More local derbies in the north would help
Former Richmond boss Steve Hill talks to Ben Woods, below, the head coach at Tynedale in National Two North
Why did you get into coaching rugby and how did you arrive at your current position?
My first coaching role was helping with Durham University's Freshers side in about 2007. I was playing for Newcastle Falcons at the time and Ted Wood, my former university coach, asked if I would assist. After retiring from playing and moving back to live in the North East six years ago an opportunity arose at Tynedale in National 2 North.
What is your profession outside of rugby?
I work as a rugby agent at Quantum Sport, a sports agency that represents athletes across a number of sports.
How would you describe your current style of coaching and how has it changed since you started?
I try to keep things enjoyable and inclusive. We train largely through games and regularly have upwards of 30/35 players training. I found this very beneficial when I was at the Newcastle Academy. We also ensure to keep things positive as the last thing players want after a day at work is being shouted at incessantly.
What type of culture/ environment are you seeking to create within your club and how do you go about creating that?
I've tried to create an enjoyable environment that provides opportunities for all players regardless of their playing level to improve and fulfil their potential. At Tynedale the whole senior section trains as one on both Tuesday and Thursday nights. We have been regularly getting four senior sides out this season and have an end of season tour to Canada to look forward to.
What do you find the most challenging aspects of coaching?
Players taking mid-season holidays! It's probably hardest trying to balance the numerous rugby commitments associated with National League rugby alongside work and my family. Long away trips are the norm for a club like Tynedale which means every other Saturday is a full day away from home.
Has anyone been an adviser/mentor/inspiration on your coaching journey and how has that helped?
The coaches at my school QEGS Wakefield and at Durham and Cambridge universities were all brilliant in instilling a great togetherness and work ethic in the playing group. At Newcastle Falcons Peter Walton, John Fletcher and Paul MacKinnon made sure that, while we knew winning was important, it was vital to enjoy the day-to-day process.
In your role representing players what do you see as the most pressing challenges for players at the moment?
The last few seasons have been some of the hardest for professional rugby players in England. The demise of three Premiership clubs along with Jersey in the Championship has meant that playing opportunities at the top levels have been reduced. There is also a move towards smaller first team and academy squads which has made things even harder for players of all ages. The other challenge I see is with social media. It promotes an instant success culture that means more and more players see time spent developing away from first teams as a failure rather than it being a vital part of their journey. If viewed the right way players would find playing on dual-registration for semi-professional and amateur clubs even at second team level can be beneficial.
What can be done to ensure rugby union remains strong in the north of England?
A big question. One thing that might help would be to see one England international match every season at St James Park again or the Etihad to help raise interest in rugby in the north. Also more local matches, potentially through a meaningful County Cup competition. It would be great to see my club Tynedale regularly playing the likes of Alnwick, Northern, Morpeth at first team level.
Name some players you have really enjoyed coaching/developing and why?
Dave Peck and Tom Cheney at South Leicester. Pecky always brought his version of ‘the power' at scrum time and the effort Tom put into his diving tackles in open play was outstanding. At Tynedale it would be young David O'Neill who always finds a way to test my knowledge at training with some great questions and Ed Craney who would happily play in any position as long as it helped the club.
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?
At the professional level I think the dead time between the award of a scrum and it actually happening needs to be looked at. I would also go back to the award of a five metre scrum to the attacking side if they are held up over the line rather than the goalline drop out.
What more could/should the RFU be doing to help non full time professional clubs?
I think they need to employ more development officers who can go into schools/ clubs and help bring more youngsters into the game.
What two words would your current or previous players use to describe you as a coach and why?
Competitive, as they can see I want them and the side to be successful, and bald!
What advice would you give to anyone considering or just starting to get involved in coaching rugby?
Get involved at your local club and ask questions. Most coaches are pretty open and will share their knowledge and experiences with you.
