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Eastern Counties Rugby Union
Eastern Counties Rugby Union

Coaching

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Coaching

Passionate About Developing Players?

Eastern Counties Rugby Union (ECRU) is dedicated to supporting both aspiring and experienced coaches throughout Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.

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RFU Course FinderAwaiting 2026 VersionTraining Course Booklet
England Rugby | RFU

Coaching Clinics & Courses

England Rugby (RFU) offers a variety of coaching courses tailored to different levels of experience or Age grade.

U6 - U8

Tag Rugby Course

This non-assessed course is designed for those working in the Tag Rugby age groups.

It supports the development of active, purposeful, enjoyable and safe tag rugby environments for children. Participants will also learn the rules and practice
refereeing tag rugby.

Duration

2.5 hrs

Min age

14

U9 - U11

First Contact Course

This non-assessed course is designed for those working with players starting out in contact rugby.

It will help participants to safely coach and referee the contact areas of the game and it is recommended that everyone coaching or refereeing contact rugby has completed this course.

Duration

5 hrs (2 Sessions)

Min age

14

I'm New to coaching

First Contact Course

This non-assessed course is designed for those working with players starting out in contact rugby.

It will help participants to safely coach and referee the contact areas of the game and it is recommended that everyone coaching or refereeing contact rugby has completed this course.

Duration

5 hrs (2 Sessions)

Min age

14

I Have Experience

Coaching Award

Competency based assessed course

Entry point for those coaching U12 and above. Provides the knowledge, skills and attributes to safely and effectively coach young players and adults.

Duration

2 days

WHEN

Day 1: Oct/Nov
Day 2: May/Jun

Min age

16

Part 1

Developing Advanced Coaching Practice

The Developing Advanced Coaching Practice
course forms the pre-requisite to enrolling on to Part 2 (the assessment) of the England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award.

The course aims to develop knowledge, skills and behaviours over time by building on experiences within your coaching environment.

Developing Advanced Coaching Practice is a recognised CCD and on successful completion will be added to the candidates GMS profile.

Duration

4 days

Booking

April/May

Min age

18

Part 2

England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award

On completion of the Developing Advanced Coaching Practice course coaches can enrol on to Part 2 (competency-based assessment).

This sees coaches choose a domain specific assessment focusing on knowledge, skills & behaviours. A coach will be mentored and assessed in their own coaching environment.

ER Advanced Coaching Workshop 2025-26
Duration

5 sessions

Booking

May

Min age

18

Application Only

Performance Coaching Award

This programme is designed to provide both personalised and collaborative experiences for professional and expert coaches to learn, unlearn and re-learn in order to influence the game.

Coaches have to be in relevant High Performance roles to be considered and gain access to the course.

The expression of interest form has now closed for the 2025 course, but will reopen again in the summer of 2025 using the following link.

Expression of Interest Form
Duration

18 Months

Min age

18

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

July - December

Leaders for the game

Director of Rugby Course

The Director of Rugby course is designed to develop and support a generation of dynamic and inspirational leaders for the game.

It is aimed at those leading rugby programmes in clubs, schools, colleges and universities. The course explores leadership and management themes set in an applied rugby context

Duration

4 Days

Min age

18

Booking From

February

E-learning | Virtual

TackleSafe

This eLearning course will support coaching players to become more confident and confident in the tackle through safe and effective coaching.

Duration

1 hr

Min age

14

Principles

Scrummaging

This course explores the England Rugby principles of scrummaging and is designed to help coaches, match officials and volunteers explore recent developments in scrum coaching.

Duration

2.5 hrs

Min age

14

Principles of

The Lineout

This 2 hour course explores the England Rugby principles of lineout and is designed to help coaches, match officials and volunteers explore recent developments in lineout coaching.

Duration

2.5 hrs

Min age

14

DEVELOPING ENGLAND PLAYERS

U14-U18 Skill Development Programme

Open for Coaches of U14-U18 Players and focuses on the development of high quality coaching of catch and pass skills. The course explores how we use the game zone/skill zone model to introduce, develop, and stretch Players ability to catch and pass under pressure.

Duration

2 hrs

Min age

14

Get Started

How To Book?

Go to Course finder (RFU)
  1. Go to the RFU Course Finder: Click the button above to visit gms.rfu.com/GMS/coursefinder.

