In the build-up to Wales’ clash with Tonga, coaches from the Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, Moldova, Poland, Russia, Romania and Ukraine saw how Wales head coach Warren Gatland prepares his side for an international game.
The two day conference enabled the participants to receive coaching information and practical examples through observing and speaking to the WRU’s technical staff.
They watched the likes of Gatland, Rob Howley, Shaun Edwards and Robin McBryde in action with delegates taking what they have learned back to their respective Unions ahead of their preparations looking ahead to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The conference was organised by Gerry Roberts, WRU Coach Development Manager with support from other WRU staff.
“It was a pleasure to organise this conference on behalf of the WRU,” said Mr Roberts.
“It’s vital that as a governing body we continue to support coach development in the developing nations. These opportunities allow coaches from a number of different countries to see how we operate and hopefully they will have benefitted a great deal from the time they spent with us.
“I must give my thanks to the Wales coaching staff and head coach Warren Gatland for allowing us access to their training headquarters. From the feedback I have received, it was hugely beneficial to all those that took part.”
Day one of the two day course saw the participants observe the Welsh squad in training and in their meeting sessions at the WRU National Centre of Excellence. Day two followed a similar theme by taking in Wales’ Captain’s run at the Millennium Stadium, a question and answer session with Rob Howley and a discussion and feedback workshop.
Delegates were also acquainted with the various International Rugby Board (IRB) coaching materials that would assist them and their nation moving forward.
Dmytro Fedyshyn, the Ukrainian delegate attending the conference, said: “For me this trip was a great experience, it was a privilege to see the Welsh team’s preparations for a Test match.
“I learned a lot of new things, in particular, how the Welsh coaches devote a lot of time video analysis not only in games, but also in the training process.
“In Wales, coaching is done at a very qualitative level, including the use of new high-tech sports equipment.”
