The Coaching Knife: Can coaching your own child end well, with Gordon MacLelland

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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

Wicked warm-ups

Being authentic, player relationships and 'why?'

Challenging players of differing abilities

Behind the scenes with: England U18s

Saracens Academy: Behind the scenes with the Wolfpack

Coaching Advice

Undemocratic sport

Ilona Maher’s Bristol Bears debut highlights rugby’s unpredictability and the challenge of getting wingers into the game.

Better ball placement

Editor Dan Cottrell adds further context to two sessions.

Using constraints to beat a blitz defence

Develop your players’ skills within a game-realistic context.

A more varied ruck training diet

Reflections on officiating U15 rugby highlight the importance of targeted ruck training for positional development.

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Myths of speed training

Isaac Leung, of Athletic Skills, on developing the pace within your players.

Get deep! Get deep!

Editor Dan Cottrell adds further context to two sessions.

Being energised and purposeful

Embrace 2025 with renewed energy and purpose—building connections, sticking to standards, and crafting strong plans.

High-ball pressure skills

Editor Dan Cottrell adds further context to two sessions.

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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.