The Rugby Institute Coaching Podcast

Are your training sessions actually preparing players for what happens on Saturday?In this episode of The Rugby Institute Podcast, coach developer Kyle McLean explains why many rugby coaches spend too much time training only a small part of the game. Drawing on research, coach development work, and real-world examples, Kyle shares how game-based training can improve player learning, increase engagement, and create better transfer from training to performance.We discuss:🏉 Why training should replicate the demands of the game🏉 The balance between technical coaching and game-based learning🏉 How to coach unstructured play and transition attack🏉 Practical ways to increase player involvement and reduce queues🏉 Using peer coaching and video feedback to accelerate learning🏉 Why engagement and enjoyment are critical for player development🏉 The Coaching Gig app and its mission to support coachesWhether you're coaching minis, youth, school, club, or representative rugby, this conversation is packed with practical ideas that you can take straight into your next session.👇 What percentage of your training is spent on activities that truly look and feel like the game?#RugbyCoaching #CoachDevelopment #GameBasedTraining #RugbyTraining #PlayerDevelopment #RugbyCoach #CoachingSkills #YouthRugby #CommunityRugby #TheRugbyInstitute===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

What can rugby coaches learn from one of football's leading coach developers?In this episode of The Rugby Institute Podcast, I sit down with Paul Barry, former Head of Coaching at Crystal Palace FC and coach developer with experience at Arsenal, Watford, The FA and Football DNA.We explore how coaches learn, how players learn, and why great coaching is often less about giving answers and more about asking better questions.Topics include:🏉 Creating thinkers, not followers🧠 The 3P Learning Model: Provoke, Prompt, Praise📈 Developing better decision-makers🎯 Practice design and game-realistic learning🤝 The importance of relationships in coaching👨‍🏫 What separates great coaches from average coaches📚 Why simplicity is the key to effective learning🔍 Lessons from observing hundreds of coaches over a 25-year careerWhether you coach rugby, football, or any other sport, this conversation is packed with practical ideas to help you develop better players, create more engaging learning environments, and improve your own coaching.#RugbyCoaching #CoachDevelopment #PlayerDevelopment #SportsCoaching #Leadership #Learning #FootballDNA #PaulBarry ===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

How do great coaching teams work together?Most coaches spend hours planning sessions, analysing games, and developing players. But how often do we think about developing the coaches around us?In this episode of The Rugby Institute Podcast, Gloucester Rugby Coach Development Manager Harry Jones delivers a masterclass on co-coaching. We explore how coaching teams can improve communication, stay aligned, challenge ideas effectively, and create better learning environments for players.Harry shares practical insights on coaching roles, session design, coach development, feedback, disagreement, alignment, reflection, and maximising the value of every coach at training.Whether you're coaching at a school, club, academy, pathway, or performance level, this conversation will help you get more from your coaching team and improve the quality of your training sessions.Topics covered:🏉 Co-coaching principles🏉 Building better coaching teams🏉 Coach development🏉 Session design and planning🏉 Communication and alignment🏉 Constructive disagreement🏉 Developing assistant coaches🏉 Training session effectiveness🏉 Reflection and continuous improvementIf you enjoy conversations that help coaches get better, subscribe to The Rugby Institute for more interviews with leading coaches from around the world.#RugbyCoaching #CoachDevelopment #Coaching #RugbyUnion #Leadership #CoachEducation===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

In this episode, Chicago Hounds Forwards & Defence Coach Todd Dammers shares one of the most creative examples of team theming I've ever come across. From "The Chicago Way" and "Made Men" to building a season-long culture that players genuinely bought into, Todd explains how great theming can create clarity, connection and performance.We also dive into:🏉 Coaching modern players🏉 Building defensive systems that fit your team🏉 Tackle development and defensive connection🏉 Role clarity and player ownership🏉 Why Todd stopped giving players answers🏉 Communication, feedback and honesty🏉 Coaching in Australia, Spain, Japan and the USA🏉 Creating environments where players can learn and thriveThis is packed with practical ideas for rugby coaches at every level.🎙️ Guest: Todd DammersForwards & Defence Coach, Chicago HoundsIf you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe and share it with another coach.===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

