Michael Vaughan
Cardiff,Caerdydd
Summary
Dynamic and strategic professional with expertise in high-performance athlete development and technical rugby coaching. Proficient in reflective and reflexive coaching practices, with a strong emphasis on team leadership and collaborative coaching. Skilled in strategic game planning, tactical analysis, and performance feedback, including video analysis using HUDL. Demonstrates exceptional communication and presentation skills, alongside critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Committed to continuous professional development, maintaining a positive attitude under pressure while fostering empathy and understanding within teams.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Volunteer Forwards Coach
Cardiff Metropolitan University Women's Rugby
Cardiff
2023.01 - 2026.03
- Played a pivotal role in the development of the club.
- Won WBSR Cup 2025.
- WBSR Cup Semi-finals 2023, 2024.
- Collaborated with other coaches for exchange of ideas and methods.
- Introduced new drills into practice routines, increasing proficiency in game tactics.
- Adapted coaching style depending on needs and abilities of different teams and individuals.
- Built confidence of players by offering individual praise and recognising progress and achievements.
- Developed trusted rapport with teams and individuals to understand strengths, weaknesses and motivations.
PDC East Front Row Specialist
Welsh Rugby Union
Cardiff
2025.06 - 2026.03
- Led maternity cover, ensuring continuity in coaching and player development.
- Conducted regular meetings to monitor player Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
- Collaborated with Welsh Senior Coaching staff to align with game model standards.
- Facilitated one-on-one coaching sessions to enhance individual performance and mental development.
- Structured tailored feedback for players using HUDL analytics.
- Engaged weekly with Talent Development group (ages 16-18) to prepare future internationals.
- Served as Forwards Lead for PDC East U18 block, partnering with head coach to uphold union standards.
- Regular reflections on own practice, to build and continuing performing to my best ability.
Volunteer Assistant Forwards Coach, Wales U18
Welsh Rugby Pathway
2025.07 - 2025.07
- Supported U18 coaching staff during seven-day summer training series in Scotland.
- Developed a successful Scrum for two fixtures against Scotland and Netherlands.
- Conducted regular player check-ins, delivering feedback and video analysis via HUDL.
- Planned all training sessions collaboratively with coaches and ahead of schedule.
- Facilitated idea exchange with fellow coaches to enhance coaching methodologies.
- Adapted coaching style to meet evolving team needs, fostering adaptability.
- Boosted player confidence through individual recognition of progress and achievements.
Volunteer Head Coach
Whitchurch Warriors U14's
Cardiff
2022.09 - 2023.10
- Heritage Cup 7s, Development Cup winners.
- Cardiff Cup semi-finalists.
- Developed players from the end of under-12s to the beginning of under-14s.
- Designed practice plans to enhance player engagement.
- Coordinated efforts with three volunteer coaches to align training sessions.
Volunteer Assistant Rugby Coach
Whitchurch High School - Year 8
Cardiff
2022.09 - 2023.04
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of coaching techniques, rules, and regulations across various sports disciplines.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging athletes to set and achieve personal and team goals.
- Developed core skills in players for optimal game performance.
- Strategised game plans, leading to successful match outcomes.
- Provided constructive feedback to players, enhancing their gameplay techniques.
Education
GCSES -
Whitchurch High School
Cardiff 2015.09 - 07/2020
A-LEVELS -
Whitchurch High School
Cardiff 2020.09 - 07/2022
Bachelor of Science - Sports, Physical Education & Health
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff 2022.09 - 06/2025
Skills
- Positive attitude
- Reflective and Reflexive Coaching practices
- Communication
- High-Performance Athlete Development
- Team Leadership and Collaborative Coaching
- Strategic Game Planning and Tactical Analysis
- Technical Rugby Coaching
- Performance Feedback and Video Analysis (HUDL Proficient)
- Communication and presentation skills
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
- Leadership Under Pressure
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Commitment to Continuous Professional Development
- Organised and reliable
- Empathy and understanding
Certification
- Level One WRU Coaching
- Level Two WRU Coaching
Affiliations
- Playing Rugby
- Cooking
- Watching Sports; Rugby, Tennis, NFL, Football, and MMA
Accomplishments
WRU Full game Coaching Level 1
WRU Full Game coaching Level 2
WRU Referee Level 1
Elementary Roller Skating Grade
Preliminary Roller Skating Grade
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Volunteer Assistant Forwards Coach, Wales U18
Welsh Rugby Pathway
2025.07 - 2025.07
PDC East Front Row Specialist
Welsh Rugby Union
2025.06 - 2026.03
Volunteer Forwards Coach
Cardiff Metropolitan University Women's Rugby
2023.01 - 2026.03
Bachelor of Science - Sports, Physical Education & Health
Cardiff Metropolitan University
2022.09 - 06/2025
Volunteer Head Coach
Whitchurch Warriors U14's
2022.09 - 2023.10
Volunteer Assistant Rugby Coach
Whitchurch High School - Year 8
2022.09 - 2023.04
A-LEVELS -
Whitchurch High School
2020.09 - 07/2022
GCSES -
Whitchurch High School
2015.09 - 07/2020