Shows
Rugby Coach WeeklyBench Warmers, Buy-In, and Being Different, with Ben HerringSend us a textIn this episode, Dan Cottrell catches up with the globetrotting coach and former pro player Ben Herring. From being told he was too small for the 1st XV to wrestling with his dad for jackal strength, Ben shares a raw and inspiring journey through rugby, coaching, and personal growth.Now Director of Rugby at Newington College and host of The Coaching Culture podcast, Ben reflects on how being underestimated shaped his coaching philosophy, why finding your niche is key to player success, and what it really means to develop...2025-04-071h 03
Rugby Coach WeeklyUnlocking Creativity in Coaching with Dr. Michael Francis PollinSend us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, host Dan Cottrell sits down with Dr. Michael Francis Pollin, a leading expert in coach development and coaching behaviours for player learning, development and performance. They dive into the fascinating world of creativity in rugby coaching, challenging traditional perceptions and exploring how creativity is not just a product but a process.Michael shares insights from his research and experience working with elite football and rugby academies, discussing how coaches can create environments that foster cognitive awareness, adaptability, and decision-making. From exploring the...2025-03-2859 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyFrom First XV to U14s: Coaching Rugby Across the Age GroupsSend us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Charlie Harrison, former professional player for Bath, Bedford, Rotherham and player/coach at Doncaster, ex-Head of Rugby at Marlborough College, and now coach of the U14s at Marlborough. They discuss the transition from coaching First XV to working with younger players, the importance of game-based learning, and how to develop players beyond just their physical attributes. Charlie shares insights into structuring training sessions, managing player progression, and fostering a long-term love for the game. 2025-03-2153 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyMastering Rugby Skills with The Rugby Trainer – Ben John’s Coaching JourneySend us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Ben John, better known as The Rugby Trainer, to explore his unique coaching philosophy and the rise of his hugely popular online brand. Ben shares how he transitioned from professional rugby to skill-specific coaching, the impact of his viral content, and the importance of developing core rugby skills through creative and engaging methods.From insights on improving individual technique to the role of social media in coaching, Ben discusses how he engages young players and what makes...2025-03-1441 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyThe Why Behind Coaching: Developing Expertise and Decision-MakingSend us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell welcomes Jamie Taylor—Assistant Professor of Elite Performance at Dublin City University, Academy Coach with Leicester Tigers, and Senior Coach Developer at Grey Matters UK. Together, they dive into the practical aspects of coaching, discussing session planning, skill acquisition, and what it truly means to develop coaching expertise. Jamie challenges conventional ideas on coaching theory, explaining the importance of understanding "why" we coach the way we do and how we can design better learning experiences for players. Whe...2025-03-0756 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyThe research secrets of dominant tackling revealedSend us a textTackling is at the heart of rugby, but what truly makes a tackle dominant or a miss? In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, host Dan Cottrell welcomes Oli Bishop, defence coach for Ealing Trailfinders Women and U23s, to break down the science behind effective tackling. Oli shares insights from his Level 4 RFU research, exploring the key characteristics of dominant tackles, the role of balance and momentum, and the phases of a successful tackle.F...2025-02-281h 00
Rugby Coach WeeklyFrom Recruitment to Retention: Lessons in Coaching Girls' Rugby, with Sam HallidaySend us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Sam Halliday, a PE teacher and rugby coach working with the Oxfordshire U16 PDG squad and Brackley U14 girls. Sam shares his insights on building a thriving coaching environment, fostering player ownership, and creating opportunities for girls in rugby. He discusses the importance of peer-led learning, developing confidence in new players, and how structured yet flexible coaching can lead to lasting engagement. Whether you're coaching grassroots rugby or looking to refine your approach to player de...2025-02-2148 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyBeyond Perfection: Coaching for Excellence with Lewis HatchettSend us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell speaks with Lewis Hatchett—former professional cricketer, mindset coach, and creator of the MindStrong Sport app. They discuss perfectionism in sport, its benefits and drawbacks, and how it affects athletes and coaches.Lewis shares his personal experiences with perfectionism, explaining how it can drive high performance but also lead to anxiety, self-doubt, and fear of failure. The conversation explores the impact of coaching environments, the role of perceived perfectionism, and how athletes can shift towards "excellencism"—stri...2025-02-141h 04
