The news section enables us to give you insight into the world of coaching in Wales.
With news articles on local community coaches, those yearly law amendments and how to you can be part of the WRU Coach Development Team
You will find all you need here.
If you have an interesting news story about coaching you would like to share please contact jevans@wru.wales
On 9 May 2024, the World Rugby Council agreed to law changes in three areas
The explanation for these changes, and the new wording for the adapted laws, are itemised in the content below.
These law changes came into operation globally from 1 July 2024 and will apply throughout Welsh rugby next season.
Full details on all laws can be found on this link: https://passport.world.rugby/laws-of-the-game/laws-news/law-changes-1-july-2024/
There is unanimous agreement from global stakeholders at the shape of the game conference Croc roll MUST be removed from the game.
A pull to the side is allowed with no weight dropping near jacklers lower limbs as it’s rarely dangerous for the jackler.
A slam down on the jacklers back/lower half and then roll is not allowed from the cleaner.
We need to assess where the cleaner finishes his action – Close to the jackler’s legs, the degree of danger is often high.
The law change will encourage players to drive the jackler instead of using a croc roll
Watch the video below for examples of legal, safe clean outs.
DEFINITION OF CROC ROLL
Croc roll: A prohibited action where a player laterally rolls/twists or pulls a player, who is on their feet in the tackle area, to ground. The action often lands on the player’s lower limbs
a. Twisting action – Wraps and rolls/twists jackler, dropping weight onto/near lower limbs
b. Pulling action – Pulling jackler and dropping weight onto/near lower limbs
Watch the video below, that gives a great insight into what is a croc roll.
The following video shows examples of when a referee should
PLAY ON – Arriving player pulls the jackler backwards or immediately to the side (Clip1)
Then examples of FOUL PLAY – cleaner pulls or rolls jackler past the point of initial contact forward (risk of dropping on limbs or hyper extension). The level of sanction is based on the danger of the action and the proximity to limbs.
Award PK or YC – Croc roll with a drop near or onto lower limb – Low/Medium danger (Clip2)
Finally award a RC – Croc roll with a drop onto lower limb or causing hyper extension of leg – High danger (Clip 3)
APPLICATION:
It is expected that referees and ARs to try to observe and sanction croc rolls in live play
A try must be disallowed if there is a croc roll in the lead up (Same principle with neck roll)
Reminder: There MUST be a sanction when there is a clear and obvious croc roll.
Rationale: Speeding up restarts after technical offences. Currently many scrums result in long periods of dead time with resets, leading to more FKs, penalties and then kicks to touch. ‘Shape of Game’ recommendation was to remove the scrum from a FK option. It remains an option for penalty offences.
LAW
Law 20: Options at a penalty or free-kick
Law 20.3 A team awarded a penalty or a free kick may instead choose a scrum.
Law 20.4
i. A team awarded a penalty or free-kick at a lineout may instead choose a lineout or a scrum at the same mark.
ii. A team awarded a free-kick at a lineout may instead choose a lineout at the same mark.
Consequential change: Mark law
17.6 If the player is injured in the act of claiming a Mark, and is unable to take the free-kick within one minute, a team mate may take the FK.
QUESTION
What is our philosophy if we have cheating from the weaker scrum?
ANSWER
We trust the referees to manage/sanction these situations strongly
REMINDER: QUICK TAPS
Following the global law change the prediction is – we will see more quick taps at scrum
All quick taps must be played behind the scrum (around no8 position)
Players not 10m must retreat
Rationale: Teams and players have recognised that in a kick battle with opponents, the kicking team – providing they are more than 10 metres away from the ball alighting – can be put onside by the actions of the catcher who runs 5 metres,
passes or kicks.
This has created freedom for players to loiter in the middle and wait for a kick tennis battle to conclude. The new wording makes clear that any player who is offside in open play needs to take action to put themselves onside and not just remain stationary.
The clauses relating to the catcher running 5 metres and passing the ball to put an opponent onside, will be removed.
