To assist in your development as a coach, Thames Valley Rugby Football Union (TVRFU) offers a range of NZRU recognised coaching courses and modules which are facilitated by TVRFU staff and resource coaches. These courses are designed to meet the specific developmental needs of the players and coaches at each level of the game.

All coaching resources used on each of the courses are supplied free of charge to those attending and completing the course and who coach within the Thames Valley province.

What coaching training is available?
New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) offers several coaching courses throughout the
country. The courses are facilitated by the Thames Valley Rugby Union Rugby
Development Officer (RDO) and are designed to meet the need of coaches at each
level. The NZRU Rugby Smart safety course is compulsory for all coaches of U14
grade (secondary schools) and above and must be attended each year. This course
also provides a valuable coaching resource.

NZRU Coaching Pathways
Opportunities exist to coach at every level, from school children, through to club level, provincial level, and progressing through to professional coaching at Super Rugby and All Blacks level. As opportunities arise you can progress as follows:

1.    Coaching Small Blacks Course
A series of introductory modules that emphasise creating an environment of skill- development and fun. User-friendly coach’s handbooks and coaching resources are issued free to all coaches who attend the course.

·         Coaching Small Blacks Module and -

·         Beginning Rugby Course: for Under 6–Under 7 coaches or -

·         Learning Rugby Course: for Under 8–Under 10 coaches or -

·         Playing Rugby Course: for Under 11–Under 13 coaches

2.    Developing Rugby Coaches
A series of practical workshops and modules developing both rugby knowledge and the application of that knowledge in the coaching environment.

Modules include:
Role of the Coach; Principles of Play; Planning – Season/ Session; The Selection Process; Skill Analysis and Coaching a Skill; Individual Skill Development; Scrum; Lineout; Continuity; Attack; Defence; Counterattack; Kick Starts and Restarts; Growth and Development; Mental Skills Training; and Physical Preparation Recommended for age-grade coaches: U13–U21

·         Club coaches

·         Secondary school coaches

·         Senior club coaches

·         Provincial age-grade coaches

·         National age grade coaches (Under 17, Under 19, Under 21)

·         Provincial senior coaches

·         Super Rugby coaches

·         All Blacks coaches 

3.  Certificate in Practical Rugby Coaching
A course that gives coaches a better understanding of the practical components involved in coaching rugby in a series of modules that are user-friendly and interesting for all participants. Modules may include:

·         Lineouts

·         Scrums

·         Backlines

·         Opposed trainings

·         Goal-kicking

·         Defence

Entry is open for all coaches at all levels.

4.    Advanced Coaching Course
A course run by Super Rugby franchises based around functional role analysis, team selection, establishing an effective team culture, physical preparation and nutrition, back attack, law, applied individual skills training, game planning, advanced continuity skills, sport psychology and communication skills. Coaches completing this course will also gain the IRB Level 3 qualification (Analysing and Preparing Players).
Recommended for:

·         First XV secondary school coaches

·         Senior club coaches

·         Provincial senior coaches

·         Provincial and national age-grade coaches

·         Super Rugby coaches

·         All Blacks coaches

Prerequisites:
1. Nomination by Provincial Union

5.    NZRU/Massey University Certificate in Coaching (Rugby)
A four-paper extra-mural course which includes the Rugby Practicum. Recommended for:

·         First XV coaches

·         Provincial age-grade coaches

·         National age-grade coaches

·         Senior club coaches

·         Super Rugby coaches

·         All Blacks coaches

Prerequisites:

1. Accredited Advanced Coaching Certificate.

2. Nomination by Provincial Union.

3. Application to NZRU High Performance Administrator in October each year.

The Coaching Practicum course is run each year during the Super Rugby competition. The nine-day residential course is in two parts and is aligned with the IRB Level 4 Game Planning course.

Please make contact with your local Provincial Union if you are interested in attending any of the above courses or would like further information. 
 
Other Local Coaching Courses
Provincial Rugby Unions facilitate a variety of coaching courses to assist club and school coaches in their province. 

Contact the Thames Valley RFU Rugby Development Officer on rdovalleyrugby@yahoo.co.nz  for more details on coaching courses in your area.

Coaching Resources
www.coachingtoolbox.co.nz  
is the official NZRU coaching website where all coaches can upskill themselves in their own time.