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In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell discusses tackling in women’s rugby with Kathryn Dane, an international rugby player, sports scientist, and coach. 

Kathryn, who has 23 caps for Ireland and is the coach for Ulster Women's Rugby and Old Belvedere, shares insights from her groundbreaking research into safety, skill acquisition, and performance in tackling. She discusses:

• The differences in how women develop tackling skills compared to men.
• Challenges unique to women’s rugby, such as late entry into the sport, limited resources, and coaching disparities.
• Findings from her research, including the effectiveness of techniques like the "wrap and clamp" for successful tackles.
• The psychological and tactical preparation required to overcome fear and build confidence in contact.
• Strategies for introducing and developing tackle skills progressively, ensuring safety and skill retention.
• The critical role of intentional coaching, creating supportive environments, and leveraging leadership within teams.

The findings are essential for anyone who is involved in the women’s game or keen on improving tackle coaching across all levels of rugby. Kathryn also shares practical tips for balancing safety, performance, and progression in training.

Find out more about Kathryn’s work on LinkedIn, ResearchGate, or Instagram. Dive deeper into the science of tackling with Sharief Hendrik’s rugby research roundup. Links are available on Rugby Coach Weekly.

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In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell is joined by Adam Izzard, Head of Rugby and Head of Boarding at Stonar School. Adam shares his inspiring journey of building a rugby program from scratch at a small, co-educational school better known for its equestrian facilities than its rugby teams.

From turning a horse paddock into a full-size rugby pitch to coaching a first XV squad made up of players with little to no rugby experience, Adam’s approach to developing the sport is packed with lessons for coaches, teachers, and school leaders alike. He discusses the power of resilience, the importance of mass participation, and how structure and simplicity can help new players fall in love with the game.

Whether you’re looking for ideas to grow rugby at your school or inspiration for coaching players of mixed experience, this episode is a must-listen. Adam’s passion for the sport is infectious, and his story is proof that even the smallest schools can build a big rugby culture.

Listen now and discover:

• How to build a rugby program from scratch in a small school.
• Why structure and simplicity are essential for coaching beginners.
• Practical ways to increase participation and enthusiasm for rugby.
• The key life skills rugby teaches players beyond the pitch.

Tune in and be inspired to grow rugby at your school, no matter the challenges.

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In this episode, Dan Cottrell sits down with renowned sports scientist and learning expert Mark Williams to explore some of the most controversial and misunderstood myths in sports coaching.

Mark is a visiting professor at the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University. A world-leading expert in skill acquisition, Mark has authored 20 books and nearly 300 research papers and advised top sports organisations like FIFA, UEFA, and the EPL.

His latest book is: The Best: How Elite Athletes Are Made with Tim Wigmore. Click the link to find out more.

Drawing from Mark's thought-provoking LinkedIn series, they delve into key topics like the "constraints-led approach," the limitations of "skill transfer," and the role of "visual superiority" in player development.

Should coaches be worried about myths in coaching, or do they offer a pathway to deeper insight? Mark addresses this head-on, revealing how scientific nuance often clashes with the simplicity coaches crave. Discover why coaching is more art than science, how to strike the right balance between "hands-on" and "hands-off" approaches, and why learning and performance aren't always as connected as we think.

This episode will challenge your assumptions, sharpen your coaching instincts, and offer practical guidance on how to create more effective learning environments — whether you’re working with novice players or elite athletes.

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

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Join Dan Cottrell as he dives deep with coaching legend Dave Collins in this thought-provoking episode of Rugby Coach Weekly. Together, they explore how context dictates coaching strategies and how to develop adaptable, critical-thinking players. Dave tackles big questions:

• What does a Dave Collins rugby session look like?
• How do you balance questioning with active practice?
• Why is “It depends” a cornerstone of professional judgment in coaching?
• How do you foster curiosity and skill acquisition in players and coaches?
• What’s the role of experimentation and reflection in developing as a coach?

This episode is packed with actionable insights for coaches, educators, and leaders in any field.

Suggested Further Reading

Expand your understanding with these academics and resources referenced in the discussion:

1. Mosston and Ashworth's Spectrum of Teaching Styles – foundational work on teaching methods across diverse contexts.
2. Shane Pill and Brendan SueSee – experts in physical education and sport pedagogy.
3. Jamie Taylor and Dave Collins’ Upcoming Book on Skill Acquisition – releasing soon, blending ecological, cognitive, and predictive models of learning.

