Building strong relationships is key to success

Former Richmond director of rugby Steve Hill talks to Peter Glackin, the Birmingham Moseley head coach, below

Steve Hill: How and why did you get into coaching rugby?

As a player I was always interested in coaching. My late dad used to coach me. My role as a lecturer led me into coaching which now 20 years on is at the forefront of my career.

Who have you previously coached?

I founded the Coventry College rugby education programme for 16-18 year olds in 2005. I've held senior coaching roles at Rugby Lions, Coventry for six years, DoR at Birmingham & Solihull for three years and have been head coach at Birmingham Moseley in National 1 for the last five. I also coach the Warwickshire Senior County team and was appointed England Counties assistant coach before Covid-19.

What is your occupation outside of coaching?

Academy manager and head of rugby at Coventry College.

What is your coaching philosophy?

My main philosophy is based on creating a competitive and professional environment for players to perform and exceed in – building trust and relationships across the coaching and playing group.

What do you find the most challenging aspects of coaching?

At National 1, ‘limited time' is a huge factor. I ensure the team have all the necessary elements necessary to succeed such as GPS data, analysis, in depth plans, S&C… but at the same time I have to understand that semi-professional players have a life outside of rugby.

How do you measure your success as a coach?

I continuously strive to improve myself and my skillset in order to showcase, share and challenge players in order for us to succeed as a team.

Building strong relationships with the players, management team and peers is crucial to the success. Player and team development is a controllable area one that sits within the coaches remit and I believe that this can be measured through the success as a coach.

Has anyone been an inspiration on your coaching journey?

My dad was a huge inspiration and I still use and adapt his techniques. The current coaching group at Moseley – DoR Adam Balding, on field coaches Ashley Johnson and Rob Fuller plus S&C coach Rob Norman are a terrific group and all inform my coaching.

Where do you look to keep your coaching fresh?

I work day to day with both age grade and senior players therefore I get the chance to explore all rugby aspects. I have recently completed my Level 4 qualification which was a fantastic experience. Rob Norman has worked across many sports including GB swimming and I have worked with him in my past three senior coaching roles. He helps me steer the playing environment with the players and coaching staff.

What is the most rewarding part about being a coach?

Seeing players improve over a period of time but ultimately for me you can't beat that winning feeling and coming together with the group.

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

Walking into Birmingham &Solihull RFC as a former player and National 1 winner as head of rugby and taking them on a journey which resulted in winning the Midlands Premier League in 2017-18 was a great achievement. Also in 2010 coaching at Coventry, my former Colts club, after they had been relegated from the Championship and managing to survive whilst under extreme financial circumstances.

As a coach what two laws or aspects of the game would you change?

The tackle height law should be the same at Championship and National 1 level. I would also like to see more replacements added to match day squads in National 1 – having only five often provides challenges around playing positions and selection.

Name a player who you have enjoyed coaching?

My son Lochie currently aged 15 is definitely someone who I have enjoyed supporting and developing. At Coventry, it would be Will Hurrell (who went on to the Premiership) and Cliffie Hodgson (Coventry's highest clubs points scorer) and at Moseley, Jack Jolly our current scrum-half. He is a fantastic player, but more importantly a leader who drives the standards.

What could be done to strengthen community rugby in England?

The community game is the foundation of our sport. We can't run away from the fact that all players and coaches start at the community level in some format. Facilities are a real concern in some areas of the country and investment needs to be in place to ensure clubs can offer rugby throughout the full calendar year.

What league structure/ pathway would you like to see going forward for teams below the current Premiership and Championship?

I'm a big believer in promotion and relegation, it really does give players and coaches a real purpose. I've been fortunate to be involved in promotion a couple of times as a player and coach and as a group you can't beat that feeling at the end of season. Denying clubs that work tirelessly to win their league the opportunity of promotion is mind-blowing.

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

Creative – I'm passionate about creating a creative environment for the players to succeed; giving players the opportunity to play creatively improves their experiences.

Preparation – I am a big believer in being fully prepared and leading from the front.

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

Take your time and establish your coaching style. Getting feedback from the players really does accelerate your learning and development. Also seek to have good people around you who can stretch and challenge you.