PODCAST · sports
Rugby Coach Weekly
by Dan Cottrell
Dan Cottrell and guests discuss all the hot topics in grass roots rugby coaching from managing concussion to dealing with parents.
Episodes
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Keeping players on the pitch: what coaches can do with Chris Jenkins
Send us Fan Mail You’ve got 90 minutes of training, a match to prepare for and a few players carrying knocks. How much can you realistically do to reduce the risk of injury? Dan Cottrell talks to chartered physiotherapist Chris Jenkins, known online as The Rugby Injury Physio, about practical...
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Top tips for refereeing age grade rugby for 2026 season
Send us Fan Mail Refereeing age-grade rugby is rarely straightforward, particularly when you are also the coach. Dan Cottrell is joined by Advantage Over podcast host and laws expert Keith Lewis to explore how coaches with a whistle can create a safer, fairer and more enjoyable game. They discuss...
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Talent, Pathways and Potential, with Martin Mctaggart
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell speaks to Martin McTaggart, RFU Playing Pathways Manager, about the EDGE framework, a way of helping coaches, selectors and pathway volunteers think more clearly about potential in young players. Martin explains why...
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Honesty, Detail and the Art of Coaching the Scrum, with Mark Williams
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dan Cottrell speaks to Mark Williams, head coach of North Division U18s, lead rugby coach at Birkenhead School, a forward's coach with Lymm in National Two, and Liverpool John Moores University director of rugby, The conversation starts with the value of coaching...
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50 22 The pros and cons pads, shields and tubes
Send us Fan Mail Pads, tackle shields and crash mats can be some of the most useful kit in a rugby session, but only when coaches know exactly why they are using them. In this 50:22 episode, Dan Cottrell and Stu James discuss the role of contact equipment in training. They explore how pads can...
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50 22 Tools for neurodivergent inclusion
Send us Fan Mail One in five players may be neurodivergent, and rugby is often a sport that attracts players who think, learn and experience the world differently. The good news? The coaching adjustments that help neurodivergent players often make coaching better for everyone. In this episode…
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50:22 Fault correction and when to say nothing
Send us Fan Mail Fault correction sits at the heart of coaching, but done poorly it kills flow, confidence and learning. In this episode, Dan Cottrell and Stu James break down how to intervene with purpose, so players improve without feeling overwhelmed or criticised. They explore how coaches…
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50:22 Coaching Belief, Not Just Skill
Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest thing holding your players back is not skill but belief? In this episode, Dan Cottrell, head coach at Rugby Coach Weekly and Stuart James, coach developer at Guildford RFC, unpack one of the most overlooked areas in coaching. While most sessions are built…
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The biggest myths in rugby stats, with Sam Larner
Send us Fan Mail What really wins rugby matches — instinct or insight? In this episode, Dan Cottrell sits down with rugby analyst, journalist, and coach Sam Larner to unpack the growing influence of data in the modern game — and what it actually means for coaches on the pitch. From Six Nations...
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What Instagram clips don’t show about coaching, with Sam Mace of SMPerformance
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell speaks to coach and former professional player Sam Mace about the journey from playing to coaching and the lessons that shaped his philosophy. Sam played professionally in Major League Rugby with the Toronto Arrows,...
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Sustainable performance in high-pressure environments
Send us Fan Mail What does sustainable performance actually look like in elite sport and leadership? In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan speaks with Lúcás Ó’Ceallacháin, a high-performance coach and leadership specialist who has worked across rugby, wrestling, artistic…
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Be the adult in the room, with Tara Lynn
Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to be the adult in the room? In this powerful and honest conversation, I sit down with Tara Lynn, transformational coach and trusted adviser to high performers who have reached the edge of what got them here. We explore how leaders and coaches can…
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Skill Acquisition Without the Noise and Coaching Through Mistakes with Job Fransen
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dan Cottrell is joined once again by skill acquisition specialist Job Fransen, Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University and Managing Director of SkillACQ. Together they explore what really matters in coaching practice design, feedback, and player...
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Inside The Rugby Paper: How rugby stories are built every week
Send us Fan Mail What actually happens on a Saturday night when the final whistle blows and rugby stories still need to be told? In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan is joined by Ben Jaycock, assistant editor at The Rugby Paper, to explore how parts of a national rugby newspaper...
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Building the future of English rugby, with Steve Grainger
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Steve Grainger, Executive Director of Rugby Development at England Rugby, for an open and thoughtful conversation about the state of the community game. They explore how rugby is changing at grassroots...
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Building a Coaching Playbook That Actually Changes Clubs, with Charlie Farrell
Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to align dozens of volunteer coaches, hundreds of players, and a whole club around one clear development pathway? In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell is joined by Charlie Farrell, Age Grade Rugby Director at Banbridge RFC, to...
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Coaching with conviction, with Nash Cohen
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell is joined by performance coach Nash Cohen to explore what it really means to coach with conviction. From defining winning beyond the scoreboard to building trust under pressure, the conversation digs into principles,...
