Coaches Enjoy Elite Conference In Italy
This year’s Six Nations Elite Coaches Conference was held in Treviso, Italy during the recent IRB Junior World Championship.
The conference theme was ‘Developing An Effective Game, Player & Coach’. A number of Irish coaches attended the event and there were key note presentations from Declan Kidney and Mike Ruddock.
Workshops and presentations took place over the six days with the coaches attending both the semi-finals and final at the IRB Junior World Championship.
The six coaches who accompanied IRFU Technical Development Manager Stephen Aboud were Anthony Foley, Andy Wood, Brian Walsh, Jeremy Davidson, Nigel Carolan and Terry McMaster.
Munster forwards coach Anthony Foley said: “The atmosphere throughout the six days was forthright which in turn led to a very enjoyable experience.
“Getting the chance to exchange ideas with your peers for other countries from within the six nations was one of the many opportunities afforded to us.”
Nigel Carolan of Connacht Rugby commented: “The conference was a great benefit to me as a coach.
“With the diverse blend and backgrounds of the coaches involved, it unearthed many ways of looking at rugby problems and proposed new ways of how to solve them.”
Andy Wood, who is back with Clontarf for next season, told IrishRugby.ie that it was ‘a valuable experience, I picked up some great points from high profile and experienced presenters but picked up as much from other coaches working in both similar and different fields of the game.’
“It’s actually reassuring to know that many coaches are on the same wavelength in so many areas,” he added.
Terry McMaster, who coaches the Ireland Under-18 Schools squad, commented: “For me, the personal learning that was most refreshing was the willingness of all the different coaches to share information, experiences and knowledge which ultimately strengthens your own position as a head coach as opposed to being weaker.”
Bran Walsh, coach of last season’s beaten Ulster Bank League finalists Cork Constitution, felt it was ‘a great opportunity to learn from different cultures and top coaches from the northern and southern Hemispheres.’
“Great challenging workshops, top class in every respect,” he admitted.
Jeremy Davidson added: “Different cultures and different languages but the same challenges. Sharing philosophies and approaches formally and especially informally makes you reflect on your own practices.”
The full Conference report will be published in September following the Six Nations Council meeting.
Related Links –
IRFU Technical Development Conference
Irish Rugby TV: Girvan Dempsey