When Coaching Goes Wrong

When Bob McKillop, my former coach, agreed to sit down with me, I knew we were about to embark on a discussion that would transcend the boundaries of rugby. Enjoy the show! 0:03 Player Coaching 6:35 Challenges and Success in Coaching 11:06 The Importance of Communication in Leadership 17:41 Effective Coaching Through Collaboration and Communication 23:53 Navigating Coaching Career Authenticity 31:05 Coaching the Scotland Under 20 Team 42:02 Building Authenticity and Trust in Coaching 45:46 Coaching and Communication in Rugby 51:52 Career Progression in Coaching Rugby 55:11 Embracing Leadership and Collaborative Learning 1:07:40 Evolution of Rugby Coaching Strategies 1:20:38 Creating a Competitive Advantage Through Authenticity

This episode is with Stephen Dowse, Director of Rugby at Hong Kong Football Club. He opens up about nurturing talent across all levels, aligning multiple teams under the club's ethos, and cultivating a culture where elite and community players thrive side by side. Authenticity and credibility lie at the heart of our conversation, as we dissect the evolution of coaching styles and the importance of trust in mentoring athletes. It's not just about managing teams but about guiding them through strategic planning and skill development, as well as embracing the personal growth that comes with the territory of coaching at the highest levels. Closing out this episode, Stephen discusses the resilience and personal growth that come with the territory of sports coaching. The exchange underscores the significance of acknowledging our slip-ups, sourcing support from the right quarters, and honing strategies for self-improvement. Whether you're a die-hard rugby enthusiast or a novice to the game, this episode promises to enrich your understanding of the sport's inner workings and the profound impact of coaching and player development.

Ever wondered how a nation forges its way from the ranks of tier-two rugby to the pinnacle of tier-one? That's exactly what we're unpacking with Rama Chand, the Georgian Rugby Union's Director of Rugby Development. Through an enlightening dialogue, we reflect on his international journey and dissect the strategic endeavors propelling Georgian rugby forward. Rama Chand sheds light on the pivotal role played by the Black Lion franchise team in cultivating local talent and the broader implications of bolstering a strong rugby ecosystem through dedicated coach and referee development. Straddling the line between player and coach is no simple task—it's an art form that demands finesse, and it's a narrative I'm intimately familiar with. As we wade into the complexities of dual roles, I peel back the layers of the emotional labyrinth that player-coaches navigate. Sharing personal experiences and the wisdom gathered as a coach educator, the conversation offers up strategies that player-coaches can adopt to thrive—not just survive—within their teams. This episode is a treasure trove for those seeking to understand the emotional intelligence required to lead and play simultaneously. Finally, we broaden our lens to the overarching themes of coaching and team management across the sports spectrum. My personal coaching philosophy has evolved over the years and, in this episode, I lay bare the lessons learned about adaptability and redefining success. We chat about the unique challenges of foreign coaches assimilating into Georgian culture and how embracing local customs can deepen both personal growth and coaching prowess. Whether you're an aspiring coach or a seasoned professional, this episode is a map guiding you through the terrain of professional development, mentorship, and the relentless pursuit of coaching excellence.

In this episode, I am joined by Richie Williams, Director of Rugby at Cambridge Rugby Club in England. Richie has coached across Europe and shares great wisdom from the lessons that he has learned. As we unpack the complexities of leading a club like Cambridge Rugby, Richie imparts the lessons carved from both sweet victories and the sting of defeat. He shares a refreshing perspective on collaboration and communication, and how these pillars of teamwork are instrumental in navigating the delicate balance between asserting authority and encouraging player-driven initiatives. It's a behind-the-scenes look at the transformation of coaching methods and the evolution of player engagement, where the trust in one's coaching process becomes as crucial as the game plan itself. To cap off, Richie and I dissect the essence of resilience in the face of adversity and the significance of maintaining authenticity through the highs and lows. We explore how emotional investment and a focus on effort over outcome can galvanize a team, and the collective exhilaration when that effort challenges full-time professionals. Richie's insights are a testament to the powerful bond forged through shared experiences and the broader impacts of coaching that ripple well beyond the rugby field. Join us for this compelling episode that promises a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone passionate about sports, leadership, or the pursuit of excellence.

