct or insight? In this episode, Dan Cottrell sits down with rugby analyst, journalist, and coach Sam Larner to unpack the growing influence of data in the modern game — and what it actually means for coaches on the pitch. From Six Nations trends to grassroots realities, Sam brings clarity to the numbers behind performance. Together, they explore why territory often matters more than possession, how 22 entries shape outcomes, and why some of rugby’s most quoted stats might be misleading. The conversation goes beyond the spreadsheets. Sam challenges the idea that the game can be “solved” by data alone, arguing for a balance between analysis and feel — and offering practical ways coaches can use simple metrics to improve decision-making without overcomplicating their sessions. You’ll also hear:
Click here to buy the book. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| What Instagram clips don’t show about coaching, with Sam Mace of SMPerformance | 18 mars 2026 | 00:51:30 | |
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell speaks to coach and former professional player Sam Mace about the journey from playing to coaching and the lessons that shaped his philosophy. Sam played professionally in Major League Rugby with the Toronto Arrows, before concussion injuries forced him to retire early. That experience changed the direction of his career and sparked a passion for coaching that is now reaching thousands of players and coaches online through his SMPerformance platform. In this conversation, Sam explains what truly energises him about coaching. For him, the biggest influence was the feeling of being supported by great coaches and the opposite experience of feeling small or unwanted. That contrast shaped his commitment to creating environments where players feel belief, ownership and agency over their own development. Dan and Sam explore how honest conversations build trust, why players improve more when they understand why they are not selected, and how coaches can balance challenge with care. They also dive into coaching contact skills, discussing the technical side of tackling, the importance of control rather than aggression, and why the best defenders focus on precision and positioning rather than simply hitting harder. Along the way, Sam reflects on social media coaching, the limits of short-form content, and why great coaching is always about the human connection behind the technique. Key themes
If you want to connect with Sam, you can find his coaching content at SMPerformance on Instagram. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Sustainable performance in high-pressure environments | 11 mars 2026 | 00:56:13 | |
What does sustainable performance actually look like in elite sport and leadership? In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan speaks with Lúcás Ó’Ceallacháin, a high-performance coach and leadership specialist who has worked across rugby, wrestling, artistic swimming, ballet and Olympic systems worldwide. Lúcás helps leaders build performance “one brick at a time” through social learning, psychological safety and deliberate coaching design. From coaching in Russia and Kazakhstan to supporting Olympic programmes and even ballet companies, he shares powerful lessons about: • Why psychological safety is misunderstood This conversation goes beyond theory. It explores what it really means to be the adult in the room — to create clarity, set standards and invite contribution without losing performance edge. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Be the adult in the room, with Tara Lynn | 04 mars 2026 | 00:58:04 | |
What does it really mean to be the adult in the room? In this powerful and honest conversation, I sit down with Tara Lynn, transformational coach and trusted adviser to high performers who have reached the edge of what got them here. We explore how leaders and coaches can regulate themselves under pressure, avoid slipping into “parent” or “child” reactions, and communicate with clarity instead of ego. Tara shares her A.D.U.L.T framework, breaks down the difference between training and coaching, and explains why language, timing and self-awareness determine whether challenge feels like growth or threat. We also unpack:
To find out more about Tara and get in contact with her: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taralynncoaching/ To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Skill Acquisition Without the Noise and Coaching Through Mistakes with Job Fransen | 25 févr. 2026 | 00:56:55 | |
In this episode, Dan Cottrell is joined once again by skill acquisition specialist Job Fransen, Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University and Managing Director of SkillACQ. Together they explore what really matters in coaching practice design, feedback, and player development. Job shares why elite coaches rarely need “disrupting,” why most coaches intervene too quickly, and why sometimes the best coaching decision is to step back and let players solve the problem. They dig into:
🔑 Key Takeaways
Find out more here: www.skillacq.com/pathways/build To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Inside The Rugby Paper: How rugby stories are built every week | 18 févr. 2026 | 00:45:39 | |