Rugby Coach WeeklyFundraising for Grassroots Rugby: Secrets to Success with Ed FlynnSend us a textRaising funds for grassroots rugby can feel like an uphill battle, but Ed Flynn has cracked the code. In this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, host Dan Cottrell sits down with Ed, a coach and fundraising powerhouse, to uncover the strategies that have helped his clubs thrive. From securing local business sponsorships to running hugely successful raffles and race nights, Ed shares his tried-and-tested methods for generating support, engaging the community, and ensuring clubs have the resources they need to grow. To find out more ab...2025-02-0745 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyBuilding Better Coaches: Ethics, Education, and Inclusion with Stuart ArmstrongSend us a textJoin Dan Cottrell on the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast as he dives into a compelling conversation with Stuart Armstrong, renowned coach developer and host of The Talent Equation podcast. Together, they tackle the nuanced topic of ethical coaching—what it means, why it matters, and how it can transform both grassroots and elite coaching environments. With insights drawn from Stuart’s extensive experience in sports development and hands-on coaching experience, this episode explores the practical and philosophical dilemmas coaches face daily, from balancing inclusivity to navigating moral decision-making in competitive settings.2025-01-3154 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyEmotion on the Field: Coaching with Heart and StrengthSend us a textJoin Rugby Coach Weekly's Dan Cottrell as he sits down with Marlo Boyd, Bath Rugby’s Development Officer, Bath University women's forward's coach and former Bristol Bears player. Marlo opens up about her unconventional journey into rugby, the lessons she's learned about managing emotions—both hers and her players’—and how emotional intelligence can foster trust and growth in a team. Together, they explore actionable strategies for coaches to incorporate empathy, manage emotional highs and lows, and build a safe yet driven environment for players to thrive. To find...2025-01-2454 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyCoaching Through the Lens: Simple and Effective Video AnalysisSend us a textDan Cottrell welcomes Craig Wilson, director of rugby at Yale University and founder of The Contact Coach. Together, they explore practical, accessible approaches to video analysis for grassroots coaches. Craig shares personal experiences of using simple tools—smartphones, clipboards, and a bit of creativity—to make analysis both effective and manageable, even without high-end tech.The conversation covers:Using footage to boost players’ confidence, Balancing critical and positive feedback, And how to avoid overwhelming players (or yourself!) with too much information. Find lots of takeaway ideas you can use im...2025-01-1749 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyMyths of motivating athletes with Dr Mark CarrollSend us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell welcomes Dr. Mark Carroll, a sports coach and lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland, and a host of Labours of Sports Coaching. Together, they delve into the myths and realities of motivation in sports coaching.This conversation challenges traditional approaches and offers fresh insights. From breaking down misconceptions about the coach's role as the ultimate motivator to exploring how self-determination theory and other frameworks can shape coaching practice, Dr. Carroll discusses the delicate balance between external motivators...2025-01-1053 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyDo Women Tackle Differently? Coaching, Challenges, and SolutionsSend us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell discusses tackling in women’s rugby with Kathryn Dane, an international rugby player, sports scientist, and coach. Kathryn, who has 23 caps for Ireland and is the coach for Ulster Women's Rugby and Old Belvedere, shares insights from her groundbreaking research into safety, skill acquisition, and performance in tackling. She discusses:The differences in how women develop tackling skills compared to men.Challenges unique to women’s rugby, such as late entry into the sport, limited resources, and coaching disparities.Findi...2025-01-0356 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyBuilding Rugby from the Ground Up: How Adam Izzard is Transforming Rugby at Stonar SchoolSend us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, Dan Cottrell is joined by Adam Izzard, Head of Rugby and Head of Boarding at Stonar School. Adam shares his inspiring journey of building a rugby program from scratch at a small, co-educational school better known for its equestrian facilities than its rugby teams.From turning a horse paddock into a full-size rugby pitch to coaching a first XV squad made up of players with little to no rugby experience, Adam’s approach to developing the sport is packed with lessons for co...2024-12-2050 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyTackling Myths in Coaching with Mark WilliamsSend us a textIn this episode, Dan Cottrell sits down with renowned sports scientist and learning expert Mark Williams to explore some of the most controversial and misunderstood myths in sports coaching. Mark is a visiting professor at the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University. A world-leading expert in skill acquisition, Mark has authored 20 books and nearly 300 research papers and advised top sports organisations like FIFA, UEFA, and the EPL.His latest book is: The Best: How Elite Athletes Are Made with Tim Wigmore. Click the link to...2024-12-1348 