Discover the transformative journey of Chris Brown, a coach whose expertise has spanned continents. In a revealing look behind the scenes, Chris recounts his path from a strength and conditioning coach to taking the helm of the USA Women's Sevens team. His stories are a trove of lessons on leadership and wisdom gleaned from international locker rooms. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or simply fascinated by the art of coaching, Chris's experiences are bound to enlighten and entertain. What does it take to manage a team through the rollercoaster of elite competition? Chris lays bare the intricacies of handling conflict, delicate team dynamics, and the courage it takes to face tough conversations. He shares personal anecdotes of when things didn't go as planned and the resilience required to bounce back stronger. The episode is an honest exploration of the emotional landscape of Olympic team selections, the critical nature of staff alignment, and the importance of trust—insights that resonate far beyond the rugby pitch. For anyone striving to master their own coaching techniques or leadership style, this episode is a playbook of high-performance wisdom. Chris gives us a peek into the meticulous planning of training regimens, the thoughtful integration of fresh talent, and the significance of building relationships that thrive under pressure. The discussion also celebrates the power of mentorship, continuous learning, and the humility that comes with seeking help. Join us for an engaging session that serves as a masterclass in navigating the ever-evolving path of leadership and personal growth.

Unlock the secrets to transformative coaching with Riki Tahere, who charts a course from the culinary arts to spearheading rugby talent growth at Canterbury Rugby Union. Our discussion reveals the surprising parallels between a chef's precision and a rugby coach’s strategic acumen. We share a feast of ideas, from the importance of creating a memorable player experience to the evolution of coaching styles that now favor collaboration and empowerment over rigid direction. This episode navigates the challenges and nuances of coaching, with reflections on transitions, accountability, and the continuous pursuit of self-improvement. Riki provides an insider's perspective on team dynamics, the delicate art of player selection, and the vital role of communication, drawing on poignant examples from rugby's elite. We examine how understanding individual stories is key to fostering team success, and how embracing our vulnerabilities can lead to profound growth, both on and off the field. Riki's candidness and our deep dive into the craft of coaching culminate in a powerful message of curiosity and integrity. It's a journey that underscores the value of personalized coaching, the power of constructive relationships, and the courage to rethink and innovate. Join us as we share wisdom from the frontlines of rugby coaching and offer inspiration for coaches and leaders in all fields to reflect, learn, and thrive.

Chris is a highly experienced coach and has done it all from grassroots through to coaching the Fijian National 7s team. His latest role is coaching is with the Poland national team in their quest to climb the world rankings. I’ve had the great pleasure of working alongside Chris at the Hong Kong Rugby Union. He was always great company and I valued being able to reconnect with him and share some good memories whilst also diving into areas that helped shape Chris into the excellent coach that he is. The most striking thing about Chris is his humility yet steelyness to navigate some tough times he’s had in his coaching journey. Another thing you might like to know is that he plays a very mean guitar!

Riaan Van Straten was a great guest for the first-ever When Coaching Goes Wrong podcast. Riaan discusses how failure has helped shape his coaching and the tools that he uses to turn failures into a positive. Riaan played professionally and has been working in coaching and rugby development for the past 21 years. His philosophy is to not only create great rugby players but also to create successful young people who can make a difference in the world. Rugby is not just a game, it's a way of life for him. Riaan has coached at all levels of the game including high school in South Africa, Cheetahs academy and more recently coaching professionally in Russia which is where he is now. Not only that, he runs his own coaching consultancy, rugby Coaching 101. Where you can find me: www.thecontactcoach.com Instagram: @thecontactcoach Facebook: @thecontactcoach Tik Tok: @contactcoach

Luke is a Welsh coach who is now living in America and has a wealth of experience in both rugby and S&C coaching. Luke began his rugby coaching career after gaining his BSc in Exercise Science and eventually coached for the WRU. Following this, he changed his focus and moved to America to achieve a master's degree in Strength and conditioning, where he has since coached elite level athletes in multiple sports such as the UFC’s Dustin Poitier. Luke has recently returned to coaching rugby while utilizing his S&C background in prestigious American colleges like Penn State University and Yale University.

