Wales attack coach Rob Howley, WRU Head of Rugby Josh Lewsey, WRU National Medical Manager Prav Mathema and WRU Head of Referees Nigel Whitehouse are just some of the members of the WRU’s Rugby Department who are set to give advice, coaching masterclasses and refereeing workshops in a move to bring together the elite and community ends of the game.
Prav Mathema will give the latest concussion advice for the community game and the WRU’s three international skills coaches Geraint Lewis, Chris Horsman and Jason Strange will be delivering practical coaching sessions, which will be integrated with refereeing advice.
Every community club was invited to send a qualified coach and referee to the conference which will also cover the latest updates on pathway laws from a coaching and refereeing perspective.
The full day event will take place at the WRU’s National Centre of Excellence, Vale Resort with indoor and practical, outdoor sessions taking place throughout the day.
WRU Head of Rugby Josh Lewsey said, “A key element of the rugby department’s strategy is to bridge the gap between the elite and community game and this conference will go some way to doing that with the top individuals in our game on hand to deliver directly to many of our community club coaches and referees.
“Community coaches and referees are the lifeblood of the game in Wales. It is through these individuals that our young players develop a lifelong passion for rugby. Indeed, we know that the quality of coaching and refereeing is a key factor in whether people stay involved in rugby or turn away from the game. Therefore it is vital we recognise that and this conference is part of a new national and co-ordinated approach towards referee and coach development which is particularly important if we are to capitalise on the increased interest the Rugby World Cup is set to generate.”
The day is free of charge and is set to be an experience that will benefit the development of every participating community coach and referee.
Club delegates are reminded to park in the nearby Renishaw factory car park (formerly the Bosch factory off junction 34) where a free park and ride service to the Vale Resort will be provided. Delegates should bring suitable clothing for outdoor practical sessions.
