The Rugby Institute Coaching Podcast

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 ot...

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 desig...

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 rug...

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, includi...

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-m...

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 pl...

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 de...

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 pl...

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...

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...

In this episode of The Rugby Institute, we’re joined by Dave Ellis, one of the most experienced and respected rugby skills coaches in the game. With over 30 years in rugby, Dave has coached skill across every level — from grassroots and coach education to professional environments including Connacht Rugby, the Blues, and Bristol Bears in the English Premiership. Dave’s work focuses on helping play...

In this session, Aaron Dundon, coach at Leinster Rugby, breaks down the lineout maul defence systems he used with the Tasman Makos. This is a practical, coach-focused breakdown covering how elite teams set up, organise, and shut down opposition mauls from lineouts. Aaron walks through key defensive principles, player roles, coaching cues, and simple drills you can apply directly to your own traini...

In this episode, we dive into the engine room of rugby—scrums, lineouts, and mauls—with one of New Zealand’s top emerging coaches. Hurricanes U20s coach Eugene Smith joins us to break down video footage, share practical progressions and drills, and unpack some of the latest coaching methods being used at the representative level. Whether you're coaching grassroots or high performance, there’s...

Today we sit down with Amy Price—National Coach Developer at The FA and a leader in game-based learning for sport. Amy shares how video game design principles can transform the way we coach, helping players become better decision-makers, more adaptable, and more tactically aware. Instead of running isolated drills, Amy’s approach focuses on designing competitive, problem-solving environments that...

When should young rugby players start strength & conditioning? In this episode, S&C coach Tom Walsh breaks down the ideal starting age, when and why players or teams need an S&C coach, how to integrate S&C into rugby programs, and how gamification can improve coaching and player engagement.👉 Whether you're a coach, player, or parent—this one’s packed with practical takeaways....

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 ot...

Send us a text Are you a rugby player or coach wondering if you need an agent? In this exclusive interview, we dive into the world of rugby agents to uncover what they really do and how they can help you succeed. From landing contracts and navigating negotiations to shaping long-term careers, we discuss the value agents bring to players and coaches alike. Don’t miss this insider’s guide to underst...

Send us a text In this episode of The Rugby Institute, we dive into The Role of Fun in Rugby Strength and Conditioning with Grant Dearns, a rugby coach and strength and conditioning expert with over 20 years of experience. Grant shares his insights on how incorporating fun and games can enhance player engagement and performance, while also covering practical strategies for club coaches. We go in-d...

Send us a text Video: https://youtu.be/pXJRQ_ru-5Y In this insightful video, we sit down with Dan Waenga, a former professional rugby player who has excelled at the highest levels, including Super Rugby and France's Top 14. Now contributing to the game as a referee in New Zealand, Dan shares invaluable coaching tips, lessons from his playing days, and his journey transitioning from player to offic...

Send us a text https://www.youtube.com/@therugbyinstitute In this episode, sports psychologist Zane Winslade shares three essential tips to help coaches take their game to the next level. Learn how to improve communication with your players, use breathing techniques to enhance focus and composure, and leverage theming to instill strong team values. These practical strategies are perfect for coache...

Send us a text Join us for an inspiring conversation with Colin Bourke, former Māori All Black and Super Rugby player, as he shares his incredible journey through the world of rugby. In this episode, Colin dives deep into: His coaching ideas and philosophies. How he approaches developing players and teams. The unique experience of living and playing professional rugby in Japan. Whether you're a co...

Send us a text Check out The Rugby Institute on YouTube for more coaching tips and skills: YouTube: https://youtu.be/hsMrJjl2dZM Ever wondered what it takes to reach the top in professional rugby? In this podcast, Welsh international and powerhouse tighthead prop Ben Broster shares his incredible journey. From dominating scrums on the international stage to representing elite clubs across Europe,...

Send us a text https://www.youtube.com/@therugbyinstitute Join former All Black Gareth Evans as he shares invaluable coaching tips inspired by his time in Super Rugby. Drawing on years of experience in high-performance environments, Gareth dives into what it takes to guide elite athletes, build strong team cultures, and maintain peak performance. Whether you're coaching at the grassroots or profes...