The game is always about the players

Coach to coach

Steve Hill puts the questions to Will Knight, below, the head coach of recently promoted Havant RFC

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

I have been at Havant for 50 years as a player and coach. I started in mini rugby and played through all the teams eventually captaining the 1st XV. As a PE teacher I was always involved in coaching and 13 seasons ago was asked to take on the 1st XV.

What is/was your profession outside of coaching rugby?

I am vice principal of The Regis School in West Sussex.

How would you describe your style of coaching and how has it changed since you started?

At the start we had a very young and inexperienced squad and there was a need for a lot of leadership input. Now the leadership can come from the players as they have the experience and can problem solve in the game.

What do you find the most challenging aspects of coaching?

Lack of time. With only three hours per week on the field we need absolute clarity in what we are working on.

Selection is also challenging – trying to keep lots of quality players happy.

Has anyone been an mentor on your coaching journey?

Brian Powell, who was Havant's coach when I became captain, was an amazing man motivator with the ability to manage emotions and bring out the very best in every single player – he has been a huge influence for me. Also Ivan Torpey is someone who I have used as a mentor – great at coaching you to find the clarity in your own thinking.

What would you count as your most significant coaching achievement and why?

Double promotion in the last few years and especially promotion last season. It has been a long journey back for the club from a pretty challenging place 13 seasons ago where we lost pretty much the whole 1st XV squad and had to start again.

How do you foster a positive team/club culture?

When we took over we knew that at the same time as building the team, we had to rebuild the club. We strive to be the best on the field and off it and this is a core part of the Havant experience. Many of the players have come through our junior ranks and that helps. The matchday experience at home is also amazing with big, very loud crowds for our level who feel connected to the players. When we recruit, we only get players who are a good fit to the club.

You have just achieved promotion to Level 4. What changes will you make to the way the team is prepared?

With level 4 being more attritional we are focusing on more contact fitness which suits our style of play. We have also brought in some new coaches this season to challenge the players and the rest of the coaching team.

When a team is promoted it tends to attract new players to the club. How do you plan to integrate new players with the ones with whom you achieved promotion?

We are a friendly place and work hard to integrate the players socially as well as on the training pitch. Taking time to get to know new players is also important for the coaches and ensuring they feel confident to have a voice.

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

I have been lucky over the last few seasons to have all three of my sons playing in the team at Havant which has been amazing for me. Some players I have coached for 16 years. Wes Dugan is a player that came to us as the county scrum-half and captain and I convinced him to move to 7, he has been a sponge and just wants to learn all the time which is every coach's dream.

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

Recognise the challenges, but also the contribution made by junior clubs up and down the country. Every player starts somewhere. Getting more funding further down the pyramid would help but as a club we have benefited massively from RFU investment in our facilities.

What two laws or aspects of the game would you change?

The caterpillar ruck – it slows the game down and contributes to the kicking mindset which dominates the game currently. I would also like to get rid of the choke tackle it feels like a reward for negative play.

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

Passionate, loyal and honest – oops that's three!

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

Learn your craft and enjoy it. Remember that rugby is always about the players and that the coaches are part of the team behind the team. Keep learning and adapting and most of all make sure it is fun!