Receptive, Resilient, Ready: A New Way to Spot Talent

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell speaks with Neil Davies – Yorkshire Chair of Coach Development, Director of Rugby at Doncaster Demons, and Lead for the South Yorkshire Girls PDG. Neil shares their unique approach to talent identification, explaining how Yorkshire’s "Roses" model builds on the STAR framework to assess skills, resilience, and receptiveness in young players. He discusses self-nomination, taster days, individual development plans, and the balance between rugby basics and movement skills. Some key takeaways:Talent ID works best when it’s holistic, not a box-ticking exerciseSelf-nomination builds ownership and confidence in young playersTaster days reduce nerves and showcase potential in real game settingsCatch-pass, tackle, and movement remain the non-negotiable foundationsPlayer journals and feedback in action drive real long-term growthTo find out more about this podcast and many others, go to Rugby Coach WeeklyTo find out more about our Partner Club offerCLICK HEREAlso, tap into the library of 4,000 pages of activities, advice, tactics and tips to help you become the best rugby coach you can be!