When Coaching Goes Wrong – Details, episodes & analysis

When Bob McKillop, my former coach, agreed to sit down with me, I knew we were about to embark on a discussion that would transcend the boundaries of rugby. Enjoy the show!

0:03 Player Coaching

6:35 Challenges and Success in Coaching

11:06 The Importance of Communication in Leadership

17:41 Effective Coaching Through Collaboration and Communication

23:53 Navigating Coaching Career Authenticity

31:05 Coaching the Scotland Under 20 Team

42:02 Building Authenticity and Trust in Coaching

45:46 Coaching and Communication in Rugby

51:52 Career Progression in Coaching Rugby

55:11 Embracing Leadership and Collaborative Learning

1:07:40 Evolution of Rugby Coaching Strategies

1:20:38 Creating a Competitive Advantage Through Authenticity

This episode is with Stephen Dowse, Director of Rugby at Hong Kong Football Club. He opens up about nurturing talent across all levels, aligning multiple teams under the club's ethos, and cultivating a culture where elite and community players thrive side by side.

Authenticity and credibility lie at the heart of our conversation, as we dissect the evolution of coaching styles and the importance of trust in mentoring athletes. It's not just about managing teams but about guiding them through strategic planning and skill development, as well as embracing the personal growth that comes with the territory of coaching at the highest levels.

Closing out this episode, Stephen discusses the resilience and personal growth that come with the territory of sports coaching. The exchange underscores the significance of acknowledging our slip-ups, sourcing support from the right quarters, and honing strategies for self-improvement. Whether you're a die-hard rugby enthusiast or a novice to the game, this episode promises to enrich your understanding of the sport's inner workings and the profound impact of coaching and player development.

It is a pleasure to share wisdom from one of North America's standout characters, Dallen Stanford. He represented USA 7s and is now a leading figure in the commentary world covering international XV, World 7s Series and Major League Rugby. 

Commentating on a match is much more than it seems, so join me in diving behind the scenes to learn on what happens to ensure the viewer receives a fantastic experience! 

www.thecontactcoach.com

On this Rugby Wisdom Podcast, I am joined by one of the most iconic rugby players the game has ever seen, David 'Campo' Campese. Campo is very engaging and insightful as we discuss the state of the game both within Australia and World Rugby in general.

David Campese 11 Academy
https://davidcampese.com

The David Campese 15’’s & 7’s Rugby Academy is a unique – offering of coaching programs for both players (girls and boys) and coaches in both codes of Rugby Union – 15’s and 7’s. David’s vision for his Academy is to always maintain his personal involvement with each individual program/team, ensuring that his signature coaching style encouraging creativity, unpredictability and flair, is the top priority.

This show is brought to you by World Rugby Shop. Visit www.worldrugbyshop.com for all your rugby needs! 

On this Rugby Wisdom Podcast, I am joined by All Black and World Cup winner, Andy Ellis. Andy's illustrious career to date has seen him play for the Crusaders 150 times, winning two Super Rugby championships. Most recently, Andy has been in Japan playing for Kobe Steelers before COVID brought an abrupt end to the season.

Andy is passionate about creating meaningful cultures and environments and we dive deeper into what this actually looks like. Having played in some of rugby's greatest teams, Andy provides a fascinating insight into what these groups did off the field to enhance performance. 

This show is brought to you by World Rugby Shop. Visit www.worldrugbyshop.com for all your rugby needs! 

I am joined by Greg McWilliams, who has built an extensive resume in both community and performance rugby environments. In this conversation, Greg shares his thoughts on how exposure to these different environments has helped shape him as a coach today.

Greg has coached in the highly-regarded Irish Schools system in Dublin, leading St. Michaels College. In Ireland, Greg has also coached Trinity College, Leinster Age-Grade teams, and the Irish Women's National Team. Greg and his family then moved to the United States to become Director of Rugby at the Ivy League School, Yale University. Since his time in the US, Greg coached the USA U20s before moving on to become the Attack Coach for the Men's National Team. Greg is now the Head Coach of Rugby United New York in Major League Rugby.

During the show, Greg refers to a podcast featuring The Inner Game of Tennis.
Here is the link.

This show is brought to you by World Rugby Shop. Visit www.worldrugbyshop.com for all your rugby needs!

I am joined by one of the leading kicking coaches in the world, Vlok Cillers. Vlok breaks down the technicalities of kicking and covers important training aspects to improve accuracy. 

As a player, Vlok played for Western Province and is a capped Springbok (vs New Zealand, 1996). As a coach, Vlok worked with the Blue Bulls alongside legendary Springbok and one of the world's best kickers. Moyne Steyn. Vlok's current role is with the French National team where he works with all the kickers and also builds the kicking strategy for the team.

Vlok also has his own online kicking consultancy, where players from all around the world can access Vlok's expertise.

Contact Vlok: https://rb.gy/5pij9m
Twitter: www.twitter.com/vlokskop10?lang=en

This show is brought to you by World Rugby Shop. Visit www.worldrugbyshop.com for all your rugby needs!

On this show, I am joined by Brian Ashton MBE. Brian is revered as being one of the most forward-thinking coaches in the game. His coaching career has seen him lead Bath, Ireland, and England. He also built England Rugby’s academy that has created a stream of world-class players. Outside of rugby, Brian mentors coaches within the Premier League. 

This show is brought to you by World Rugby Shop. Visit www.worldrugbyshop.com for all your rugby needs!

Rugby Wisdom is supporting Ruck ALS. A great group of people that provide memory-making events, financial support, and home modifications to those suffering from ALS and their families. Visit www.ruckals.org to learn more.

I am joined by Jason Ryan, the Crusaders Forwards Coach. Jason shares his wisdom on how to build a dominant scrum. 

Jason has also worked as the forwards for the Canterbury provincial team for five years, initially as a Scrum Coach, and then as an Assistant Coach in 2015 and 2016. He also has national experience as the Scrum Coach for the Black Ferns in 2014, and New Zealand Under 20 team for three seasons.

Ryan set up the Front Row Club in 2013, a coaching program focused on the safe development of props and hookers.

This show is brought to you by www.worldrugbyshop.com

You can find more content, including analysis, from Craig at www.thecontactcoach.com

Sir Ian McGeechan won thirty-two caps, playing at fly-half and centre, and captained the team nine times. Sir Ian, as a player, toured with the British and Irish Lions in both 1974 and 1977.

Sir Ian was the British and Irish Lions Head Coach in 1989, 1993, 1997 and 2009. In 2005 he coached the midweek side on the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand on the invitation of Sir Clive Woodward. On the international stage, Sir Ian also won the 1990 Grand Slam with Scotland. 

Domestically, Sir Ian became the Director of Rugby at London Wasps in 2005, and led his team to the Powergen Anglo-Welsh Cup title, beating Llanelli Scarlets in the final at Twickenham. In his second season, London Wasps claimed the Heineken Cup and in his third season, they lifted the Premiership cup.

In 2010 Sir Ian joined the coaching staff at Gloucester as an advisor to Head Coach Bryan Redpath and his coaching team, and in 2010 he moved to local rivals Bath Rugby as performance director.

Taking over as the director of rugby at Bath in 2011, the following year Ian was appointed executive chairman of Leeds Carnegie.

Ian was knighted in the 2010 New Years’ Honours List for his services to rugby, and received an OBE in 1990.