What actually happens on a Saturday night when the final whistle blows and rugby stories still need to be told? In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan is joined by Ben Jaycock, assistant editor at The Rugby Paper, to explore how parts of a national rugby newspaper are produced under extreme time pressure. While much of The Rugby Paper is planned days in advance, Ben explains how key match reports, ratings, and analysis are written live as games unfold and filed within minutes of full time, ready for a Sunday morning readership that already knows the score. The conversation lifts the lid on writing for readers who have watched the game, not those discovering the result, why creativity matters more than formula, and how editors balance honesty, criticism, and respect for players, coaches, and referees. They also discuss the importance of grassroots coverage, why The Rugby Paper resists clickbait, and what excites Ben about the modern game despite its financial challenges. A thoughtful insight into rugby journalism, storytelling, and why good reporting still matters to the health of the sport. Subscribe to The Rugby Paper To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Building the future of English rugby, with Steve Grainger | 11 févr. 2026 | 00:51:15 | |
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Steve Grainger, Executive Director of Rugby Development at England Rugby, for an open and thoughtful conversation about the state of the community game. They explore how rugby is changing at grassroots level, from schools and clubs to coach education, workforce models, and the rise of T1 Rugby. Steve shares what has stayed stubbornly the same over decades, what has genuinely evolved since 2011, and where the biggest tensions now sit between tradition, participation, and sustainability. This is a wide-ranging discussion about systems, people, and trade-offs, grounded in the realities of Sunday mornings, volunteer coaches, and the long-term health of the game. Essential listening for anyone involved in coaching, club leadership, or rugby development. Five key takeaways
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Building a Coaching Playbook That Actually Changes Clubs, with Charlie Farrell | 04 févr. 2026 | 00:49:40 | |
What does it really take to align dozens of volunteer coaches, hundreds of players, and a whole club around one clear development pathway? In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell is joined by Charlie Farrell, Age Grade Rugby Director at Banbridge RFC, to unpack the thinking behind the club’s new Coaches Playbook. Designed to guide player development from first contact to First XV, the Playbook goes far beyond drills and session plans. Charlie explains why Banbridge needed a shared framework, how the five pillars (Technical, Tactical, Mental, Lifestyle, Physical) were shaped by lived coaching experience, and the very real challenges of rolling out change in a large, multi-sport community club. The conversation explores volunteer buy-in, consistency versus creativity, session planning, player behaviour, and what “success” actually looks like in age-grade rugby. Key takeaways
Topics covered To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Coaching with conviction, with Nash Cohen | 28 janv. 2026 | 00:49:37 | |
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell is joined by performance coach Nash Cohen to explore what it really means to coach with conviction. From defining winning beyond the scoreboard to building trust under pressure, the conversation digs into principles, skill detail, and creating environments where players think, adapt, and grow. Nash is the Head of Player & Performance Development Jamaica UK and Programme Director Elite Rugby Academy. You can find out more about the work he does at: To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Why Toughness Is Misunderstood in Rugby, with Jack Heald | 21 janv. 2026 | 00:52:09 | |
What does real toughness look like in rugby? In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell is joined by Jack Heald, Director of Rugby at Barnes RFC and rugby professional at Felsted School, to unpack what toughness truly means in modern coaching environments. Drawing on over 15 years of experience across school, club, and national league rugby, Jack challenges the idea that toughness is about bravado or confrontation. Instead, he reframes it as consistency, resilience, and the ability to turn up and perform week after week, often while balancing full-time work, study, and life pressures. The conversation explores how tough, competitive training environments are created without tipping into chaos, how feedback should be handled to build confidence rather than erode it, and why core skill development is still the most overlooked driver of long-term player success. Key takeaways for coaches
Instagram: @jhealdcoaching LinkedIn: Jack Heald To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| What Really Matters When You Inherit a Losing Team, with Ross Bundy | 14 janv. 2026 | 00:46:00 | |
What do you stabilise first when you inherit a team at the bottom of the table? In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell speaks with Ross Bundy, Head Coach of Leicester Tigers Women, about leading a rebuild in a high-pressure, semi-professional environment. Ross shares an unfiltered account of what really matters when results are hard to come by. Rather than chasing quick fixes, he explains why values, defensive standards, contact dominance, discipline, and law understanding became the foundation for long-term progress. The conversation explores how to be brutally honest while keeping belief high, how to simplify systems without lowering standards, and how to measure improvement when the scoreboard does not reflect the full picture. This is a grounded, practical discussion for coaches who are building from a low starting point and need clarity, patience, and conviction. PS, Ross is one of the youngest pro-coaches in the game right now - only 26! Key takeaways for coaches
Catch up with Ross on LinkedIn Or Instagram To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Why better sessions don’t start with better drills | 07 janv. 2026 | 01:00:39 | |