Law 10.1 A player is offside in open play if that player is in front of a team-mate who is carrying the ball or who last played it. An offside player must not interfere with play. This includes:
a. Playing the ball.
b. Tackling the ball-carrier.
c. Preventing the opposition from playing as they wish.
d. Loitering in an offside position
Law 10.4 An offside player may be penalised, if that player:
a. Does not make an effort to retreat and interferes with play; or
b. Move towards the ball; or
Law 10.7 Other than under Law 10.4c, an offside player can be put onside when:
a. An onside team-mate of that player moves past the offside player and is within or has re- entered the playing area.
b. An opponent of that player:
i. Kicks the ball; or
ii. Intentionally touches the ball without gaining possession of it.
QUESTIONS
The kick receiver intentionally plays the ball with hand or foot without gaining possesion?
All the players in front of their kicker must retreat. Then they can move forward once the ball has been intentionally played without gaining possession
What happens if there is no player to put players onside?
i.e. kicker tackled with no support?
All the players in front of their kicker must retreat until put onside
When ball goes into touch – what is the obligations for the players who was in front of kick inside 10m and those outside 10m?
The ball is still live (ie a Quick throw is on) then the offside players still need to be retreating
and can’t benefit from loitering. Only when ref blows whistle or AR arm goes out for a full
lineout makes ball dead and so the players can move to the line. (2012 LAG)
What is a retreat?
Players in a offside position must move backwards – walk, jog
New Definition – Loiter / Loitering
A player who remains in an offside position is loitering. A loiterer who prevents the opposing team from playing the ball as they wish is taking part in the game, and is liable to sanction. A loiterer must not benefit from being put onside by the opposing team’s action.
WRU Educator Programme
The Welsh Rugby Union Community Rugby Department perceives the development and support of volunteers in Wales as vital to enable the game to thrive.
The WRU offers a wide and varied suite of formal, informal and digital educational opportunities, across all sections of our rugby department and are currently supported by a dedicated workforce.
For the WRU to continually be at the forefront of development it is looking to recruit, develop and deploy more Educators within the game.
What is a WRU Educator?
A WRU Educator develops people who make our game safer and better. They support and develop new and existing coaches, officials, medics, and administrators that help to increase participation and retention and enhance the player experience.
As a WRU Educator you will educate learners within their domain. For example those who want to become a referee would attend a level 1 referee course and you would assist in the delivery of the course, although you can educate in more than one domain.
Which are as follows: –
You will also enter in to WRU Educator development programme that requires each person to commit to
Completion of the core modules (you will have achieved WRU Educator status this will remain with you for 2 years.)
To remain accredited, you must deliver 2 courses a year in your domain across the suite of educational courses.
You also must show that you are committed to personal development and participate in Continual Educator Development – This can be via CED opportunities such as workshops, or educator communities of practice.
Complete the domain specific orientation training.
All domains have the same orientation training the only difference is the content you deliver. You will be expected to shadow the course, learn the presentations, and co deliver before your deployment can begin.
You will also have assigned a Trainer who will support you in your personal development and you will be expected to keep a documented personal educator plan
On completion of the WRU educator core modules and domain orientation you will be issued with new starter forms to enable you to get remunerated for your services.
Process of becoming an Educator
If you are interest to become a Welsh Rugby Union Educator, and you have reviewed the role specification, which gives an insight into the skills, behaviours, knowledge, understanding and qualifications required. Then contact your Regional Coach Development Officer – all contact details are found on the coaching main page.
The WRU Coach Development Team are delighted to announce the dates for the 2025/26 Season National WRU Level 3 Advanced Coaching Course.
DATES:
Day one & two 12th & 13th July 25
Eve 8th Sept 25
Day three 12th Oct 25
Day four 18th Jan 26
Day five Tech Tact 29th of March 26
Presentations W/C 11th May 26
COURSE OUTLINE:
To provide candidates who have an on-going involvement in coaching rugby union with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver a coaching programme and demonstrate their rugby union coaching ability.