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Why Toughness Is Misunderstood in Rugby, with Jack Heald
Send us Fan Mail What does real toughness look like in rugby? In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell is joined by Jack Heald, Director of Rugby at Barnes RFC and rugby professional at Felsted School, to unpack what toughness truly means in modern coaching environments....
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What Really Matters When You Inherit a Losing Team, with Ross Bundy
Send us Fan Mail What do you stabilise first when you inherit a team at the bottom of the table? In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell speaks with Ross Bundy, Head Coach of Leicester Tigers Women, about leading a rebuild in a high-pressure, semi-professional environment....
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Why better sessions don’t start with better drills
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dan Cottrell is joined by Phil Kearney, Associate Professor at the University of Limerick and co-founder of an organisation focused on developing a positive community of practice in skill acquisition Together, they challenge one of coaching’s most ingrained…
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KatieFest and the Power of Inclusive Rugby
Send us Fan Mail In this Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Darren Rea, John Peel, and Gareth Lewis to explore how inclusive SEND rugby has grown from a few Sunday sessions into a powerful community movement known as KatieFest. Together, they share how simple, values-led...
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Building Stronger, Faster and Ultimately Better Rugby Players in the Girls’ Game
Send us Fan Mail In this Rugby Coach Weekly episode, Dan sits down with Emily Pratt, Strength and Conditioning Coach for the England Women’s U20s, to unpack the brand new U16 Foundational Athletic Development and U18 Athletic Development programmes reshaping the female pathway. Emily explains how...
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Confidence, Contact, and Change: The Girls Tackle Rugby Approach
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dan sits down with India Perris-Redding, one of the driving forces behind women and girls’ rugby in the North of England. Over nearly seven years with Sale Sharks Foundation, India has shaped a transformational pathway for girls’ rugby, from primary school...
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Designing the Future: Inside England Rugby’s Girls’ Pathway
Send us Fan Mail In this Rugby Coach Weekly episode, Dan Cottrell sits down with Benny Williams, one of the leading voices shaping the girls’ and women’s game in England. As the Girls’ PDG Coach Lead for England Rugby, Benny oversees the national U18s curriculum, supports coach development, and...
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Managing mismatches, parents, and game-day transfer
Send us Fan Mail Head coach Dan Cottrell is joined by Russell McClusky and Phil Greenaway for a lively, practical chat drawn from years across schools, clubs, and university rugby. As hosts of the Little and Large Podcast, they bring a wealth of experience from their times as directors of sport…
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50:22 Say Less, Coach More
Send us Fan Mail How much talking is too much? In this episode, Dan Cottrell and Stuart James explore how coaches can make every word count. From the power of the short, purposeful chat to the art of explaining the how, what, and why in under a minute, they share practical ways to sharpen...
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50:22 Stop Chasing Skill: Build Game Sense That Sticks
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The 50:22 Podcast, Dan Cottrell and Stu James explore why focusing on perfect technique can hold players back. Instead of trying to tick off isolated skills, they discuss how layering, context, and repetition help players understand what to do and when to do…
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50:22 The Right Kind of Pressure
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the 50:22 Podcast, Dan Cottrell and Stuart James explore how to use stress as a coaching tool, not through shouting but through smart, purposeful challenge. Discover how the right kind of pressure helps players build resilience, sharpen decision-making, and…
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High Care, Not High Performance – Ben Herring Returns
Send us Fan Mail Ben Herring returns to the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast to dive deeper into what he’s learned from speaking to some of the world’s top coaches. Drawing on his global coaching journey and his Coaching Culture podcast, Ben shares why grassroots rugby should focus on high care rather...
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Receptive, Resilient, Ready: A New Way to Spot Talent
Send us Fan Mail In 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…
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Coaching with Purpose – Lessons from Wales to Australia
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Owain Roberts, Coach Education and Development Manager at the NSW Waratahs and a Level 4 coach. Originally from Swansea, Owain’s journey has taken him from Welsh-speaking schools and UK teaching to the...
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Scholarships, Streaming, and the School Game, with Will James
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dan sits down with Will James, Director of Sport at Ampleforth College, former Wales international, and ex-Gloucester star, to explore the realities of schools rugby. They tackle big topics, from the health of the game in the North East and the impact of…
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50:22 Prepare Yourself, Not Just the Plan
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the 50:22 Podcast, Dan Cottrell and Stu James explore why great coaching starts with preparing yourself, not just your session plan. Stu leads the discussion, drawing on his expertise in different workplace environments to inform his thinking on training day...
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50:22 The Assistant Coach You're Ignoring
Send us Fan Mail What if your most impactful assistant coach is already on the sideline, holding a coffee and watching their child? In this episode, Dan Cottrell and Stu James reframe how coaches can engage parents with purpose. From team emails to ‘parent wranglers’, discover how to create...