What can coaching the Springboks, Fiji Rugby, the Miami Dolphins, and some of Europe's biggest clubs teach us about contact and collision?In this episode of The Rugby Institute Podcast, I sit down with Richie Gray, founder of GSI Performance and one of the world's leading contact and collision coaches.Over the last 25 years, Richie has helped shape how players and coaches approach tackling, breakdowns, ruck contests, and collision skills. We discuss his Five Fights framework, the evolution of contact coaching, player development, coaching methodology, and the lessons he's learned from working across rugby union, rugby sevens, and the NFL.Whether you're a coach looking to improve your contact training or a player wanting to better understand what happens in the collision area, there's plenty to take away from this conversation.Topics discussed:* The Five Fights framework* Tackle technique and contact coaching* Breakdown and jackal skills* Coaching methodology and player development* Working with the Springboks, Fiji Rugby, Toulon, and the Miami Dolphins* Building better collision athletes* The future of contact coachingIf you enjoyed the episode, subscribe for more conversations with coaches, players, and performance experts from around the world.#Rugby #RugbyCoaching #TackleTechnique #ContactSkills #Breakdown #Jackal #Coaching #PlayerDevelopment #TheRugbyInstitute===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

In this episode of The Rugby Institute, I sit down with former England fullback Mike Brown to explore what it really takes to excel in the number 15 jersey.Mike earned 72 caps for England, became England's most-capped fullback, won a Grand Slam, and built a professional career spanning more than 20 years. Drawing on that experience, he shares his insights into positioning, game awareness, leading the back three, dominating the high ball, and the qualities that separate good fullbacks from great ones.We also dive into leadership, player-led versus coach-led environments, high performance, talent development, and the habits that allowed Mike to perform at the highest level for over two decades.Topics covered:🏉 The role of the modern fullback🏉 Reading the game and positioning🏉 Leading the back three🏉 Winning aerial contests🏉 Player-led vs coach-led environments🏉 Leadership and accountability🏉 High performance habits🏉 Longevity in professional rugby🏉 Talent identification and developmentIf you're a rugby player, coach, or fan looking to better understand elite performance and the fullback position, this episode is packed with practical insights.#Rugby #MikeBrown #EnglandRugby #Fullback #RugbyCoaching #HighPerformance #Leadership #TheRugbyInstitute #RugbyPodcast #PlayerDevelopment #TalentID #BackThree #RugbyAnalysis #ProfessionalRugby #SportsLeadership===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

Ireland punches well above its weight in producing elite coaches — and Colin Moran is a big part of why. As the IRFU's National Training and Education Manager for nearly 30 years, he's the architect behind the entire system that develops rugby coaches across Ireland, from mini rugby to the professional game.In this episode we get into what actually makes a good coach, why the old model of the coach as the expert in the middle is broken, and what a genuinely player-centred environment looks like in practice.What we cover:What makes a good coach (and why it's got nothing to do with credentials)The shift from giving answers to asking questionsWhy your job as a coach is to set puzzles, not run drillsHow to know when to intervene — and when to shut upBuilding a coaching culture inside your clubWhy enjoyment is the most underrated concept in rugby coachingAI and what it means for coach developmentHow Ireland's coaching system actually works🎙️ Guest: Colin Moran — IRFU National Training & Education Manager | World Rugby Master Trainer📺 Watch my jackling video here: https://youtu.be/aVp671N_Ptg===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

What separates great rugby players from the rest?According to Dylan Parsons, it’s not just skill execution — it’s what they see, when they see it, and where they place their attention.In this conversation, Dylan breaks down his "Head on a 45°" concept, explaining how elite players use their vision and peripheral awareness to make better decisions under pressure. We explore how top teams create space, identify defensive weaknesses, and consistently make the right front-door and back-door decisions in attack.We also dive into:• The Head on a 45° principle• Scanning and decision-making in attack• Training peripheral vision as a skill• Why players miss obvious opportunities• Vision, breathing, and performance under pressure• Creating better decision-makers in rugby• Practical coaching drills you can use immediately• Connecting players through shared pictures and languageWhether you're a player, coach, or rugby enthusiast, this episode offers practical insights into developing game awareness and improving on-field decision-making.Subscribe for more conversations with leading coaches, players, and performance experts from around the world.#Rugby #RugbyCoaching #SkillAcquisition #DecisionMaking #Scanning #GameAwareness #RugbySkills #PlayerDevelopment #CoachDevelopment #RugbyUnion #HighPerformance #VisionTraining #TheRugbyInstitute===========================Connect with us! Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================Our mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

