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Coaching Rugby in Staffordshire

Developing Coaches. Supporting Clubs. Improving the Game.

Great coaching makes a real difference to the enjoyment, development and retention of rugby players at every level.

Whether you’re taking your first steps into coaching, helping with a Minis or Junior team, coaching adult rugby or looking to develop your existing skills, Staffordshire Rugby is here to support you.

We want to encourage more people to get involved in coaching and help existing coaches access the knowledge, qualifications and opportunities they need to develop.

Your Coaching Development Journey

Every coach’s journey is different, and there are opportunities to learn and develop at every stage.

You don’t need to have played rugby at a high level to become a good coach. Enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and a desire to help players enjoy the game are excellent starting points.

Coaching development can include:

Getting Started – Understanding the fundamentals of coaching and creating enjoyable, inclusive sessions.

  • Coaching Qualifications – Accessing RFU courses appropriate to your experience and the players you coach.
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) – Developing your knowledge through workshops, practical sessions and online learning.
  • Specialist Coaching – Exploring areas such as age-grade rugby, contact skills, set pieces, attack, defence and player development.
  • Learning from Others – Sharing experiences, ideas and good practice with fellow coaches across Staffordshire.

Start with Your Club

Your Club Coaching Development Coordinator (CDC) is a great place to start.

Club Coaching Development Coordinators can help identify suitable training opportunities, offer guidance and support your development as a coach.

Whether you’re new to coaching or looking to take the next step, speak to your club’s CDC about the opportunities available.

England Rugby Learning – Your Coaching Development Platform

The RFU has introduced England Rugby Learning, a new digital platform designed to make training, qualifications and ongoing development easier and more accessible for coaches, match officials and volunteers.

The platform brings together course bookings, online learning and development resources, helping you manage your learning journey in one place.

What Does England Rugby Learning Offer?

  • Learning on the Move – Access courses and resources through a mobile-friendly platform and app.
  • Coaching Courses and Qualifications – Find and book learning opportunities appropriate to your role and experience.
  • Personalised Development – Access learning recommendations and resources relevant to your responsibilities.
  • Track Your Progress – View qualifications, completed learning and relevant renewal requirements.
  • Essential Learning – Access training opportunities, including safeguarding and HEADCASE.
  • Learn from Others – Access learning communities and opportunities to share knowledge and experiences.

The platform also connects with the RFU Game Management System (GMS), helping simplify administration and maintain learning records.

Getting Started with England Rugby Learning

The RFU provides guidance on accessing the platform, registering and booking courses.

England Rugby Learning – Platform Information and Getting Started

RFU Coaching Courses and Booking Information

If you’re unsure which courses or qualifications are appropriate for you, speak to your Club Coaching Development Coordinator or contact Staffordshire Rugby for guidance.

RFU Coaching Resources

The RFU provides a wide range of coaching resources to support coaches at every level of the game.

These include practical coaching guidance, session ideas, player development information and learning materials designed to help coaches improve their knowledge and confidence.

Whether you’re coaching Minis, Junior Boys and Girls, Women’s or Men’s rugby, there are resources to support your development.

Explore RFU Coaching Resources

We encourage coaches to make regular use of these resources alongside their formal qualifications and practical coaching experience.

Coaching Development Across Staffordshire

Staffordshire Rugby works alongside clubs and the RFU to encourage coaching development throughout the county.

Our aim is to help clubs build and retain confident, capable coaches who provide enjoyable and rewarding rugby experiences.

We recognise that coaching needs differ across Minis, Boys, Girls, Women’s and Men’s rugby, as well as other forms of the game, including Touch, T1 and Walking Rugby.

By sharing knowledge, identifying development needs and encouraging collaboration between clubs, we can help more coaches develop their skills and confidence.

Staffordshire Rugby – Coaching Support

For advice about coaching development, courses or opportunities across Staffordshire, please contact:

Andy Appleyard
Director of Rugby
Staffordshire Rugby

Becky Williams
Head of Game Development
Staffordshire Rugby

You can also speak to your Club Coaching Development Coordinator (CDC), who should be your first point of contact for coaching development within your club.

Keep Learning. Keep Developing.

Coaching isn’t simply about qualifications. It’s about continuing to learn, sharing experiences and finding better ways to help players enjoy and develop through rugby.

Whether you’re coaching your first session or have been involved for many years, there’s always something new to learn.

Better Coaches. Better Experiences. Stronger Clubs.

CONTACT

Andy Appleyard: Director of Rugby

CONTACT

Becky Williams: Head of Game Development