The course offers an opportunity for candidates to be given support to effectively apply the principles of the WRU coaching framework which have the four main headings in coaching craft, Leadership, People, and self-concept. Within these aspects we will cover creativity in coaching, session design, observation, and coaching approach. Also there will be sessions on planning, self, learning environments, leadership styles and reflective practice.
It also aims to enable the candidate to create an effective coaching environment, establish supportive working relationships and manage the behaviour of self, players, and others. This is achieved through the WRU coaching framework and an understanding and the application of the underpinning knowledge of Advanced coaching (Level 3)
The course is a mixture of theory and technical and tactical sessions throughout the course, group work, individual tasks and community of practice sessions. A mentor will be assigned to the candidates for the duration of the course to support the coach through the programme.
The National WRU Advanced coaching (level 3) course will accommodate a maximum of 24 Candidates split evenly across the regionals.
Due to the anticipated demand of course places across Wales, priority access will be given to candidates based on the following criteria if applications exceed the allocated numbers:
Enhanced Priority:
● Regional Age Grade Coaches (16 – 18)
● Regional based Premiership Coach
● Regional Development Workforce
● Player pathway Development Coaches (EPP)
Preferred Priority:
● Regional resident
● Regional based Senior/Youth level coach
● Regular attendance at Regional CPD events
Minimum Priority:
● Coaching a community team from youth or senior team
● Out of region applicants
Course fees are £600 – Course cost, include five days of national development which one will be a residential weekend stay, three regional sessions, two coaching assessments in your coaching environment and 3 mentoring sessions.
Application Criteria
● Applicants must be coaching.
● Level 2 Qualified.
To apply, candidates need to submit the following:
● Rugby coaching CVl
● Letter of application highlighting why you should be selected for this course.
● 20-minute coaching video.
● 200-word reflection on their coaching session.
Applications should be sent to your Regional Coach & Referee Development Officer no later than the 25 th of April 2025.
Should you wish to discuss your application please feel free to contact your Regional Coach & Referee Development Officer.
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE – A PARTNERSHIP STORY
For over two decades, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and Cardiff Metropolitan University have shared a partnership that has profoundly shaped the landscape of rugby coaching in Wales. This enduring collaboration, rooted in a shared passion for the sport and a commitment to excellence, has become one of the cornerstones of Welsh rugby’s success on and off the field.
Since its inception in the early 2000s, the partnership has evolved into a dynamic alliance that combines the WRU’s deep understanding of the game with Cardiff Met’s expertise in sports science, education, and research. Together, they have pioneered innovative coaching methodologies, developed coaching programs, and nurtured generations of talented coaches who have gone on to make their mark in Welsh rugby and beyond.
The collaboration between the WRU and Cardiff Met was born out of a mutual desire to elevate rugby coaching standards in Wales. Recognising the critical role of coaching in player development and team performance. Over the years, the partnership has focused on three key pillars:
One of the most significant achievements of the collaboration has been the establishment of the Rugby Coaching Academy at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Launched in 2018, the academy has become a hub for aspiring and experienced coaches, offering a range of courses tailored to different levels of expertise. From introductory workshops for community coaches to advanced programs for elite-level mentors, the academy has equipped thousands of individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the sport.
While the partnership has achieved significant success at the elite level, its impact on grassroots rugby has been equally transformative. Through initiatives such as coaching workshops and community outreach programs, the WRU and Cardiff Met have worked tirelessly to support coaches in local clubs and schools. These efforts have helped to foster a culture at the grassroots level, ensuring that young players across Wales have access to high-quality coaching from an early age.
The long-standing collaboration between the WRU and Cardiff Met has produced a legacy of success that extends far beyond the rugby pitch. Together, they have trained thousands of coaches, many of whom have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the sport. From guiding local teams to victory to coaching national squads on the international stage, these individuals are a testament to the power of the partnership.