In this episode, Dan Cottrell is joined by Phil Kearney, Associate Professor at the University of Limerick and co-founder of an organisation focused on developing a positive community of practice in skill acquisition Together, they challenge one of coaching’s most ingrained habits: starting session design with drills, outcomes, and end goals rather than with how players actually learn. Drawing on skill acquisition research, coach education, and applied examples from grassroots to performance sport, the conversation reframes what effective practice really looks like. Key points covered:
The best ways to engage with Phil are: University of Limerick (professional email): LinkedIn: To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| KatieFest and the Power of Inclusive Rugby | 31 déc. 2025 | 01:00:27 | |
In this Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Darren Rea, John Peel, and Gareth Lewis to explore how inclusive SEND rugby has grown from a few Sunday sessions into a powerful community movement known as KatieFest. Together, they share how simple, values-led coaching has created safe, joyful, and challenging rugby environments for players with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, while also bringing parents, carers, coaches, and clubs closer together. The conversation goes beyond drills and sessions to unpack confidence, belonging, routine, and why rugby is uniquely placed to adapt without losing its essence. From mash-ups with mainstream teams to national recognition and the ripple effect spreading across clubs and counties, this is a story about coaching with empathy, ambition, and belief. It is not about doing something “special,” but about making inclusion normal, visible, and lasting, and showing how rugby can genuinely be a sport for all. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1477604696958236/ https://checkout.justgiving.com/c/3830429 To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Building Stronger, Faster and Ultimately Better Rugby Players in the Girls’ Game | 03 déc. 2025 | 00:50:18 | |
In this Rugby Coach Weekly episode, Dan sits down with Emily Pratt, Strength and Conditioning Coach for the England Women’s U20s, to unpack the brand new U16 Foundational Athletic Development and U18 Athletic Development programmes reshaping the female pathway. Emily explains how England Rugby is shifting the landscape for young female athletes. She and Dan explore:
Emily also emphasises that strength training is never about changing how girls look, but about helping them become fitter, faster, more resilient rugby players. If you coach girls rugby — at club, school, college or county — this episode is packed with practical guidance, player-centred insights and a clear breakdown of what “good” athletic development looks like. You can find the full programme, including videos and week-by-week sessions, on the England Rugby website: This link is to the U16 Foundational athletic development section of the website The next link is specific to the U18 Athletic Development at PDG. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Confidence, Contact, and Change: The Girls Tackle Rugby Approach | 26 nov. 2025 | 00:49:40 | |
In this episode, Dan sits down with India Perris-Redding, one of the driving forces behind women and girls’ rugby in the North of England. Over nearly seven years with Sale Sharks Foundation, India has shaped a transformational pathway for girls’ rugby, from primary school beginners to academy-level athletes. India shares the story behind Girls Tackle Rugby, the groundbreaking programme she built from scratch to bridge the gap between grassroots participation and the elite pathway. She talks candidly about overcoming school barriers, inspiring confidence in young players, designing game-based sessions that work, and the powerful role of female role models in helping girls see what’s possible. We explore the challenges of introducing contact safely, the surprising findings from 18 months of research with Manchester Metropolitan University, and how simple, authentic human connection can unlock a girl’s belief that she can do this. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Designing the Future: Inside England Rugby’s Girls’ Pathway | 19 nov. 2025 | 00:43:57 | |
In this Rugby Coach Weekly episode, Dan Cottrell sits down with Benny Williams, one of the leading voices shaping the girls’ and women’s game in England. As the Girls’ PDG Coach Lead for England Rugby, Benny oversees the national U18s curriculum, supports coach development, and helps identify the next generation of Red Roses. Benny takes us inside the newly designed U16 and U18 curriculums, explaining how the RFU built a consistent, adaptable, and player-centred framework across the nine development centres. She unpacks key principles like playing to best space, ball and body always moving, and back in the game, and shares how coaches can help players develop adaptable, high-skill profiles that prepare them for future environments, from PWR to BUCS and beyond. We explore: Find out more about the programmes here: Foundational Athletic Development To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Managing mismatches, parents, and game-day transfer | 12 nov. 2025 | 00:54:18 | |
Head coach Dan Cottrell is joined by Russell McClusky and Phil Greenaway for a lively, practical chat drawn from years across schools, clubs, and university rugby. As hosts of the Little and Large Podcast, they bring a wealth of experience from their times as directors of sport and heads of games. They tackle how to handle one-sided school fixtures without punishing your best players, why the referee’s feel for the game matters, and smart ways to bring parents with you. The trio dig into development versus performance mindsets, what to do when outside “experts” chime in, and how simplifying set piece detail can create immediate gains. Real examples include yellow card simulations, pre-game parent emails with three clear focuses, and a lineout fix that worked the very next match. If you coach minis to seniors, you will leave with ideas you can use on Saturday.