This is a must-listen for those that want to play collegiate rugby in the United States! Andrew Kean, the Chief Executive of FirstPoint USA, has firsthand experience of collegiate sports in the United States as we played soccer at the University of Cincinnati on scholarship. Now he is helping others do the same! FirstPoint specializes in helping young people achieve their academic and sporting potential. They have connected more than 10,000 students, sportsmen & sportswomen with some of the world’s best universities in the United States of America.

It is a pleasure to share wisdom from one of North America's standout characters, Dallen Stanford. He represented USA 7s and is now a leading figure in the commentary world covering international XV, World 7s Series and Major League Rugby. Commentating on a match is much more than it seems, so join me in diving behind the scenes to learn on what happens to ensure the viewer receives a fantastic experience! www.thecontactcoach.com

On this Rugby Wisdom Podcast, I am joined by one of the most iconic rugby players the game has ever seen, David 'Campo' Campese. Campo is very engaging and insightful as we discuss the state of the game both within Australia and World Rugby in general. David Campese 11 Academy https://davidcampese.com The David Campese 15’’s & 7’s Rugby Academy is a unique – offering of coaching programs for both players (girls and boys) and coaches in both codes of Rugby Union – 15’s and 7’s. David’s vision for his Academy is to always maintain his personal involvement with each individual program/team, ensuring that his signature coaching style encouraging creativity, unpredictability and flair, is the top priority. This show is brought to you by World Rugby Shop. Visit www.worldrugbyshop.com for all your rugby needs!

On this Rugby Wisdom Podcast, I am joined by All Black and World Cup winner, Andy Ellis. Andy's illustrious career to date has seen him play for the Crusaders 150 times, winning two Super Rugby championships. Most recently, Andy has been in Japan playing for Kobe Steelers before COVID brought an abrupt end to the season. Andy is passionate about creating meaningful cultures and environments and we dive deeper into what this actually looks like. Having played in some of rugby's greatest teams, Andy provides a fascinating insight into what these groups did off the field to enhance performance. This show is brought to you by World Rugby Shop. Visit www.worldrugbyshop.com for all your rugby needs!

I am joined by Greg McWilliams, who has built an extensive resume in both community and performance rugby environments. In this conversation, Greg shares his thoughts on how exposure to these different environments has helped shape him as a coach today. Greg has coached in the highly-regarded Irish Schools system in Dublin, leading St. Michaels College. In Ireland, Greg has also coached Trinity College, Leinster Age-Grade teams, and the Irish Women's National Team. Greg and his family then moved to the United States to become Director of Rugby at the Ivy League School, Yale University. Since his time in the US, Greg coached the USA U20s before moving on to become the Attack Coach for the Men's National Team. Greg is now the Head Coach of Rugby United New York in Major League Rugby. During the show, Greg refers to a podcast featuring The Inner Game of Tennis. Here is the link. This show is brought to you by World Rugby Shop. Visit www.worldrugbyshop.com for all your rugby needs!

I am joined by one of the leading kicking coaches in the world, Vlok Cillers. Vlok breaks down the technicalities of kicking and covers important training aspects to improve accuracy. As a player, Vlok played for Western Province and is a capped Springbok (vs New Zealand, 1996). As a coach, Vlok worked with the Blue Bulls alongside legendary Springbok and one of the world's best kickers. Moyne Steyn. Vlok's current role is with the French National team where he works with all the kickers and also builds the kicking strategy for the team. Vlok also has his own online kicking consultancy, where players from all around the world can access Vlok's expertise. Contact Vlok: https://rb.gy/5pij9m Twitter: www.twitter.com/vlokskop10?lang=en This show is brought to you by World Rugby Shop. Visit www.worldrugbyshop.com for all your rugby needs!

