Inaugural Youth Rugby Coaches Forum builds collaboration and connections

The Inaugural Youth Rugby Coaches Forum held over 21st and 22nd January and designed by Director of Rugby at Nudgee College, Sean Graham brought together more than 150 coaches to learn from some of the most experienced coaches and to build collaboration and connections between coaches from all levels.

Graham advised “I was blown away by how open all of our presenters were in sharing their rugby IP. It was so clear how passionate and genuine everyone in the room was about youth rugby. I hope that this event is only the beginning of our journey to developing youth rugby in Australia, and eventually around the world.

“Following this forum, we have a responsibility to try and action some of the key topics that came out of the weekend. Can we now look at how to embody coopetition in our actions? Can we begin to work towards events that everyone in rugby knows would be a success, such as national schools and club competitions, but require that collaboration and coopetition?”

The program saw the likes of rugby league legend Wayne Bennett, Wallabies coach Dave Rennie and QLD Reds head coach Brad Thorn present on all levels of the game as attendees were encouraged to break out in ‘think tanks’ to work with like-minded coaches in their areas of interest.

Along with this, Wallabies defence coach Matt Taylor, QLD Academy coach Dale Roberson, Junior Wallabies coach Ben Mowen, and Norths Rugby Colts Coach Dan Ritchie were among the on-field coaching demonstrations across the weekend program.

“It was a real privilege to be involved in the inaugural College Youth rugby coaches forum held at Nudgee College,” said Taylor.

“It was a great opportunity for aspiring coaches to gain knowledge from the presenters and build connections with other coaches in the field.

“It was a great initiative by Sean and hope it continues for years to come.”

Image top: Credit Rugby Australia