You can contact them on the following emails: Russell russ@rpmsports.co.uk To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| 50:22 Say Less, Coach More | 05 nov. 2025 | 00:09:29 | |
How much talking is too much? In this episode, Dan Cottrell and Stuart James explore how coaches can make every word count. From the power of the short, purposeful chat to the art of explaining the how, what, and why in under a minute, they share practical ways to sharpen communication and boost player engagement. Discover why the best sessions often start with fewer words, clearer intent, and more playing time — and how taking the “temperature” of your group can help you adapt what you say (and when you say it). To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| 50:22 Stop Chasing Skill: Build Game Sense That Sticks | 29 oct. 2025 | 00:09:19 | |
In this episode of The 50:22 Podcast, Dan Cottrell and Stu James explore why focusing on perfect technique can hold players back. Instead of trying to tick off isolated skills, they discuss how layering, context, and repetition help players understand what to do and when to do it. The aim is to move from drills to decisions, from repetition to recognition. Learn how to guide players toward real game sense and long-term progress in every session. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| 50:22 The Right Kind of Pressure | 22 oct. 2025 | 00:08:47 | |
In this episode of the 50:22 Podcast, Dan Cottrell and Stuart James explore how to use stress as a coaching tool, not through shouting but through smart, purposeful challenge. Discover how the right kind of pressure helps players build resilience, sharpen decision-making, and raise their own standards. Learn simple ways to add competition, intensity, and mindset training into your sessions without losing calm, connection, or control. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| High Care, Not High Performance – Ben Herring Returns | 08 sept. 2025 | 00:56:35 | |
Ben Herring returns to the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast to dive deeper into what he’s learned from speaking to some of the world’s top coaches. Drawing on his global coaching journey and his Coaching Culture podcast, Ben shares why grassroots rugby should focus on high care rather than high performance, why the 80% basics matter more than the 1% details, and how resilience and leadership can be actively coached. This episode blends big lessons from names like Joe Schmidt, Steve Hansen and Mike Cron with practical takeaways you can use at club and school level. ✅ Key takeaways
Listen to Ben's podcast here, and discover his books as well. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Receptive, Resilient, Ready: A New Way to Spot Talent | 01 sept. 2025 | 00:46:38 | |
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell speaks with Neil Davies – Yorkshire Chair of Coach Development, Director of Rugby at Doncaster Demons, and Lead for the South Yorkshire Girls PDG. Neil shares their unique approach to talent identification, explaining how Yorkshire’s "Roses" model builds on the STAR framework to assess skills, resilience, and receptiveness in young players. He discusses self-nomination, taster days, individual development plans, and the balance between rugby basics and movement skills. Some key takeaways:
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Coaching with Purpose – Lessons from Wales to Australia | 25 août 2025 | 00:55:18 | |
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Owain Roberts, Coach Education and Development Manager at the NSW Waratahs and a Level 4 coach. Originally from Swansea, Owain’s journey has taken him from Welsh-speaking schools and UK teaching to the heart of Australian rugby. Together, they explore:
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Scholarships, Streaming, and the School Game, with Will James | 18 août 2025 | 00:54:22 | |
In this episode, Dan sits down with Will James, Director of Sport at Ampleforth College, former Wales international, and ex-Gloucester star, to explore the realities of schools rugby. They tackle big topics, from the health of the game in the North East and the impact of concussion awareness, to balancing school–club relationships, the role of streaming in player development, and the thorny issue of scholarships. Will shares honest insights from his dual perspective as a former professional and an educator, offering a thoughtful look at how schools can deliver meaningful rugby experiences while keeping player welfare at the heart of it all. Key takeaways:
