Why did you get into coaching rugby and how did you arrive at your current position?
CB: As a teenager I worked a casual coach for the RFU and then progressed into teaching. In my latter playing years I took coaching qualifications and became Assistant Coach at Fylde when Warren Spragg was promoted at Sale.
AL: Started in the community programme at Nottingham Rugby when a player. Came to Fylde and got into teaching then worked as scrum coach/player in 2014/15 and eventually become joint head coach with Chris.
What is your profession outside of coaching rugby?
CB: Teaching -I’m primary trained and now work as a PE Teacher at Kirkham Grammar Junior School.
AL: Head of Games (including rugby) and Housemaster at Lancaster Royal Grammar School
How does the joint head coach scenario work in practice?
CB: When a decision needs to be made we generally discuss it. I suppose if we were to pick out individual responsibilities, Alex looks after forward specific detail and I’ll do similar with the backs. Everything else is done through discussion.
AL: Chris and I have known each other since 13 years of age, went to the same school for 6th Form, joined Fylde as players in the same season, and coached together at county age group level previous to our current role. These shared experiences are the foundation of the joint role because the most important element is trust. Of course, there are specific areas of expertise where delivery remains consistent such as forwards/backs, but we spend a lot of time away from on field sessions/match days ensuring we are seeing the development of the team the same
How would you describe your style of coaching?
AL: My style of coaching changes depending on the area of the game that is being delivered. When coaching set piece for example, I attempt to be detailed and ensure players understand why they are doing certain things. Within team sessions that are games based, I give a lot of thought to the scenario I am trying to create so that players can be stressed to achieve an objective, as close to match play as possible, while remaining dynamic within a session to support players as and when needed.
What is your process for evaluating and providing feedback to your players?
CB: As a squad, we look at videos of our games and players also analyse their own individual performances too. If we feel a player needs to work on a certain area of their game, we will speak with them and try to support them on making improvements.
How do you foster a positive team culture?
AL: At Fylde, I believe a positive culture starts and ends with players being enthused to improve and strive for better. I am personally driven in trying to improve, which often means coaching detail evolves or changes too. Another factor on team culture at Fylde is the space for players to make decisions.
Last season Fylde finished 5th in the league. What changes, if any, to your coaching of the squad have you made to improve on that position?
AL: Coaches need to evolve and we aim to bring this into practice. We have worked also hard to integrate the new players. The players are well conditioned with the aim of having a squad with quality and depth.
Please name a player who you have really enjoyed coaching/ developing and why?
CB: I enjoy coaching players who are willing to work hard and listen to advice. It’s extremely rewarding when you see their hard work pay off. One player I have seen develop over a number of years is Tristan Woodman. I first coached him at school, in Year 3 and then again two seasons ago when he was at Fylde, on loan from Sale Sharks. It’s nice to have been there at the start of his journey and seeing where he is now.
What more could the RFU do to assist clubs who are not full time professional?
AL: I think the key point is around funding. There are rising costs to clubs all over England such as facility development, coaching, outreach work for player recruitment, and holding events to ensure exposure in local communities. This is an addition to the costs involved to competing in national league rugby for a club such as Fylde and others.
As a coach what two laws or aspects of the game would you change to make it a better experience for either yourself or your players?
CB: The tackle height still causes a lot of issues. I’m not saying how it should be changed but anything where penalties are given so frequently should be looked at.
I’d also like to see the length of advantage for penalties reduced. It seems like you’ve got advantage until you score at the moment. If you don’t score, we’ll come back for the penalty.
AL: Officiating of the tackle height needs to be less variable. There also needs to be speeding up of the box kick to seek to get more flow in the game
What advice would you give to anyone considering or just starting to get involved in coaching rugby?
CB: Start while you are still playing. Try to observe a variety of people who coach in different ways. Be true to yourself and coach a style of rugby you are passionate about.
