For the coach who has to referee: tips, reminders and essentials

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Dan Cottrell

Dan is a practising RFU Level 3 coach and coach educator. He coaches with the Bristol Bears DPP programme, is head coach of Bristol Schools U18s and the Rugby Performance coach for Bristol Grammar School.

He was head coach of Swansea Schools U15, Young Ospreys Academy, assistant coach with the Wales Women's Team for the 2010 World Cup, director of rugby for Cranleigh School, Surrey. He played for Bath, Bristol, Esher and Clifton, South West division, Gloucestershire and Surrey.

Editor's Picks

Behind the scenes with: England U18s

Saracens Academy: Behind the scenes with the Wolfpack

Inside the plan for an international match

My best tackle drill

Contact attack and defence, with “ultras”

Refereeing

6 tips for coaches who also referee

KEITH LEWIS, who runs leading referees’ community website RugbyReferee.net, provides sage advice on how to get the best outcomes when you ...

Top tips if refereeing your own child's team

Having the whistle can alter the dynamic of parent-child coaching relationships on matchday. DAN COTTRELL explains how to be a good referee ...

New/old ruck laws

Ian Diddams reviews the latest law directives around the ruck, and looks at how you might adjust your training sessions to help your ...

Law trials 2022: 9 at the scrum

Ian Diddams reviews the possible consequences of the current law trials being looked at in the Queensland Challenger series. In this third ...

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Response rates

Mix up game situations so players must react to the different scenarios quickly. Change scenarios when the game is dynamic, not when the ...

Defence boxers

This practice uses boxing-style footwork and arm movements to improve your players’ positioning and timing when making tackles.

Ball control out of contact

This practice develops players’ handling skills by forcing them to manipulate the ball with one hand in and around the contact area.

Winning the support race

Get over the ball first and there is a chance to prevent turnover of the ball, or win it. This looks at attack and defence support options.

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Rugby Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use rugby drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.

We've been at the cutting edge of rugby coaching since we launched in 2005, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.