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyPractical rugby ways to use ‘It depends’ from the man himself!Send us a textJoin Dan Cottrell as he dives deep with coaching legend Dave Collins in this thought-provoking episode of Rugby Coach Weekly. Together, they explore how context dictates coaching strategies and how to develop adaptable, critical-thinking players. Dave tackles big questions:What does a Dave Collins rugby session look like?How do you balance questioning with active practice?Why is “It depends” a cornerstone of professional judgment in coaching?How do you foster curiosity and skill acquisition in players and coaches?What’s the role of exp...2024-12-0643 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyUnlocking Skill Acquisition with Danny PowellSend us a textJoin host Dan Cottrell as he sits down with Danny Powell, a skill acquisition developer and performance psychologist from Manchester Metropolitan University. Danny shares his expertise working with coaches, including GB Aquatics and Sale Sharks, to explore the art and science behind skill acquisition.In this episode, they dive deep into:What "skill acquisition" really means and why it matters for coaches.Practical approaches to helping athletes learn and refine motor skills.The balance between conscious and automatic learning processes.How coaches can evolve their own...2024-11-2952 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyHow we built a team from five players to 25 and why they loving coming back to playSend us a textDan Cottrell chats with Graham Bourton, head coach of the Milton Keynes Under 15s. Since taking over in 2016, Graham has transformed the team from a mere 5 players to a thriving squad of 25, thanks to his innovative coaching methods and strong community engagement.In this engaging conversation, Graham shares:His journey from rugby parent to influential coach.The methods and training courses that shaped his approach.Strategies for player development and creating a fun, competitive environment.How he overcame challenges like COVID-19 to keep players engaged and motivated.Tips...2024-11-1544 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyWhy training on a Monday and Tuesday night means we field six men's teams a week, with Alex HadleySend us a textIn this episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly Podcast, host Dan Cottrell sits down with Alex Hadley, Director of Rugby at Battersea Ironsides, to explore what it takes to build and sustain one of the world's largest community rugby clubs. Alex shares insights on balancing player availability and club culture, creating a positive and welcoming environment, and using flexible strategies to engage and retain players. The conversation delves into the challenges of running a successful rugby club in London, including managing training schedules, fostering player development, and finding effective systems to k...2024-11-0843 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyBuilding Rugby Culture: Engaging Schools, New Players, and Overcoming Coaching ChallengesSend us a textIn this episode, Dan and Lindsay Abery, Thatcham U14 coach and former mini and junior chair, dive into the ins and outs of building a thriving rugby culture in schools. They tackle essential topics like engaging new players, ensuring safety with innovative techniques, and adapting coaching styles for different age groups. Lindsay shares practical strategies for growing rugby's reach, including tips on creating a standout coaching CV and breaking into school coaching environments. With a mix of personal stories, practical insights, and a few laughs, Dan and Lin...2024-11-0141 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyInside the Squidge Rugby brain: Coaching, analysis and rugby geekery with Will OwenSend us a textDan speaks to one-half of the Squidge Rugby Owen brothers, Will.With a massive following for their YouTube channel, Squidge Rugby analyses matches in a unique, bringing insight and entertainment in equal measure.Will is an avowed rugby geek but also still plays and coaches his local team's colts.Dan asks him about:How Squidge Rugby come into the world .Translating complex plays into a layperson's language is tough. How do you bridge the gap?His coaching journey.How does the analysis inform his coaching?Do...2024-08-3053 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyDon't let perfect be the enemy of be good: How to set up a SEND rugby programmeSend us a textThis podcast is dedicated to the memory of one of the guest's daughter, who passed away suddenly a few weeks after the recording. The Peel family have set up a donation page for Katie in support of FarmAbility. Here's a link.https://www.justgiving.com/page/katiepeelfarmabilityPlease listen to this inspiring journey of three coaches providing something amazing. It needs us all to reflect on setting up a SEND rugby programme.Dan Cottrell speaks to Darren Rea, John Peel and Gareth Lewis of Gosford...2024-02-2348 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyTransforming parents from obstacles to allies, with J.P. NerbunSend us a textDan Cottrell chats to author and coach, J.P. Nerbun about his latest book, The Sports Parent Solution, Proven Strategies for Transforming Parents from Obstacles to Allies.We explore how coaches can get the most out of their relationships with parents. Sometimes they are super-supportive, and sometimes not!How do you get them onside to start with, speak to them, involve them and make them part of everyone's journey.We talk about the ways to have difficult conversations, how to build your value offering and chances to...2024-01-0246 min