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| 50:22 Prepare Yourself, Not Just the Plan | 10 août 2025 | 00:08:30 | |
In this episode of the 50:22 Podcast, Dan Cottrell and Stu James explore why great coaching starts with preparing yourself, not just your session plan. Stu leads the discussion, drawing on his expertise in different workplace environments to inform his thinking on training day scenarios. From setting the right mindset to creating simple reset tools when things go off track, learn how to arrive confident, stay adaptable, and lead with intention. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| 50:22 The Assistant Coach You're Ignoring | 04 août 2025 | 00:08:22 | |
What if your most impactful assistant coach is already on the sideline, holding a coffee and watching their child? In this episode, Dan Cottrell and Stu James reframe how coaches can engage parents with purpose. From team emails to ‘parent wranglers’, discover how to create connection, reduce friction and build a shared culture that goes beyond the touchline. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| 50:22 Make Games Work Harder | 28 juil. 2025 | 00:09:17 | |
Small-sided games aren’t just chaos—they’re your sharpest coaching tool. In this episode, Dan Cottrell and Stu James explore how to make games more purposeful by designing clear objectives, coaching one behaviour at a time, and helping players make better decisions under pressure. Clear rules. Smart design. Intentional outcomes. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| 50:22 Starting sessions | 21 juil. 2025 | 00:09:00 | |
How You Start Changes Everything To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Mana, Movement, and Meaning with Regan Sue | 10 juin 2025 | 00:47:28 | |
In this powerful episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Regan Sue, co-founder of Haka Rugby Global, to explore how Maori culture, adaptability, and people-first coaching have helped shape one of the world’s most culturally rich rugby initiatives. Regan shares stories from over a decade of running 100+ camps across 50 countries, unpacking the deeper meaning behind the haka, the power of coaching with cultural intent, and the nuances of leadership, energy, and skill development. From managing chaotic changing rooms to instilling “mana” in every tackle, Regan explains how his coaching journey has always been rooted in adaptability and authenticity. With themes like the Warrior on the Edge and feet-fight-finish, he outlines how traditional values merge with technical excellence on the pitch and how every session balances smiles with sweat. Links: Insta: Haka Rugby Global Facebook: Haka Rugby Global Insta: Coach Regs Facebook: Coach Regs Regan has shared some key concepts: He is the co-founder of Haka Rugby Global with business partner Troy Nathan To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Coaching with Connection: Soft Skills That Win Hearts and Games | 16 mai 2025 | 00:43:16 | |
In this episode, Dan Cottrell speaks with Leicester Tigers player and Peak Team Performance founder, Tiana Gordon, about the power of soft skills in coaching. Drawing on her academic background in neuroscience, psychology, and mental health, Tiana shares practical tools to help coaches improve communication, build genuine connections, and regulate their emotions under pressure. From managing difficult player conversations to creating inclusive environments that support the whole squad, not just the starting XV, this episode challenges coaches to go beyond the technical and rethink how they show up for their teams. To find out more from Tiana, here are the key links: Peak Team Performance: Website: www.peaktp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peaktp/ Email: tiana@peaktp.com Tiana Gordon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianagordon/ Email: tiana@peaktp.com To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Bench Warmers, Buy-In, and Being Different, with Ben Herring | 07 avr. 2025 | 01:03:15 | |
