New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU) are investing in the development of coaches across the state, thanks to a new partnership established by the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation.
A new widely accessible online coaching resource, the Positive Coaching Platform, will be in the hands of school, club and junior representative teams from Bourke to Ballina, providing access to practice methods and advice from some of the best coaching minds in the game.
The NSW Positive Rugby Foundation have partnered with Ignite Rugby, developed by Rod Kafer and Wallabies Skills Coach, Mick Byrne to make this project a reality for coaches across all age groups and abilities – available free of charge to all NSWRU coaches and school coaches.
This unrivalled resource of coaching sessions, strength and conditioning and tactical tips will be available on the go, anytime courtesy of a newly designed smartphone app.
Head of the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation, Greg Mumm was involved in the game as a coach for more than a decade with stints at Sydney University, the NSW Waratahs and the Fijian national team and understands the challenges faced by coaches outside of professional programs.
Mumm said greater accessibility to coaching materials through Positive Coaching Platform would directly support the progression of coaching standards across NSW.
“The development of coaches across the state, providing them with resource of best practice and a pathway to progress in their career has been identified as a priority by the NSW Rugby Board,” Mumm said.
“We’ve spoken with coaches and clubs at all levels and they’ve told us they need more coaching support and the Positive Coaching Platform will make fundamental resources available to all coaches no matter their location.
“The resources available on the Positive Coaching Platform can support those just starting out in rugby, but also educate those at a more advanced level about elements of a professional program.
“Through the use of technology, we’re breaking down the geographical barriers and providing coaching support to every coach across New South Wales.
“This is an important step forward, not only for player development but for the ongoing education and upskilling of our volunteer coaches.”
In addition to giving coaches the skills to understand what to coach players, the Positive Coaching Platform will help them understand how to coach, using the Positive Coaching Framework developed by the Foundation.
This coaching philosophy educates coaches on how to create positive coaching environments and deliver feedback as well as provide enjoyable coaching environments to ensure all participants have a positive experience with rugby.
Former Wallaby, Rod Kafer said the opportunity to work with NSWRU would see a vast number of coaches and players enjoy the benefits of the Positive Coaching Platform.
“New South Wales is such a nursery of talent for our game,” Kafer said.
“With so many players participating in rugby at all levels, the Positive Coaching Platform has the opportunity to assist coaches across the state – tapping into the experience Mick and myself have gained across many years involved in the game.
“Ignite Rugby’s vision is to allow practical coaching advice be accessible anywhere, anytime and our partnership with NSWRU was one that came through the shared vision of up-skilling coaches everywhere, ensuring players get the most out of their rugby.
“We’ll continue to update content across the Positive Coaching Platform to meet industry best practice and move with new trends in the game.”
Positive Coaching Platform is expected to launch in 2020, with further information on how club and schools can access this coaching resource to be made available ahead of pre-season.
