The Rugby Institute

15/09/2026

World Cup Winning Coach Graham Smith on Structure vs Freedom: How Should Rugby Teams Really Attack?

World Cup-winning coach Graham Smith shares his approach to rugby c...

02/09/2026

Really enjoyed this conversation with Ofentse Moeng.

We dive into defensive pressure, the double tackle, transition and his brilliant “suffocation model” for defence.

Plenty of practical ideas in this one for coaches. 🏉

How do you turn defence into sustained pressure?In this conversat...

17/07/2026

A masterclass in co-coaching.

How do great coaching teams work together, stay aligned, and get the best from each other?

Harry Jones shares practical ideas every coach can apply immediately.

How do great coaching teams work together?Most coaches spend hour...

12/07/2026

If you love theming, you'll love this podcast.

Todd Dammers shares one of the best examples of team theming I've come across.

We also discuss role clarity, player learning, defensive systems, and how coaches can create environments where players take ownership of their performance.

10/07/2026

A great conversation with Richie Gray, creator of the Five Fights framework behind World Rugby's Tackle Ready programme.

We dive into tackle technique, contact coaching, breakdowns, skill acquisition, and lessons from coaching in rugby and the NFL.

What can coaching the Springboks, Fiji Rugby, the Miami Dolphins, a...

02/07/2026

It's always great when coaches are willing to share their screen and give a genuine look into how they think about the game.

A huge thank you to Dylan Parsons for sharing his insights on scanning, decision-making, peripheral vision, and his "Head on a 45°" concept.

Plenty of ideas in this one that coaches and players can take straight to the training field.

Watch here:

What separates great rugby players from the rest?According to Dyl...

18/06/2026

What can 30+ years of developing elite coaches teach us about coaching, learning, and leadership?

In this episode, Colin Moran shares lessons from a lifetime spent helping coaches perform at the highest level.

There are so many valuable takeaways in this conversation that I've already recommended it to all of the developing coaches I work with.

A must-watch for coaches, coach developers, and anyone interested in helping others learn and improve.

Enjoy.

Ireland punches well above its weight in producing elite coaches — ...

28/04/2026

Great Podcast With Amy Turner on How To Build Trust, Keep Training Fun, and Develop Players Who Actually Want to Be There.

7 likes, 1 comment. "Build Trust, Keep Training Fun, and Develop Players Who Actually Want to Be There With Amy Turner"

19/04/2026

Most coaches focus on the wrong thing.
We obsess over tactics.
We analyse performance.
We chase results.

But after speaking with Ben Herring, one idea stuck with me:
👉 The real job of a coach is to grow great people.

Not just better players.
Not just better performers.
Better humans.

Because in the end, players won’t remember your game plan…
They’ll remember how you made them feel.

In this conversation, we dive into:
What culture actually is (not what most people think)
Why your team is a reflection of you
The crossover between coaching and parenting
How to make your coaching “stick”

If you’re a coach, leader, or parent — this is worth your time.

🎥 Watch the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/SQ_Hxz1WD0g

Curious to hear your thoughts:
What do you think is the real job of a coach?

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 ...