In this episode, Oli Curry shares his rugby journey and the challenges he faced as a player. He discusses the importance of weight in the game and how it affected his career. Oli talks about the pressure to meet certain weight requirements and the impact it had on his performance. He also highlights the opinionated nature of rugby and the reliance on coaches' opinions. Despite the challenges, Oli persevered and found success in his career. In this part of the conversation, Oli Curry discusses his experiences with different rugby clubs and the control and lack of enjoyment he felt in the professional rugby environment. He talks about the weighing rituals and the pressure to conform to strict training and lifestyle protocols. He also shares stories about the culture and atmosphere at Bedford Rugby Club, where there was less focus on control and more emphasis on building a strong team culture. Oli reflects on the challenges of being a young player in the rugby system and the importance of playing the game and getting coaches on your side. The conversation highlights the lack of investment and support for lower-level rugby clubs and the negative impact it has on the sport. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is criticized for its focus on the elite level and neglecting grassroots and championship teams. The defunding of the championship and the lack of promotion and relegation have widened the gap between the Premiership and lower divisions. The conversation also touches on the perception of rugby as a dangerous sport and the need to promote the positive aspects of the game. The importance of investing in culture and community at the grassroots level is emphasized.

Tom Blackburn, Director of Rugby at Rugby Navy, discusses his rugby journey and the development of Navy rugby. He highlights the importance of performance-based selection and the need for a larger player pool. Tom also mentions the improvements made in the Navy rugby system, including professional training camps and a focus on strength and nutrition. He discusses the challenges faced by the women's team and the efforts to close the gap with the army. Tom emphasizes the role of external coaches and the allocation of budget for coaching support. He also mentions the strong development of the under-23s team and the affiliation with clubs like US Portsmouth and Devonport Services. In this conversation, Tom Blackburn discusses his role as the Director of Rugby for the Royal Navy Rugby Union and the challenges and opportunities that come with it. He talks about the importance of character over talent and the goal of developing players both on and off the field. Tom also mentions the various teams the Navy plays against, including civilian clubs and university teams, and the scouting process to identify new talent. He emphasizes the need for adaptability and flexibility within the team and the importance of building a strong team culture.

In this episode of the Rugby Through the Leagues podcast, host Carl interviews Warren Abrahams, a rugby coach with extensive experience in both sevens and 15s rugby. They discuss Abrahams' rugby journey, his preference for coaching sevens, and the potential benefits of players and coaches participating in the sevens circuit. They also touch on the growth of rugby in Brazil and Abrahams' role in developing the sport in the country. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of planning and preparation in building a high-performance environment, the need for a connected and synchronized approach to maximize human performance, the slow pace of change in rugby and the need for more diverse thinking, the lack of role models and superheroes in the game, the importance of marketing and storytelling to attract new fans, the accessibility of behind-the-scenes content and the inner workings of clubs, the impact of coaching on individuals and their personal growth, and the measure of success as a coach.

Will Knight and Lewis Osborne discuss their rugby journeys and the resurgence of Havant Rugby Club. They talk about the challenges they faced and the steps they took to rebuild the club and improve on the field. They highlight the importance of building a strong team culture and values, as well as the impact of having a high-quality artificial pitch. They also discuss the club's recruitment strategy and their ambitions for the future, both on and off the pitch. The conversation with Will and Oz from Havant Rugby Club focused on various topics, including the club's success, coaching strategies, player development, and the one-club mentality. They discussed the importance of having good people in the right positions and making strategic improvements. The coaches emphasized the significance of creating a positive and supportive environment for players to thrive. They also highlighted the role of self-reflection and continuous improvement in their coaching approach. The conversation concluded with a discussion about the club's facilities and the unity among different teams within the club.

