Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Pathway Assistant Coach England Rugby

Summary

A dedicated professional with a proven track record in player development, having guided many players from youth to international levels. High level coaching ability, with a focus on both in the moment improvement and long term development planning. Equally confident in a development or performance role. One particular strength is game understanding, including the ability to look at the game in a different way and innovate to improve performance. Proven ability to add value to any organisation through a range skills including problem solving and thinking outside the box. Driving a culture of very high standards within an inclusive and respectful environment where players can learn from mistakes. Highly organised and adaptable, ensuring quality support tailored to individual's needs. Extensive knowledge, experience and skill set ensures players reach their full potential. Strong leadership and followership alongside the ability to adapt to any given situation.


A consistent coaching philosophy of:

Coaching in the moment to achieve the best possible performance through positively empowering and improving players for the good of the team

And a playing philosophy based on:

Producing a fast, aggressive, highly skilled, intelligent and unique style of winning rugby that is the envy of others

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work history

Head Coach, Backs and Attack Coach

Premiership Club
06.2009 - 05.2025
  • Responsible for driving the programme
  • Schedule planning and organisation
  • Created an open environment between players, staff and management - Open door policy
  • Produced comprehensive playbooks, to help all players understand the game plan
  • Planning development phases
  • Coordinating player-led previews and implemented game plans, achieving tactical success over opposing teams
  • Strong tactical knowledge of the game
  • Ability to improve and develop players through quality coaching and individual planning
  • Adapted coaching style depending on the individual or the situation
  • Built the confidence of the players by offering individual praise and recognising progress
  • Conducted training sessions with high energy and high standards but within a learning environment
  • Effective communicator
  • Thorough preparation of the team, unit and individuals
  • Delivered motivational speeches to inspire high levels of performance
  • In-game tactical adjustments
  • Detailed review process seeking out solutions to improve
  • Guided individual reviews and development
  • Constant squad planning and talent identification
  • Organised and prepared in all areas

Head Coach

International A Team
06.2016 - 06.2016
  • Developed team cohesion in a short amount of time
  • Kept game plans simple to allow players to express themselves and show their qualities
  • Ensured good communication between players, staff and management improving the performance of the squad
  • Focused on the development of the individual with heavy review process
  • Coordinated the weekly schedules to allow people to perform


Academy Coach

Premiership Club
06.2006 - 06.2009
  • Development Coach, responsible for improving young players and preparing them for Premiership/International rugby
  • Coaching skills in attack, defence, backs, kicking and game understanding
  • A key aim was to develop players as well rounded people
  • Coordinated a talent identification programme to cover the region
  • Succession planning
  • Academy analyst and first team analyst 2007/08
  • A League coach


Player/Coach

Championship Club
06.2002 - 06.2004
  • Coaching first team attack and backs

Education

Level 4 - Rugby Coaching

RFU
England
06/2008 - 06/2010

Level 3 - Rugby Coaching

RFU
England
06/2007 - 06/2008

Level 1 & 2 - Rugby Coaching

RFU
England
06/2006 - 06/2007

Bachelor of Science - Applied Statistics

Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne
09/1994 - 06/1998

Skills

  • Ability to plan and implement a coaching programme to develop players from 16 to full internationals
  • Clear vision of what high quality performance looks like and pathway to achieving success
  • Driving a successful culture of high standards and work ethic for the good of the team
  • Strong ability to coach and mentor in the moment to improve the player
  • Very high level of game understanding and a process to impart this information onto young players
  • Emotionally intelligent and therefore able to work with a range of personalities
  • Influential in building strong, positive teams
  • Critically organised and able to prioritise
  • Adaptable to the situation and the individual
  • A capable and proficient leader and follower
  • Good knowledge of what it takes to maximise potential
  • High level of analytical skills based on previous jobs and qualifications

Affiliations

  • Padel
  • Golf
  • Cricket
  • Travel

Accomplishments

    Champions Cup 2019/20

    Premiership 2016/17, 2019/20

    Premiership Cup 2013/14, 2017/18, 2022/23

    Championship 2009/10

    A League 2008/09

Timeline

Head Coach

International A Team
06.2016 - 06.2016

Head Coach, Backs and Attack Coach

Premiership Club
06.2009 - 05.2025

Academy Coach

Premiership Club
06.2006 - 06.2009

Player/Coach

Championship Club
06.2002 - 06.2004

Level 4 - Rugby Coaching

RFU
06/2008 - 06/2010

Level 3 - Rugby Coaching

RFU
06/2007 - 06/2008

Level 1 & 2 - Rugby Coaching

RFU
06/2006 - 06/2007

Bachelor of Science - Applied Statistics

Northumbria University
09/1994 - 06/1998
Pathway Assistant Coach England Rugby