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50:22 Make Games Work Harder
Send us Fan Mail Small-sided games aren’t just chaos—they’re your sharpest coaching tool. In this episode, Dan Cottrell and Stu James explore how to make games more purposeful by designing clear objectives, coaching one behaviour at a time, and helping players make better decisions under…
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50:22 Starting sessions
Send us Fan Mail How You Start Changes Everything In this 8-minute episode, Dan Cottrell and Stu James dive into the power of the first five minutes of a session. From early wins to playful warm-ups without a ball, discover how to boost energy, build connection and benchmark your plan. Quick,...
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Mana, Movement, and Meaning with Regan Sue
Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Regan Sue, co-founder of Haka Rugby Global, to explore how Maori culture, adaptability, and people-first coaching have helped shape one of the world’s most culturally rich rugby initiatives....
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Coaching with Connection: Soft Skills That Win Hearts and Games
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dan Cottrell speaks with Leicester Tigers player and Peak Team Performance founder, Tiana Gordon, about the power of soft skills in coaching. Drawing on her academic background in neuroscience, psychology, and mental health, Tiana shares practical tools to help...
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Bench Warmers, Buy-In, and Being Different, with Ben Herring
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dan Cottrell catches up with the globetrotting coach and former pro player Ben Herring. From being told he was too small for the 1st XV to wrestling with his dad for jackal strength, Ben shares a raw and inspiring journey through rugby, coaching, and personal...
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Unlocking Creativity in Coaching with Dr. Michael Francis Pollin
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, host Dan Cottrell sits down with Dr. Michael Francis Pollin, a leading expert in coach development and coaching behaviours for player learning, development and performance. They dive into the fascinating world of creativity in...
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From First XV to U14s: Coaching Rugby Across the Age Groups
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Charlie Harrison, former professional player for Bath, Bedford, Rotherham and player/coach at Doncaster, ex-Head of Rugby at Marlborough College, and now coach of the U14s at Marlborough. They discuss...
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Mastering Rugby Skills with The Rugby Trainer – Ben John’s Coaching Journey
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Ben John, better known as The Rugby Trainer, to explore his unique coaching philosophy and the rise of his hugely popular online brand. Ben shares how he transitioned from professional rugby to...
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The Why Behind Coaching: Developing Expertise and Decision-Making
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell welcomes Jamie Taylor—Assistant Professor of Elite Performance at Dublin City University, Academy Coach with Leicester Tigers, and Senior Coach Developer at Grey Matters UK. Together, they dive into the practical...
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The research secrets of dominant tackling revealed
Send us Fan Mail Tackling is at the heart of rugby, but what truly makes a tackle dominant or a miss? In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, host Dan Cottrell welcomes Oli Bishop, defence coach for Ealing Trailfinders Women and U23s, to break down the science behind effective…
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From Recruitment to Retention: Lessons in Coaching Girls' Rugby, with Sam Halliday
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Sam Halliday, a PE teacher and rugby coach working with the Oxfordshire U16 PDG squad and Brackley U14 girls. Sam shares his insights on building a thriving coaching environment, fostering player...
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Beyond Perfection: Coaching for Excellence with Lewis Hatchett
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell speaks with Lewis Hatchett—former professional cricketer, mindset coach, and creator of the MindStrong Sport app. They discuss perfectionism in sport, its benefits and drawbacks, and how it affects athletes and...
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Fundraising for Grassroots Rugby: Secrets to Success with Ed Flynn
Send us Fan Mail Raising funds for grassroots rugby can feel like an uphill battle, but Ed Flynn has cracked the code. In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, host Dan Cottrell sits down with Ed, a coach and fundraising powerhouse, to uncover the strategies that have helped his clubs...
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Building Better Coaches: Ethics, Education, and Inclusion with Stuart Armstrong
Send us Fan Mail Join Dan Cottrell on the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast as he dives into a compelling conversation with Stuart Armstrong, renowned coach developer and host of The Talent Equation podcast. Together, they tackle the nuanced topic of ethical coaching—what it means, why it matters, and…
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Emotion on the Field: Coaching with Heart and Strength
Send us Fan Mail Join Rugby Coach Weekly's Dan Cottrell as he sits down with Marlo Boyd, Bath Rugby’s Development Officer, Bath University women's forward's coach and former Bristol Bears player. Marlo opens up about her unconventional journey into rugby, the lessons she's learned about managing...
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Coaching Through the Lens: Simple and Effective Video Analysis
Send us Fan Mail Dan Cottrell welcomes Craig Wilson, director of rugby at Yale University and founder of The Contact Coach. Together, they explore practical, accessible approaches to video analysis for grassroots coaches. Craig shares personal experiences of using simple tools—smartphones,...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Rugby Coach Weekly have?
Rugby Coach Weekly currently has 386 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Rugby Coach Weekly about?
Dan Cottrell and guests discuss all the hot topics in grass roots rugby coaching from managing concussion to dealing with parents.
How often does Rugby Coach Weekly release new episodes?
Rugby Coach Weekly publishes regularly with 386 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Rugby Coach Weekly?
You can listen to Rugby Coach Weekly on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Rugby Coach Weekly?
Rugby Coach Weekly is created and hosted by Dan Cottrell.
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