Charlie Beech shares his 20-year rugby journey, highlighting the challenges and financial struggles faced by professional rugby players. He discusses the mismanagement of the sport, the lack of support for transitioning athletes, and the impact of financial instability on players' careers. Charlie also introduces Front Row Support, an organization aimed at providing holistic support and networking opportunities for athletes transitioning out of professional sports. The conversation covers various themes related to the challenges and issues faced by professional rugby players, including financial support, pensions, aftercare, concussion management, and the commercialization of the sport. The discussion also delves into the disconnect between the grassroots game and the professional level, as well as the need for a unified approach to address these issues. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in growing the game of rugby union, focusing on the need for change at the grassroots level and the commercial viability of the sport. It also delves into the comparison with American football and the potential for a draft system in rugby. The conversation highlights the complacency and lack of innovation within the RFU and the need for a new approach to drive growth and engagement in the sport.

Sean Shepherd shares his rugby journey, from playing at Gosport to captaining Hampshire and the challenges of moving up the leagues with Havant. He discusses the club's progress, the impact of the pitch, and the upcoming season in the regional league. Sean Shepherd discusses his experiences in rugby, including playing with and against top players, the impact of influential coaches, and his personal fitness goals for the upcoming season. He also shares insights into the club's approach to player development and the challenges of managing injuries. The conversation provides a deep dive into the world of grassroots rugby and the dedication required to excel in the sport.

James Shanahan, Director of Rugby at Blackheath Rugby Club, shares his rugby journey and the challenges faced by the club. The club has ambitions to reach the Championship but is currently focused on being a top-four National One club. The landscape of rugby in England, particularly in the Championship, is uncertain due to financial constraints and the RFU's proposed funding. Blackheath has a diverse player pool and relies on recruitment and loan players to strengthen the squad. The club also supports players with job opportunities outside of rugby. The conversation covers various topics related to rugby coaching and player development. The main themes include the level of play in national leagues, player scouting and recruitment, coaching methods and progress, the unique challenges of coaching Cambridge University, and the experience of playing rugby in Italy. The conversation also touches on the best players the host has played with and against.

Joe Batley, a pro rugby player, shares his inspiring journey from battling cancer to returning to the game. He discusses the support he received, his approach to training, and the impact of fatherhood on his perspective. The conversation covers the challenges of returning to professional rugby after a cancer diagnosis, the impact of injuries on a player's career, the structure and sustainability of the English rugby divisions, and the future of the Premiership and Championship leagues. It also delves into the potential solutions for closing the gap between the Premiership and Championship, as well as the fate of players from teams that have gone under. The conversation covers topics such as player transitions, rugby coaching, life experiences, cancer charity involvement, personal aspirations, and playing experiences. It also delves into the challenges and opportunities in professional rugby, as well as the potential for international recognition and future career prospects.

Kiano Fourie, a high performance coach for Rugby India, shares his journey from South Africa to India and discusses the development of rugby in India, the challenges, and the future goals for the sport. The conversation covers the growth and development of rugby in India, including the challenges and opportunities faced by the sport. It also explores the potential for professionalization and the regional structure of the game. The conversation delves into the geographical and logistical aspects of rugby in India, as well as the potential for a franchise-based model similar to the IPL in cricket.

In this conversation, Russell Earnshaw discusses his rugby journey and experiences as a player and coach. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the game and appreciating amateur rugby. He also talks about his time playing sevens and the benefits it brings to players and coaches. The conversation touches on the limitations of coaches in rugby, including their attitude towards learning, access to expertise, and the politics within the game. The lack of innovation in the sport is also discussed, with the need for coaches to push boundaries and think outside the box. The conversation revolves around the importance of coaching in sports, particularly rugby. The hosts discuss the need for coaches to be adaptable and encourage players to play multiple positions to develop a better understanding of the game. They emphasize the importance of creating a fun and supportive environment for players to thrive. The conversation also touches on the attributes of an ideal coach, including noticing, simplifying, kindness, and creating a positive team spirit. The hosts share their experiences with coaching and highlight the impact that good coaching can have on players' enjoyment and development. They also discuss the challenges and rewards of coaching and the importance of self-awareness and continuous learning.