In this video I sit down with Craig Stewart — a New Zealand rugby coach currently working as a skills coach with the Kobe Steelers in Japan's Top League.Craig shares a wealth of knowledge that applies at every level of the game, from professional rugby right down to your local club side.We cover:What makes a great coachBuilding a training environment players want to come back toThe offload — what's really happening pre and post contactScanning and decision makingWhy Craig believes we need to stop obsessing over perfect techniqueWhat's being undercoached at every level of the gameCoaching tips for school and club coachesWhether you're a school coach, club coach or just love the game — there's something in here for you.🎬 WATCH NEXT — Jackling Technique Breakdownhttps://youtu.be/aVp671N_Ptg===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

In this episode, former New Zealand Sevens and Wellington Defence Coach Tom Martin breaks down his complete system for coaching defence and tackling in rugby.Tom covers his chop-smash tackle system, the bullseye tackle technique, how to coach your assist tackler, and his "nominate to dominate" framework for defensive communication and line speed. He also shares how he builds defensive culture, gives honest feedback to players, and has the hard conversations every coach needs to have.Whether you're a club coach or a professional, Tom's practical approach to defence coaching, tackling systems, and player development will give you tools you can apply immediately.In this video:The chop-smash tackling system explainedHow to coach the assist tacklerThe bullseye tackle techniqueDefensive communication and line speedHow to build a defensive system for club rugbyGiving honest feedback and having hard conversationsBuilding a defensive culture in your team===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

Welcome to The Rugby Institute! 🏉If you're a coach, player, or just love rugby, this is the place to learn, improve, and connect. We break down game tactics, training drills, strength & conditioning, and mindset—all with real, practical advice from top players and coaches.This isn’t just a channel—it’s a community. Drop your thoughts in the comments, share what works for you, and help others get better. Let’s grow the game together.===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

What does it actually mean to learn a skill?In this conversation with Adam Gorman, we dive into the science of skill acquisition and what it really looks like in training and competition.We explore:How players truly learn skills (and why it’s not through repetition alone)Why “perfect technique” often breaks down in gamesThe role of challenge, mistakes, and problem-solving in learningHow to design training that transfers to performanceWhy game-based environments accelerate developmentThe importance of autonomy, motivation, and engagementIf you’re a coach or player trying to understand how to improve performance, this episode will completely change how you think about training.===========================Connect with us! =============================YouTube: ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@therugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstitute===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

my Turner won 7 Six Nations Grand Slams and earned 3 World Cup selections as an England international. She then went on to coach at every level of the game, from school rugby to the Premiership men's programme at Harlequins and England u20s.Her approach to developing players looks different from most. And in this episode, she explains exactly why.Amy shares how to use games to build real rugby skills, why training doesn't always have to look like rugby, and how the best coaches build trust and keep players coming back week after week.What we cover:What makes a good coachHow to use games within games to get more reps and better outcomesAmy's 4 go-to games (Fiji Touch, Grenade Touch, Top 14 Touch & Rugby Netball)Why fundamentals matter more than shape at youth levelHow to reward behaviour over talentThe role of sport psychology in becoming a better coachFree IDP Template: https://therugbyinstitute.com/idp-individual-development-plan===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

In this conversation, I sit down with former professional player and coach Ben Herring to explore what coaching is really about.We go far beyond tactics and dive into the deeper side of coaching — culture, parenting, communication, and the responsibility coaches have to grow great people, not just better players.Ben shares powerful insights from his experiences coaching around the world, including Japan, and explains why most coaches are focusing on the wrong things.This is a must-watch for any coach, parent, or player who wants to make a real impact.🔑 WHAT YOU’LL LEARNWhy coaching is about more than winningHow to build a strong team cultureThe connection between coaching and parentingHow to make your coaching “stick”Lessons from coaching in JapanHow to develop players as people🎙 ABOUT BEN HERRINGBen Herring is a former professional rugby player and experienced coach who has worked across New Zealand, Japan, and Australia. He is known for his work on team culture, leadership, and developing people through sport.👍 SUPPORT THE CHANNELIf you enjoyed this video:Like 👍Subscribe 🔔Share with a coach or teammate🧠 COMMENT BELOWWhat do you think is the real job of a coach?===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

Coach Reflection Template: https://therugbyinstitute.com/downloadsHow do you design training that actually transfers to game day?In this episode, I sit down with Andy Gibson — Waratahs Super W coach, coach developer, and sports performance lecturer — to break down what truly drives player development and performance.We dive into:• How to design training that transfers to game day• Why decision-making is key to performance• The role of game-based learning in modern coaching• How to create pressure and realism in training• Coaching communication and player ownershipAndy shares insights from his experience working within the Crusaders and Canterbury systems, as well as in high-performance environments in Australia.If you're a coach or player looking to build smarter, more adaptable rugby players and create training that actually works on game day, this is one you don’t want to miss.===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