Who is Dave Collins?
Dave Collins is a renowned performance consultant and psychologist. He is the director of Grey Matters, a leading consultancy specialising in performance psychology and coaching, with additional expertise in clinical psychology, counselling, conditioning, nutrition and sports medicine: in short, a one-stop shop! One big feature of the company is their 'pracademic' status; they generate original research to meet client needs as well as deploying current innovations. 

Dave has worked with elite athletes, coaches, and teams across multiple disciplines, helping them reach their highest potential through evidence-based approaches. He is a former Performance Director for UK Athletics and has held senior roles in both academia and applied sports settings. 

Currently, Dave is a Professorial Fellow in Human Performance Science at Edinburgh University and a Professor of Elite Performance at Dublin City University.

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Join host Dan Cottrell as he sits down with Danny Powell, a skill acquisition developer and performance psychologist from Manchester Metropolitan University. Danny shares his expertise working with coaches, including GB Aquatics and Sale Sharks, to explore the art and science behind skill acquisition.

In this episode, they dive deep into:

• What "skill acquisition" really means and why it matters for coaches.
• Practical approaches to helping athletes learn and refine motor skills.
• The balance between conscious and automatic learning processes.
• How coaches can evolve their own techniques through reflection and open-mindedness.

Whether you're coaching at the grassroots level or working with elite athletes, this episode offers valuable insights into how coaches and athletes can grow together through experimentation, understanding, and a focus on the journey, not just the destination.

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

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Dan Cottrell chats with Graham Bourton, head coach of the Milton Keynes Under 15s. Since taking over in 2016, Graham has transformed the team from a mere 5 players to a thriving squad of 25, thanks to his innovative coaching methods and strong community engagement.

In this engaging conversation, Graham shares:

• His journey from rugby parent to influential coach.
• The methods and training courses that shaped his approach.
• Strategies for player development and creating a fun, competitive environment.
• How he overcame challenges like COVID-19 to keep players engaged and motivated.
• Tips on working with parents and building a strong, supportive rugby community.
• Insights on team selection, managing player dynamics, and balancing development and competition.

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, host Dan Cottrell sits down with Alex Hadley, Director of Rugby at Battersea Ironsides, to explore what it takes to build and sustain one of the world's largest community rugby clubs. 

Alex shares insights on balancing player availability and club culture, creating a positive and welcoming environment, and using flexible strategies to engage and retain players. The conversation delves into the challenges of running a successful rugby club in London, including managing training schedules, fostering player development, and finding effective systems to keep players motivated. 

Alex also offers practical advice on maintaining a consistent yet adaptable coaching language, nurturing passionate internal coaches, and the importance of reflection and continuous self-improvement. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a stronger, more connected rugby club.

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

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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, Dan and Lindsay Abery, Thatcham U14 coach and former mini and junior chair, dive into the ins and outs of building a thriving rugby culture in schools. 

They tackle essential topics like engaging new players, ensuring safety with innovative techniques, and adapting coaching styles for different age groups. 

Lindsay shares practical strategies for growing rugby's reach, including tips on creating a standout coaching CV and breaking into school coaching environments. 

With a mix of personal stories, practical insights, and a few laughs, Dan and Lindsay offer a guide for coaches, teachers, and rugby enthusiasts looking to make a meaningful impact on young players and school communities.

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

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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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Fi Hayes is a former Ireland international, winning two Six Nations and representing her country in the 2014 World Cup.

More recently, she has coached UL Bohemians to cup and league titles, been head coach of Munster U18 girls, and is now Munster Women's head coach. She has also been the Energia Women's AIL coach of the year twice.

In the podcast, I ask:

• What does a Fiona Hayes training session look like?
• How do you deal with players who struggle with passing or break the flow of exercises?.
• What kind of information should players be communicating to each other during training?
• How do you handle situations when the players are not hitting technical targets during conditioned games?
• How do you keep co-coaches aligned, ensuring consistency in language and objectives across the coaching team?

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

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Dan welcomes Matt Garvey to the podcast. Matt had 13 years in English top flight rugby, playing for London Irish, Bath where he was also captain, Gloucester and Worcester. 

He is now the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA)  Development Manager for Bath Rugby and Gloucester.

In the podcast, they discuss:

• When an 18-year-old signs up for a club, what happens next?
• Even talented players don't make it. What should aspiring players do to make themselves better prepared when it comes to stepping up?
• There's a perception that ex-players become coaches. What's the reality?
• How does the RPA support players in their current lives to help build a future life?
• What are the myths about professional rugby life?
• What is your view on win bonuses?

You can reach out to Matt on: [email protected]

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

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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!