The British Motor Show PodcastRoger Noble - B RadioB Radio broadcasts on digital radio and on 95.6fm across Barkshire and 106.5fm across Hampshire and Surrey. Roger Noble was recording live from the show just like us so he joined Dan Cottrell in the Podcab to record the world's first live radio podcast cross over in the back of a London Cab (we'll have to get Pravin to confirm that one).2023-01-1706 min
The British Motor Show PodcastDavid Richardson - CorytonOne of the main focuses of the show this year was sustainability, one of the most exciting technologies that will power the next generation of eco friendly cars is suitable fuels. Dan Cottrell as joined in the Podcab by David Richardson from Coryton a manufacturer of blended, sustainable fuels. In this episode David explains the technology and how sustainable fuels will play a vital role in getting to net zero.2023-01-1716 min
The British Motor Show PodcastTiff Needell - Former Racing Driver & PresenterDan Cottrell was joined by Tiff Needell in the back of the Podcab. Formally serving as presenter of Top Gear and Fifth Gear Tiff has enjoyed a stellar carer as a racing driver and presenter. Dan sat down with him to talk cars and his favourite memories from his distinguished presenting career.2023-01-1705 min
The British Motor Show PodcastEdmund King - President of the Automotive AssociationDan Cottrell is joined by Edmund King, President of the Automotive Association. Edmend heads up public affairs and communications for the AA and is often found on radio and television as a commentator on industry events. Dan is joined by Edmund in the Podcab to talk about his work, his favourite sites of the show and how he sees the future of the motor industry.2023-01-1714 min
The British Motor Show PodcastLouise D'Costa - Caterham and District IndependentThe Caterham and District Independent is a local newspaper with a difference. With print, online and radio editions and even a podcast it combines community news and support for local businesses of which our very own Podcast Guys are one. Dan Cottrell sat down with Louise in the Podcab to discuss how she runs a local newspaper and her favourite sites at the show.2023-01-1707 min
The British Motor Show PodcastKevin Nicks - The World's Fastest ShedKevin Nicks is the builder and owner of the world's fastest shed! In 2020 Kevin piloted his creation to an astonishing 106mph at an event at the Elvington Airfield. Dan Cottrell met Kevin at his shed to talk about his world record as well as his other creations and all time favourite cars.2023-01-1710 min
The British Motor Show PodcastSteve Nash - Chief Executive of the IMIDan Cottrell chats to Steve Nash, Chief Executive of the IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry). Steve has been in the motor industry since he graduated in 1977 and brings decades of experience to the role. He campaigns for a number of initiatives for the creation of a license to practise for those working on electric vehicles in support of grater adoption of the technology, wider take-up of apprenticeships in the automotive retail sector and the application of qualifications to ensure the highest standards of customer service throughout the motor retail experience.2023-01-1720 min
The British Motor Show PodcastRuben Hage Racing with Charlie Lower and Joe Dalgarno - Young Racing DriversDan Cottrell talks to Ruben from Ruben Hage Racing. Ruben is taking on the biggest challenge of his young career in 2022 moving to senior racing to contest the Gengtta GT5 challenge at the helm of a G40 GT5. We sat down in the Podcab along with fellow young racing drivers Charlie Lower and Joe Dalgarno to talk motor sport and competing at such a young age.2023-01-1609 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyThe Coaching Knife: What is meant by playing in the zone, with Brian MoylettSend us a textDan Cottrell cuts to the root with Brian Moylett from Mindset & Performance at Off-Field Rugby.They discuss playing in the zone from The Book On How You Become A Pro Rugby Player.Brian is a mindset and performance coach at off-field rugby. He also coaches university women's rugby and men's rugby in Canada. His philosophy is that he helps young players become more confident on the field, develop their self-belief and play in the zone. You can contact him at brianmoylett@gmail.com and visit his website w...2023-01-0123 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyHow we help you boost your playing numbers (for free!)Send us a textDan chats to Dan Wooler and Christian Lang from the Star Scheme. The scheme supports clubs in building their junior numbers, with the aim to specifically develop strong, trusted relationships between the club and player. Crucially, they target communities that would not usually engage with rugby and aim to make a difference to young people who are suffering or have suffered adverse childhood experiences, poverty or mental health issues. They discuss the following areas: How the scheme has blossomed in such a short time Who it helps and why ...2022-10-1245 min
Rugby Coach WeeklyHow we use SAS to keep the England U18s focusedSend us a textDan chats to England's U18 men's head coach Jon Pendlebury about this role and how he goes about his week looking after this exciting group of players.A former professional player with Leeds, and then heading up the Yorkshire and Wasps academies, Jon became head coach of England U18s in 2019. He is just completing an MSc in Sports Coaching at Leeds Beckett University. Dan asks Jon about the following issues:How do you go about caring for your players?The role of winning is when you are se...2022-09-2853 min