What does it really take to go pro in rugby? 🏉In this exclusive interview, Springbok Flip van der Merwe shares the mental toughness, discipline, and sacrifices required to make it at the highest level. From daily routines and training secrets to the mindset that separates elite players from the rest, Flip gives you a rare look behind the scenes of professional rugby.Whether you’re an aspiring player, coach, or just a rugby fan, this episode reveals the hard truths about what it takes to reach the top.In this video, you’ll learn:The mental habits that elite players rely onWhy talent alone isn’t enough to go proThe sacrifices and discipline needed dailyHow Flip approaches training, recovery, and strategyDon’t miss this deep dive into the mindset of a Springbok and what separates the best from the rest.===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

What actually helps rugby players improve?In this conversation, All Black prop Ben Franks breaks down how coaches can develop players through simplicity, effort, and clear processes.Drawing on his experience as a 2x Rugby World Cup winner and now professional coach, Ben shares practical insights on:How to simplify your coaching for better resultsWhy focusing on one thing at a time accelerates developmentThe role of effort in player growth and team cultureHow to structure training for maximum transfer to performanceWhy repetition and reflection are key to long-term improvementThis is a coaching-focused conversation designed to give real, applicable ideas for coaches at all levels — from grassroots to high performance.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction1:07 Transition from player to coach8:20 Developing habits & effort13:00 Work Ethic11:55 Effort and Its Importance20:26 Mike Cron on his development28:28 Coaching Pressure36:58 Reflection is where the Week is Won41:02 Measurable Processes for Effective Coaching45:38 Developing Leaders51:00 Building Culture54:13 Advice to Parents and Coaches===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

Lineout throwing is one of the most important individual skills in rugby.In this video, Aaron Dundon breaks down lineout throwing into four key pillars that every hooker and forwards coach should understand:• Process• Hand placement• Profile• FinishingUsing real examples and practical coaching cues, Aaron explains what good lineout throwing looks like, common technical errors, and how to coach players to feel and fix their own technique — even under fatigue and pressure.This session is ideal for hookers, forwards coaches, and rugby players developing their set-piece skillset.===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

Today we’re joined by Bernie Upton — former professional rugby player and high-performance coach — as he breaks down his 4-step model for assessing and evaluating lineouts.Bernie shares insights from over a decade playing with Bay of Plenty, the Chiefs, the Hurricanes, Connacht, and Toshiba, learning from top coaches like Joe Schmidt, Vern Cotter, Warren Gatland, and Ian Foster. Since moving into coaching, he’s developed a reputation for building smarter lineout systems, clear processes, and accountable, high-performing teams.In this session, Bernie walks us through:How to assess your lineout strengths and weaknessesThe 4-step framework he uses to evaluate lineouts at elite levelHow to turn lineout analysis into real performance improvementsPractical insights coaches can use to create clarity and accountability in their own teamsIf you coach rugby, analyze performance, or just want to understand how elite teams evaluate and improve lineouts, this video is packed with high-value coaching gold.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction2:15 – Bernie’s playing career & learning from top coaches6:30 – What makes a lineout successful at pro level12:45 – The 4-step lineout evaluation model22:00 – How to identify weaknesses and improve performance30:10 – Key takeaways for coachesDon’t forget to subscribe for more insights from top coaches and rugby performance experts!===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

What can club rugby coaches learn from a 2× World Cup–winning coach?In this episode of The Rugby Institute, we sit down with Wesley Clarke, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, to break down the coaching principles that actually transfer to the club game.This is not theory-heavy coach education. It’s a practical conversation about what works on the training field, in the changing room, and on game day — especially when resources are limited and players are balancing rugby with real life.We cover:How to coach defense and tackle technique safely and effectively at club levelWhat “edge” really means — and how to create it without losing your playersBuilding culture and standards that players buy intoCoaching dominant contact without chasing tackle statsAdapting elite ideas so they work with club athletes, not professionalsWhy environment matters more than systemsCommon mistakes club coaches make — and how to fix themWesley shares honest stories from his coaching journey, including being fired early in his career, learning from elite mentors, and why simple, well-coached basics outperform complex game plans at club level.If you coach club rugby, school rugby, or community teams — and you want ideas you can apply this week, this episode is for you.===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.