On this show, I am joined by Brian Ashton MBE. Brian is revered as being one of the most forward-thinking coaches in the game. His coaching career has seen him lead Bath, Ireland, and England. He also built England Rugby’s academy that has created a stream of world-class players. Outside of rugby, Brian mentors coaches within the Premier League. This show is brought to you by World Rugby Shop. Visit www.worldrugbyshop.com for all your rugby needs! Rugby Wisdom is supporting Ruck ALS. A great group of people that provide memory-making events, financial support, and home modifications to those suffering from ALS and their families. Visit www.ruckals.org to learn more.

I am joined by Jason Ryan, the Crusaders Forwards Coach. Jason shares his wisdom on how to build a dominant scrum. Jason has also worked as the forwards for the Canterbury provincial team for five years, initially as a Scrum Coach, and then as an Assistant Coach in 2015 and 2016. He also has national experience as the Scrum Coach for the Black Ferns in 2014, and New Zealand Under 20 team for three seasons. Ryan set up the Front Row Club in 2013, a coaching program focused on the safe development of props and hookers. This show is brought to you by www.worldrugbyshop.com You can find more content, including analysis, from Craig at www.thecontactcoach.com

Sir Ian McGeechan won thirty-two caps, playing at fly-half and centre, and captained the team nine times. Sir Ian, as a player, toured with the British and Irish Lions in both 1974 and 1977. Sir Ian was the British and Irish Lions Head Coach in 1989, 1993, 1997 and 2009. In 2005 he coached the midweek side on the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand on the invitation of Sir Clive Woodward. On the international stage, Sir Ian also won the 1990 Grand Slam with Scotland. Domestically, Sir Ian became the Director of Rugby at London Wasps in 2005, and led his team to the Powergen Anglo-Welsh Cup title, beating Llanelli Scarlets in the final at Twickenham. In his second season, London Wasps claimed the Heineken Cup and in his third season, they lifted the Premiership cup. In 2010 Sir Ian joined the coaching staff at Gloucester as an advisor to Head Coach Bryan Redpath and his coaching team, and in 2010 he moved to local rivals Bath Rugby as performance director. Taking over as the director of rugby at Bath in 2011, the following year Ian was appointed executive chairman of Leeds Carnegie. Ian was knighted in the 2010 New Years’ Honours List for his services to rugby, and received an OBE in 1990.

Be part of The Contact Coach community and receive my latest analysis and bonus-content podcasts direct to your inbox! Take 10 seconds to add your email address here. On this Rugby Wisdom in 3, I am joined by Conor O'Shea. As a rugby player, Conor represented London Irish 127 times and was capped by Ireland 35 times. Conor also played at two rugby world cups. As a club rugby coach, Conor has worked with London Irish and Harlequins. With Harlequins, Conor won the English Premiership and European Challenge Cup. Internationally, Conor was the Head Rugby Coach or Italy from 2016-2019. He is now the Director of Performance for England Rugby. Matt Hampson Foundation www.matthampsonfoundation.org Just Giving Fundraising Page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/beanyandbully

On this #rw3, I am joined by Robbie Deans. Robbie provides advice on how to set a team up for success. Robbie has so much wisdom to give that I broke my own rule and published the full 6 minutes! It's worth it. As a player, Robbie is an All Black and also represented Canterbury on 145 occasions. As a coach, he is the most successful Super Rugby coach in history, winning 5 Super Rugby titles and another 2 as a manager with Crusaders. Robbie was the Wallabies Head Coach between 2008 and 2014, where we won the Tri-Nations in 2011. Since the Wallabies, he has been with the Panasonic Wild Knights head coach, winning 3 Top League championships.