As Welsh rugby continues to evolve, the WRU and Cardiff Met remain committed to pushing the boundaries of coaching excellence. With plans to expand their collaborative efforts in the coming years, the future of rugby coaching in Wales looks brighter than ever.
The video below gives you an insight into the partnership.
The Neath-born flanker became a legendary figure at London Welsh, where he made 268 games as a player and captained the club for three seasons, and was good enough to be picked for a Wales B squad, play three times for the Barbarians and also represent Middlesex County.
The son of a carpenter, he learned his rugby at Neath Grammar School before heading to Borough Road College in London to study to become a PE teacher. He captained the team and also cut his teeth in first class rugby by making his debut for Neath.
Having grown up as a regular at The Gnoll and wanting to be like the Neath and Wales back row legend Dai Morris, he got the chance to play alongside the great man in a never to be forgotten experience.
“I can’t remember exactly when I started playing. All I can remember is being a fanatical Neath supporter,” Bowring told the London Welsh podcast during lockdown.
“Our street was parallel to The Gnoll. It was a terrific hard rugby club in those times and my hero was Dai Morris – No 6 for Wales and No 8 for Neath.
“My first game was at No 8, so I played in Dai Morris’ jersey. I could have retired then! My second game was at No 6, with Dai back at No 8, so I played with him, which was even better.”
A renowned sevens specialist, it was during a trip to the Amsterdam Sevens with the Voyagers that he was invited by Wales wing Clive Rees to join London Welsh. The two were teaching at the same school in reading at the time and he joined the Old Deer Park side in 1977.
During his nine-year stay at the club, he was captain from 1979-82, became the sixth most capped player for the Exiles, played in the side that reached the John Player Cup final in 1985 and played in three teams that reached the Middlesex Sevens final at Twickenham, winning at the third attempt in 1984.
His coaching career began when he was just out of his teens when he helped out with the Youth team at his first rugby club, Briton Ferry. Then, after hanging up his boots at the age of 32, he took on the role of director of physical education and head of games at Clifton College.
During his time at Clifton his reputation grew, and he was invited to take part in the WRU’s U17 and U18 development camps in Aberystwyth. The WRU’s coaching director at the time was the former London Welsh, Wales and British & Irish Lions captain John Dawes, who invited Bowring to coach Wales U20 in 1989-90.
He then went on to take charge of Wales U21 for three years and then won nine of his 13 games in charge of Wales A over a further three years. He also coached the Wales Sevens side.
He was named as the caretaker coach for the autumn international against Fiji on 11 November 1995, which Wales won 19-15, and was then given a £50,000 pa four-year contract to take the team through to the home World Cup in 1999.
Having answered the WRU’s advert for what would become the first professional Wales coach he was given the job. He ended his 29-match career over his two-and-a-half years in-situ in credit with 15 wins and 14 defeats, although his Five Nations record saw him win only four of his 12 games.
When he took over Wales had just failed to qualify for the knock-out stages of the World Cup for the second tournament running, their championship record since 1988 had been patchy with just seven victories in 28 matches and they had lost to Romania, Canada and Western Samoa in that time.
Rugby had just gone open but the club scene was far from thriving. Bowring knew the odds were against him but as he said: “I felt I had the courage to stand up and be counted. Many people didn’t want the job, but how could I turn down the opportunity of coaching my national team? I would forever regret it if I said no – it’s one of the most special jobs in world rugby.”
He ultimately became the fifth Welsh coach in 10 years to vacate the position reluctantly. He left in the end frustrated that the Welsh Rugby Union refused to sanction a series of demands he had drawn up, the basis of which would have seen the club system at the top scrapped in favour of a provincial structure.
His contention was that the club scene was not producing players ready for the international arena and neither was it yielding international coaches for the future.
He attempted to restore a more typically Welsh style of game, but ultimately resigned after suffering record defeats against England and then Grand Slam France, who won 51-0 at Wembley in 1998.
