Too many law changes-just let players play

Steve Hill puts the questions to James Shanahan, the head coach of Blackheath RFC and Cambridge University

Why did you get into coaching rugby and how did you arrive at your current position?

As a youngster at North Walsham I loved watching rugby. This continued into adult rugby – analysing games and prepping for games as a player and it just continued into coaching. In 2017 I was invited to become head coach at Blackheath.

What was your profession outside of coaching rugby?

Luckily for me I have always been a rugby player/coach. No other job.

How would you describe your style of coaching?

Attack minded. Very detailed with a passion to up skill and develop players. I want the players to be a better rugby players after their time with me.

What do you find the most challenging aspects of coaching?

Being a No.10 and ex-player coach, at times it is challenging to get the players to see the game as I do. One of my strengths as a player was understanding and seeing things before they happened. Converting that onto the pitch for the players is the most challenging for me.

How have you improved as a coach over the seasons?

I have become a more rounded coach. I have gone out and learned how to be comfortable coaching the kicking game and defence. I have also deliberately improved my understanding of scrum and lineout.

So far what would you count as your most significant coaching achievement and why?

I think my six years as England Counties head coach – 22 games and 20 wins. I loved the challenge of bringing 23 players together in a very short space of time. Beating Spain when they were 14th in the world 42-28 is probably my most satisfying result. Shame RFU feel it’s not worth continuing for the community game.

You are currently head coach of two clubs – how do you manage that? What does your week look like?

Well, it’s hectic but one of my strengths is attention to detail and planning so it flows really well. Monday/Wednesday/Fridays I am coaching Cambridge University and then Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday I am with Blackheath. By the end of the season I’m mentality drained but a couple of weeks off and I recharge ready to go again. I live in Norfolk so get a lot time to think rugby spending 24 hours a week driving between the two clubs. I am a reflector so try and use that time for that.

The Varsity Match’s position in the rugby landscape has changed since the advent of professionalism. Where do you see it now and potentially in the future?

My first real big rugby experience was watching Cambridge University versus Samoa at Grange Road in 1995. With its history I want it to be the biggest student game in rugby. The days of sell-out crowds at Twickenham are over but the history of the great occasion is very much alive. Moving this year to the StoneX stadium was a really positive experience. I feel privileged to have been part of it for 10 years.

As a coach you have experienced the highs of promotion and the lows of relegation. What lessons, to pass onto less experienced coaches, have you learned from these experiences?

Believe in what you do but don’t be afraid to change things. Learn and develop. Bounce ideas off others you trust and are honest with you. When it’s good, look at why? Embrace and celebrate the successes. When it’s not working, look back what worked previously?

Have you changed? What’s changed? What three things could you change which would have the most impact. You can’t change everything but a few little things might make huge differences.

Name a player who you have really enjoyed coaching/developing and why?

Markus Burcham – when I arrived at Blackheath he was known as a good defensive player but now he has developed so much.

And Sam Matavesi when I was coaching at Plymouth. He is the most gifted footballer I’ve worked with. Hooker, back rower, could also play 12. Great man off and on the field. So glad his career as kicked on.

What more could the RFU do to assist clubs who are not full time professional?

Money – but not money to pay players. It has to be used to develop clubs and aid clubs costs. For example all clubs were given £50-100k (national league) which must be used on analysis equipment, playing kit, medical resources, travel costs. Match balls, equipment etc. All audited properly.

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?

I think there are too many laws changes currently – let the players play. However I would remove goal line drop out for being held up, and also remove caterpillar rucks.

What two words would your players use to describe you as a coach and why?

Passionate and honest, I say things how it is to develop the team or player. I do not believe in bulls**t and chit chat. Be honest and open always. Won’t always go down well but it’s consistent. And be passionate – love the game, love everything about it.

What advice would you give to anyone considering or just starting to get involved in coaching rugby?

Embrace it. Highs and lows. Celebrate every win. Believe in what you do. Have a style/philosophy and back it. Of course you can evolve and amend but be true to yourself and the players.