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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:

• Talent ID works best when it’s holistic, not a box-ticking exercise
• Self-nomination builds ownership and confidence in young players
• Taster days reduce nerves and showcase potential in real game settings
• Catch-pass, tackle, and movement remain the non-negotiable foundations
• Player journals and feedback in action drive real long-term growth

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