In this episode of The Rugby Institute, we’re joined by Dave Ellis, one of the most experienced and respected rugby skills coaches in the game.With over 30 years in rugby, Dave has coached skill across every level — from grassroots and coach education to professional environments including Connacht Rugby, the Blues, and Bristol Bears in the English Premiership.Dave’s work focuses on helping players and coaches better understand what real rugby skill is, how it develops, and how to design training that actually transfers to the game. His global coaching journey and deep understanding of skill learning have made him a go-to resource for coaches around the world.Whether you’re a coach looking to improve your session design or a player wanting to develop game-ready skill, this conversation offers valuable insight from someone who’s spent a lifetime studying and coaching rugby skill.===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

In this session, Aaron Dundon, coach at Leinster Rugby, breaks down the lineout maul defence systems he used with the Tasman Makos.This is a practical, coach-focused breakdown covering how elite teams set up, organise, and shut down opposition mauls from lineouts. Aaron walks through key defensive principles, player roles, coaching cues, and simple drills you can apply directly to your own training environment.Whether you’re coaching school, club, academy, or professional rugby, this session gives you clear, actionable insight into modern lineout maul defence.📌 Topics covered:– Lineout maul defensive set-up– Roles and responsibilities– Key coaching cues– Common maul problems and fixes– Training drills to implement immediatelyIf you enjoy deep-dive coaching content like this, make sure to subscribe to The Rugby Institute for more elite insights from coaches and players around the world.===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

In this episode, we dive into the engine room of rugby—scrums, lineouts, and mauls—with one of New Zealand’s top emerging coaches. Hurricanes U20s coach Eugene Smith joins us to break down video footage, share practical progressions and drills, and unpack some of the latest coaching methods being used at the representative level. Whether you're coaching grassroots or high performance, there’s something here for every rugby coach looking to sharpen their set-piece knowledge.===========================0:00 Intro0:40 What does good scrum shape look like?1:50 What are we looking for?2:44 Static Hold Scrum Primer3:02 Power Extensions3:35 Isometric Holds 1v14:25 Advice for a strong footing?9:18 Chesting Out Drill - Tight Heads & Hookers Technique12:06 Individual Sled Work12:36 Mini Unit Sleds14:00 North/South Drill - Live 2v2 Scrum Drill16:20 4v4 Scrum Drill18:20 Tight Head Training Extras19:05 Dark Arts Tips - What can props to if someones cheating?21:44 Do scrum machines have a place in rugby today?24:30 Lineout Basics31:36 Lineout Primers for Lifters and Maul Creation32:31 How do lifters bind to jumper? High & Tight37:45 Lineout Race and Competition Drill29:13 Maul Drill with Pads41:45 How do you bind in the maul? Crutch Grip43:50 How do you create a strong team culture?52:17 Player Pathways 58:30 What are coaches looking for in players?1:03:13 Best piece of advice?1:04:46 How do you give feedback?=============================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst=============================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #scrum #lineout Our mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

Today we sit down with Amy Price—National Coach Developer at The FA and a leader in game-based learning for sport.Amy shares how video game design principles can transform the way we coach, helping players become better decision-makers, more adaptable, and more tactically aware. Instead of running isolated drills, Amy’s approach focuses on designing competitive, problem-solving environments that reflect the real demands of the game.Whether you're a coach, player, or just passionate about evolving the way rugby is taught—this conversation is packed with insights.===========================Connect with us! =============================

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When should young rugby players start strength & conditioning? In this episode, S&C coach Tom Walsh breaks down the ideal starting age, when and why players or teams need an S&C coach, how to integrate S&C into rugby programs, and how gamification can improve coaching and player engagement.👉 Whether you're a coach, player, or parent—this one’s packed with practical takeaways.Check out his website here: https://anatomygaps.com/===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

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Our mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.

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Are you a rugby player or coach wondering if you need an agent? In this exclusive interview, we dive into the world of rugby agents to uncover what they really do and how they can help you succeed. From landing contracts and navigating negotiations to shaping long-term careers, we discuss the value agents bring to players and coaches alike. Don’t miss this insider’s guide to understanding the role of a rugby agent and how they can take your career to the next level!

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In this episode of The Rugby Institute, we dive into The Role of Fun in Rugby Strength and Conditioning with Grant Dearns, a rugby coach and strength and conditioning expert with over 20 years of experience. Grant shares his insights on how incorporating fun and games can enhance player engagement and performance, while also covering practical strategies for club coaches.

We go in-depth on how we can make rugby clubs better, from improving player development to fostering a stronger club culture. We also discuss coaching philosophy, coach development, and injury prevention. Whether you're a grassroots coach or looking to elevate your team's performance, this conversation is packed with valuable advice and actionable tips.

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