IRFU Coaching Clinic – French Style
A recent IRFU coaching clinic was addressed by renowned French player and coach Pierre Villepreux.
…Former French coach and current IRB Regional Development Manager Pierre Villepreux who took part in a recent IRFU Coaching Clinic…
It’s been over 30 years since Pierre Villepreux undertook a coaching clinic in Ireland, but he recently took up an invitation from IRFU Coach Development Manager, Stephen Aboud and presented two clinics on July 29th at Lansdowne Road.
Villepreux presented his vision and philosophy of the game: player and coach of the future, followed by a practical session with the Leinster Academy players on developing game sense and general Movement.
The morning session was part of an update clinic for the current coaches in the Level 3 programme such as Connacht coach Michael Bradley and Ulster coach Mark McCall, while the afternoon session was for accredited and Assimilated’ Level 2 Coaches.
“It was an incredible experience having one of the most recognised and charismatic coaching personalities in world rugby presenting to Irish coaches at Lansdowne Road. I was especially pleased that a large proportion of the attendees were Irelands most experienced schools coaches who in turn will influence the elite players and game of tomorrow” said Stephen Aboud.
Villepreux message for coaches centred around freeing up players to think creatively in reacting to match situations.
Villepreux played 34 times for France between 1967 and 1972 scoring 168 points. He also captained his country on one occassion. He was the French Coach from 1996 to 1999 winning the two Grand Slams and guiding his team to the Rugby World Cup Final. He also served as Technical Director of the FFR and is currently a Regional Development Manager for the IRB.
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