In this episode, Dan Cottrell catches up with the globetrotting coach and former pro player Ben Herring. From being told he was too small for the 1st XV to wrestling with his dad for jackal strength, Ben shares a raw and inspiring journey through rugby, coaching, and personal growth. Now Director of Rugby at Newington College and host of The Coaching Culture podcast, Ben reflects on how being underestimated shaped his coaching philosophy, why finding your niche is key to player success, and what it really means to develop team culture without losing individuality. The conversation travels from Japan to New Zealand to professional club rugby, touching on topics like over-coaching, player psychology, bench dynamics, and how stoic philosophy inspired a team-wide cultural shift. A must-listen for any coach, educator, or rugby lover looking to lead with empathy and impact. 🔗 Highlights include:
Here's a link to his show: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coaching-culture-with-ben-herring/id1788635110 To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Unlocking Creativity in Coaching with Dr. Michael Francis Pollin | 28 mars 2025 | 00:59:35 | |
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, host Dan Cottrell sits down with Dr. Michael Francis Pollin, a leading expert in coach development and coaching behaviours for player learning, development and performance. They dive into the fascinating world of creativity in rugby coaching, challenging traditional perceptions and exploring how creativity is not just a product but a process. Michael shares insights from his research and experience working with elite football and rugby academies, discussing how coaches can create environments that foster cognitive awareness, adaptability, and decision-making. From exploring the balance between structure and freedom to understanding the importance of silence and observation, this episode will leave you reflecting on your own coaching practices. Key takeaways:
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| From First XV to U14s: Coaching Rugby Across the Age Groups | 21 mars 2025 | 00:53:49 | |
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Charlie Harrison, former professional player for Bath, Bedford, Rotherham and player/coach at Doncaster, ex-Head of Rugby at Marlborough College, and now coach of the U14s at Marlborough. They discuss the transition from coaching First XV to working with younger players, the importance of game-based learning, and how to develop players beyond just their physical attributes. Charlie shares insights into structuring training sessions, managing player progression, and fostering a long-term love for the game. Key Takeaways:
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Mastering Rugby Skills with The Rugby Trainer – Ben John’s Coaching Journey | 14 mars 2025 | 00:41:44 | |
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Ben John, better known as The Rugby Trainer, to explore his unique coaching philosophy and the rise of his hugely popular online brand. Ben shares how he transitioned from professional rugby to skill-specific coaching, the impact of his viral content, and the importance of developing core rugby skills through creative and engaging methods. From insights on improving individual technique to the role of social media in coaching, Ben discusses how he engages young players and what makes skill acquisition sustainable over time. He also shares lessons from working with top professionals like Marcus Smith and delves into the importance of decision-making, body awareness, and confidence in player development. Key Takeaways:
To find out more about Ben John's work go to the following links: https://www.therugbytraineracademy.com/ https://youtube.com/@therugbytrainertv To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| The Why Behind Coaching: Developing Expertise and Decision-Making | 07 mars 2025 | 00:56:05 | |
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell welcomes Jamie Taylor—Assistant Professor of Elite Performance at Dublin City University, Academy Coach with Leicester Tigers, and Senior Coach Developer at Grey Matters UK. Together, they dive into the practical aspects of coaching, discussing session planning, skill acquisition, and what it truly means to develop coaching expertise. Jamie challenges conventional ideas on coaching theory, explaining the importance of understanding "why" we coach the way we do and how we can design better learning experiences for players. Whether you're a grassroots coach or working at the elite level, this conversation will make you think more deeply about your coaching intentions and the impact you have on your players.
