Coaching Courses

The WRU coach development department has developed a world leading coach framework that enables coaches to meet the needs of their community clubs, schools and playing environments. By increasing the knowledge around our core values and behaviours for everyone involved in our game.

It endeavours to engage with all coaches to provide the right programme at the right time for the coach, to be more visible and to give guidance and leadership and be accessible for support and direction when needed.

Coaching is a great way to be part of the WRU rugby family.

The WRU appreciate the time and commitment people give to support the game, the WRU coaching department offer many opportunities to be involve in the game and to develop your skills in safe and learning environment. Whether through formal courses. Many people get involved whether they are Mum and Dads, ex-players or people that are new to our sport, there will be a place for you all.

The coaching landscape is made up of various courses to support the coach through the development of the player.

The WRU appreciate the time and commitment people give to support the game, the WRU coaching department offer many opportunities to be involve in the game and to develop your skills in safe and learning environment. Whether through formal courses. Many people get involved whether they are Mum and Dads, ex-players or people that are new to our sport, there will be a place for you all.

The coaching landscape is made up of various courses to support the coach through the development of the player.

Have a watch of the video below of what you can expect when you book on a WRU Coaching Course
Tag Course

Tag Course

Course Description:

The WRU TAG course is suitable for teachers, coaches and sports leaders to introduce the non-contact game of tag rugby.

Outline of course:

The course is 3 hours in duration.

There is no formal assessment, informal on course appraisal will be given by course tutor.

TAG rugby provides a safe and simple introduction to the game of rugby union. The WRU has developed this course to offer coaches working with young players in the non-contact game, the opportunity to grow their knowledge and skills and in doing so improve the experience afforded to young players entering the game. An early positive experience has been shown to lead to longer-term player participation.

TAG rugby introduces both the player and coach to the fundamentals of evasive running, handling and passing, as well as the basic rules and principles of the game of rugby union.

TAG is a fast paced, fun game suitable for boys and girls. The invasion nature of the game provides opportunities for players to develop a basic understanding of the principles underlying rugby and other team sports such as football, hockey or netball.

Course Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course you will be able to-

Provide a safe and fun environment to learn.

Ability to coach and understand the benefits of coaching through games.

Cost 

£30

Coaching Early Contact

U9 – U11 Coaching Early Contact

Aims

The WRU U9 – U11 Coaching Early Contact course is designed to develop the coach to introduce contact rugby to young players in a safe, fun and engaging manner.

Throughout the course the candidate will understand the benefits to ‘coaching through games’ as a method in a training session along with gaining an appreciation for developing the Whole Player by displaying attributes of the Whole Coach.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Effective Coaching
  • Introduciton to the Tackle
  • The Coaching Process
  • Ontorduction to Contact
  • Managing the Environment

 Cost – £70

Full Game Level 1

Full Game Level 1 

Aims

The course provides coaches with an introduction to the game of rugby union and the principles and practice of safe, ethical and effective management and coaching of players of all ages. The course qualifies the coach to act as an assistant to a more qualified coach. The Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Rugby Union aims to develop a coach’s ‘How to Coach’ skills as well as improve their ‘What to coach Skills’. The course includes the World Rugby Ready course.The course is a modular course made up of the following units:

Learning Outcomes

Introduction to Safe Rugby Union

• The role of the coach

• Working with Children

• Laws of  the Game

• Health and Safety

 Plan Coaching Sessions

• Planning for Delivery of Coaching Sessions

Deliver Coaching Sessions

• Principles of Warm up and Cool Down

• Skill Development (Generic and position specific skills)

• Communication Skills

• Observation of Performance

Entry Requirements: Minimum Age 18

Course Arrangements / Outline

• The course is 21hrs in duration (16hrs on course, 5hrs home study)

• The course is a competence based course and involves on-course appraisal

• The course involves both classroom and outdoor practical sessions. Coaches are expected to participate fully in all activities if injured please notify us in advance.

Cost – £120

Full Game Level 2

Full Game Level 2 

Aims

Building on the Level 1 qualification the course develops greater depth of knowledge of the game of rugby union and the principles and practice of safe, ethical and effective management and coaching of players of all ages. The course qualifies the coach to ‘Prepare for, deliver and review coaching session(s)’. The course is a modular course made up of the following units:

Learning Outcomes 

Practical

Handling, Running, Kicking, Contact, Continuity, Restarts

Theory

Communication, Coaching Styles, Effective Coaching, Warm up / Warm down

Home Study Tasks

Codes of Behaviour, Dealing with Accidents and Injuries, Laws of the Game, Child Protection in Sport, Risk Assessment / Health & Safety, Player Development, Skill Analysis

Coaching

Coaching Practical (8-10 sessions)

Assessment

Internal Assessment of Home Study, Review of session Plans, Laws Test, Practical session coaching

Entry Requirements: Candidates must be over 18 years of age before certification. This is due to the level of autonomy and responsibility of a qualified coach of Rugby Union operating at this level.

COURSE ARRANGEMENTS / OUTLINE

• The course is 60hrs in duration

• The course is a competence based course and involves on-course appraisal

• The course involves both classroom and outdoor practical sessions. Coaches are expected to participate fully in all activities

Cost – £250

Advanced Coaching Level 3

Advanced Coaching Level 3

Aims

To provide candidates who have an on-going involvement in coaching rugby union with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver a coaching programme and demonstrate their rugby union coaching ability. The course offers an opportunity for candidates to be given support to effectively apply the principles of the WRU coaching framework which have the four main headings in coaching craft, Leadership, People, and self-concept. Within these aspects we will cover creativity in coaching, session design, observation, and coaching approach. Also there will be sessions on planning, self, learning environments, leadership styles and reflective practice.

It also aims to enable the candidate to create an effective coaching environment, establish supportive working relationships and manage the behaviour of self, players, and others. This is achieved through the WRU coaching framework and an understanding and the application of the underpinning knowledge of Advanced coaching (Level 3)

The course is a mixture of  theory and technical and tactical sessions throughout the course, group work, individual tasks  and community of practice sessions. A mentor will be assigned to the candidates for the duration of the course to support the coach through the programme.

The National WRU Advanced coaching (level 3) course will accommodate a maximum of 24 Candidates split evenly across the regionals.

Due to the anticipated demand of course places across Wales, priority access will be given to candidates based on the following criteria if applications exceed the allocated numbers:

Enhanced Priority:

  • Regional Age Grade Coaches (16 – 18)
  • Regional based Premiership Coach
  • Regional Development Workforce
  • Player pathway Development Coaches (EPP)

Preferred Priority:

  • Regional resident
  • Regional based Senior/Youth level coach
  • Regular attendance at Regional CPD events

Minimum Priority:

  • Coaching a community team from youth or senior team
  • Out of region applicants

Application Criteria

  • Applicant must be coaching.
  • Level 2 Qualified.

To apply, candidates need to submit the following:

  • Rugby coaching CV
  • Letter of application highlighting why you should be selected for this course.
  • 20-minute coaching video.
  • 200-word reflection on their coaching session.

Applications should be sent to your Regional Coach & Referee Development Officer. Should you wish to discuss your application please feel free to contact your Regional Coach & Referee Development Officer.

Cost £600