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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: [email protected]

Tiana Gordon: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianagordon/

Email: [email protected]

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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:

• Being cut from school teams and how that built resilience
• Coaching culture lessons from Japan
• The role of repetition and language in learning
• Why sometimes it's OK to say, "Stuff the structure"
• Creating a unique team identity around stoicism
• How to balance team-first mentality with individual strengths

Here's a link to his show:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coaching-culture-with-ben-herring/id1788635110

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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:

• Creativity as a process: Understand why creativity in coaching is more of a cognitive process than just a final product or "wow moment."
• Balancing structure and freedom: Discover how to blend structure with autonomy to create an environment that encourages creative thinking.
• The power of silence: Learn why saying nothing can sometimes be the most powerful coaching tool.
• Observational skills: Improve your ability to notice subtle cues and patterns in player behavior and game situations.
• Questioning techniques: Explore how the right questions can guide players to think independently and creatively.
• Decision-making under pressure: Equip your players to make effective decisions in high-pressure situations by fostering problem-solving skills.
• Creative defense and attack: See how creativity applies not just to attacking play but also to defensive strategies.
• Coaching behaviors that inspire: Reflect on how your own coaching behaviors can either foster or stifle creativity.
• Future-proofing your coaching: Prepare players not just for the current game but for the evolving nature of rugby in the future.

To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly

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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:

• Transitioning from First XV to U14s: Coaching younger players requires a shift from strategy-heavy sessions to focusing on skill development and game understanding.
• Game-Based Learning: Small-sided games and scenario-driven training help players develop decision-making skills in realistic situations.
• Balancing Structure and Creativity: Encouraging players to recognise space and opportunities rather than following rigid patterns leads to more effective, instinctive play.
• Managing Player Progression: Developing a long-term mindset ensures players grow beyond their physical attributes, helping both early and late bloomers succeed.
• The Role of Set-Piece Training: While vital at higher levels, younger age groups benefit more from prioritising open play, with set-piece elements introduced gradually.
• Keeping Rugby Sustainable in Schools: Making rugby fun, safe, and inclusive—alongside strong communication with parents—helps maintain engagement and participation.

To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly

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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:

• Skill development takes consistency: Just 10 minutes of focused training per week can make a big difference over time.
• Decision-making is key: The best players recognize cues and adapt their skills in real-time.
• Creativity in training matters: Fun, engaging drills help players improve without realizing they're working.
• Master the fundamentals: Catching, passing, footwork, and tackle technique should be practiced regularly.
• Social media as a coaching tool: Ben explains how platforms like TikTok and YouTube help young players refine their skills.
• Learn from the best: Insights from top pros like Marcus Smith and specialist coaches offer valuable lessons for all players.

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

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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.

• Understanding coaching expertise: Why coaching is more than just following a template.
• The importance of coaching intentions: Moving beyond "what" we coach to "why" we coach it.
• Session planning insights: How to design training sessions that truly develop players.
• Exploration vs. exploitation in skill acquisition: When to encourage players to try new things vs. refining existing skills.
• How coaches can improve: The role of reflection, questioning, and learning from mistakes.
• Theoretical perspectives on coaching: A look at cognitive, ecological dynamics, and predictive processing approaches.
• Measuring progress in coaching: How to assess whether training methods are effective.
• Understanding how session design affects player development.
• Common coaching misconceptions: Why making training look good doesn’t always mean it’s effective.
• Jamie’s personal coaching evolution: Lessons learned from years in coaching and academia.

To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly

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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:

• The importance of pre-contact positioning: How anticipation and approach impact tackle success.
• Why dominant tackles are most likely within two metres of the ball carrier receiving the ball.
• Hand placement strategies: When to aim for behind the knees versus the lower back.
• Leg drive and post-contact work: The key to finishing tackles effectively.
• How to coach players out of poor tackle habits and build their confidence.

To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly

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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:

• How to create an inclusive coaching culture that supports learning and growth
• The role of leadership and peer mentoring in player development
• Practical ways to recruit and retain players in girls' rugby
• The power of ownership in skill progression and confidence building

To find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach Weekly

To find out more about our Partner Club offer

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Also, 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!

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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
✅ The psychological cost of chasing flawless performance
✅ Coaching strategies to build confidence, adaptability, and resilience
✅ How to help athletes embrace mistakes as part of growth
✅ Insights from Lewis’ research on coaching, perfectionism, and fear of failure

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 [email protected].

Link to our Live Free coaching the coaches events

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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

Also, 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!