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| The research secrets of dominant tackling revealed | 28 févr. 2025 | 01:00:12 | |
Tackling is at the heart of rugby, but what truly makes a tackle dominant or a miss? In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, host Dan Cottrell welcomes Oli Bishop, defence coach for Ealing Trailfinders Women and U23s, to break down the science behind effective tackling. Oli shares insights from his Level 4 RFU research, exploring the key characteristics of dominant tackles, the role of balance and momentum, and the phases of a successful tackle. From analysing foot placement to understanding pre-contact cues, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for coaches and players alike. Key insights include:
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| From Recruitment to Retention: Lessons in Coaching Girls' Rugby, with Sam Halliday | 21 févr. 2025 | 00:48:08 | |
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Sam Halliday, a PE teacher and rugby coach working with the Oxfordshire U16 PDG squad and Brackley U14 girls. Sam shares his insights on building a thriving coaching environment, fostering player ownership, and creating opportunities for girls in rugby. He discusses the importance of peer-led learning, developing confidence in new players, and how structured yet flexible coaching can lead to lasting engagement. Whether you're coaching grassroots rugby or looking to refine your approach to player development, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. 📢 Listen now and discover:
To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Beyond Perfection: Coaching for Excellence with Lewis Hatchett | 14 févr. 2025 | 01:04:20 | |
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell speaks with Lewis Hatchett—former professional cricketer, mindset coach, and creator of the MindStrong Sport app. They discuss perfectionism in sport, its benefits and drawbacks, and how it affects athletes and coaches. Lewis shares his personal experiences with perfectionism, explaining how it can drive high performance but also lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of failure. The conversation explores the impact of coaching environments, the role of perceived perfectionism, and how athletes can shift towards "excellencism"—striving for success without the pressure of unrealistic expectations. Key topics include: ✅ How perfectionism impacts athletes and teams If you're a coach, athlete, or parent looking to understand the mindset behind elite performance, this episode offers practical advice and research-based insights. Lewis also shares how coaches can contribute to his ongoing research. 📩 Want to connect with Lewis? Find him at MindStrongSport.com or reach out via hello@lewishatchet.com. Link to our Live Free coaching the coaches events To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Fundraising for Grassroots Rugby: Secrets to Success with Ed Flynn | 07 févr. 2025 | 00:45:28 | |
Raising funds for grassroots rugby can feel like an uphill battle, but Ed Flynn has cracked the code. In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, host Dan Cottrell sits down with Ed, a coach and fundraising powerhouse, to uncover the strategies that have helped his clubs thrive. From securing local business sponsorships to running hugely successful raffles and race nights, Ed shares his tried-and-tested methods for generating support, engaging the community, and ensuring clubs have the resources they need to grow. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Building Better Coaches: Ethics, Education, and Inclusion with Stuart Armstrong | 31 janv. 2025 | 00:53:59 | |
Join Dan Cottrell on the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast as he dives into a compelling conversation with Stuart Armstrong, renowned coach developer and host of The Talent Equation podcast.
To listen more from Stuart on his podcast, go to: https://pod.link/1209549739 To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Emotion on the Field: Coaching with Heart and Strength | 24 janv. 2025 | 00:54:54 | |
Join Rugby Coach Weekly's Dan Cottrell as he sits down with Marlo Boyd, Bath Rugby’s Development Officer, Bath University women's forward's coach and former Bristol Bears player. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Coaching Through the Lens: Simple and Effective Video Analysis | 17 janv. 2025 | 00:49:20 | |
Dan Cottrell welcomes Craig Wilson, director of rugby at Yale University and founder of The Contact Coach. Together, they explore practical, accessible approaches to video analysis for grassroots coaches. The conversation covers:
Find lots of takeaway ideas you can use immediately without the need for expensive equipment or complex software. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||
| Myths of motivating athletes with Dr Mark Carroll | 10 janv. 2025 | 00:53:53 | |
In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell welcomes Dr. Mark Carroll, a sports coach and lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland, and a host of Labours of Sports Coaching. Together, they delve into the myths and realities of motivation in sports coaching. This conversation challenges traditional approaches and offers fresh insights. From breaking down misconceptions about the coach's role as the ultimate motivator to exploring how self-determination theory and other frameworks can shape coaching practice, Dr. Carroll discusses the delicate balance between external motivators and fostering intrinsic drive, the nuances of psychological safety, and why context is king in every coaching decision. Whether you're a grassroots coach or working with elite athletes, this episode is packed with thought-provoking ideas and practical advice to help you create environments that truly inspire performance. 📩 Connect with Dr. Mark Carroll on LinkedIn or explore his podcast, Labours of Sports Coaching, for even more insights. To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly To find out more about our Partner Club offer CLICK HERE | |||