“It was our best championship since 1994 and I didn’t think we were as bad as those two heavy defeats suggested. I wanted to introduce changes because we needed a far more competitive structure and things had to be in place so we could make an impact in the World Cup,” said Bowring.
“I told them it was the most important time in the history of Welsh rugby. The breakaway of Cardiff and Swansea was benefitting those players enormously. The higher standard allowed them to develop, and it just wasn’t there in the Welsh League.”
He was succeeded by Graham Henry as national coach and went on to spend three years lecturing at the School of Sport at Cardiff Met university and also went on to coach Newbury RFC. He was later employed by the Rugby Football Union as an Elite Coach for the England rugby union team for more than a decade.
He also became a board member of UK Coaching and a member of the Coaching Committee, which sets the overall strategy for sports coaching in the UK. He also worked with the WRU as a coach mentor.
The WRU sends sincere condolences to Kevin’s wife, Wendy, and the rest of his family and friends.
In the world of rugby, where passion, determination, and teamwork reign supreme, Lucy Rees stands out as a beacon of inspiration. A dedicated teacher at Birchgrove Comprehensive School, Lucy has not only made her mark in the classroom but has also become a driving force in women’s rugby. Through her coaching roles at Birchgrove, the East Swansea Eagles Girls Hub, and Morrison Ladies, Lucy is shaping the future of the sport and empowering young women to excel both on and off the field.
Lucy’s journey begins at Birchgrove Comprehensive School, where she balances her role as an educator with her love for rugby. As a teacher, Lucy is known for her ability to connect with students and inspire them to reach their full potential. But it’s on the rugby pitch where her impact truly shines. Lucy coaches the school’s girls rugby team, introducing young players to the sport and fostering a love for the game.
For many of her students, Lucy is more than just a coach—she’s a mentor. She teaches them the value of teamwork, resilience, and self-belief, qualities that extend far beyond the rugby field. Under her guidance, the Birchgrove girls rugby team has grown in skill and confidence, with many players going on to represent their region and even pursue rugby at higher levels.
Lucy’s commitment to women’s rugby doesn’t stop at the school gates. She also coaches the East Swansea Eagles Girls Hub, a community rugby initiative aimed at developing young female talent. The hub provides a platform for girls from across the area to come together, train, and compete, creating a sense of community and camaraderie.
At the East Swansea Eagles, Lucy’s coaching philosophy centre’s on inclusivity and growth. She works tirelessly to ensure that every player, regardless of their experience level, feels valued and supported. Her ability to nurture talent while fostering a positive team environment has made the Swansea Eagles a thriving hub for aspiring rugby players.
Lucy’s coaching journey reaches its pinnacle with Morrison Ladies, a senior women’s rugby team. Here, she works with experienced players, helping them refine their skills and compete at a high level. Coaching a senior team comes with its own set of challenges, but Lucy’s dedication and strategic mindset have earned her the respect and admiration of her players.
Under Lucy’s leadership, Morrison Ladies have become a formidable force in women’s rugby. Her ability to balance technical expertise with emotional intelligence has created a team culture built on trust, ambition, and mutual respect. Whether it’s preparing for a crucial match or supporting players through setbacks, Lucy’s impact on the team is undeniable.
As Lucy continues to inspire and empower the next generation of female rugby players, her impact on the sport is undeniable. Whether she’s coaching a school team, mentoring young talent at the East Swansea Eagles, or leading Morrison Ladies to victory, Lucy Rees is a true trailblazer in women’s rugby.
Her story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Through her unwavering commitment to the sport and her players, Lucy is not only shaping the future of women’s rugby but also paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable sporting world.
For Lucy Rees, rugby is more than just a game—it’s a platform for change, and she’s leading the charge, one try at a time.
If you fancy becoming a coach, wherever you want to start there is a course that is appropriate for you. Go to wru.wales/course where you can start your journey.