  2. Search for a Course:

    • By Course Type: Select the ‘Coaching’ type of course.

    • By Location: Enter your town or postcode (e.g., “Norwich”) to find nearby courses.

    • By Date: Choose a date range to see courses available during that period.

  3. Select a Course: Click on a course title to view details, including description, dates, times, location, and prerequisites.​

Next Step...

Depending on your situation...

  1. Click “Book”: On the course page, click the “Book” button.

  2. Log In:

    • Username: Enter your email address or username.

    • Password: Enter your password.

    • Click “Log In”.

  3. Add to Basket: Click the basket icon to add the course.

  4. Checkout:

    • Review Your Basket: Ensure the correct course is listed.

    • Click “Checkout”.

  5. Payment:

    • Enter Payment Details: Provide your card information.

    • Confirm Billing Address: Ensure your address is correct.

    • Click “Pay Now”.

  6. Confirmation: You’ll receive a confirmation email with course details.

  1. Click “Book”: On the course page, click the “Book” button.

  2. Create an Account:

    • Click “Create Account”.

    • Fill in Personal Details: Name, email, date of birth, etc.

    • Set a Password: Choose a memorable password.

    • Click “Submit”.

  3. Verify Email: Check your inbox for a verification email and follow the instructions.

  4. Log In: Use your new credentials to log in.

  5. Proceed to Booking: Follow steps 3 to 6 from Scenario 1.

  1. Click “Book”: On the course page, click the “Book” button.

  2. Click “Forgot Password?”: Located below the login fields.

  3. Enter Email: Provide the email associated with your account.

  4. Check Email: You’ll receive a link to reset your password.

  5. Reset Password:

    • Click the Link: In the email.

    • Enter New Password: Choose a new password.

    • Confirm Password: Re-enter the new password.

    • Click “Submit”.

  6. Log In: Use your new password to log in.

  7. Proceed to Booking: Follow steps 3 to 6 from Scenario 1.​

Mentorship Opportunities

We believe in the power of mentorship to elevate coaching standards.

ECRU facilitates connections between developing coaches and experienced mentors who offer guidance, share insights, and support professional growth.​

If you're interested in in our mentorship program, please contact our Coaching Development Lead:

Coaching Development Lead

Richard Garrett
Contact Details
What's On

Coaching Courses

All Courses
15 September at 18:30 - 21:30
England Rugby First Contact Course
Details
22 September at 18:30 - 21:30
England Rugby First Contact Course
Details
Role Description Template

Club Fixture Secretary

This role description is for guidance – change to suit the needs of your club

What you can do for your club

Organise matches and fixtures so players have regular games to enjoy.

Be the link between your club and others in the region.

The role

Working with coaches, team managers, and opposition clubs, you will:

Arrange fixtures for the season for all relevant teams.

Keep track of cancellations, rearrangements, and changes.

Coordinate pitch availability and referees as needed.

Communicate clearly with players, parents, and opposition teams.

Ideally, you’ll need to be:

Organised and good at scheduling.

A clear and friendly communicator.

Able to stay calm when plans change (as they often do!).

What you’ll get out of it:

Gain event and logistics management experience.

Build relationships with other clubs and coordinators.

Help keep rugby accessible and fun for all players.

Role Description Template

Club Safeguarding Officer

This role description is for guidance – change to suit the needs of your club

What you can do for your club

Help create a safe and inclusive environment for all players, especially children and vulnerable adults.

Act as the club’s lead on safeguarding and welfare matters.

The role

Working with coaches, parents, and the committee, you will:

Ensure safeguarding policies are in place and followed.

Be the point of contact for welfare concerns or reports.

Support DBS checks and safeguarding training for volunteers.

Promote awareness of safeguarding through visible presence and communication.

Liaise with the Constituent Body Safeguarding Manager and the RFU Safeguarding team when necessary.

Ideally, you’ll need to be:

Approachable, trustworthy, and a good listener.

Knowledgeable (or willing to learn) about safeguarding procedures.

Calm and able to deal with sensitive issues appropriately.

What you’ll get out of it:

Play a vital role in keeping rugby safe and inclusive.

Learn safeguarding practices valued in many sectors.

Make a meaningful difference to young people’s experience of rugby.

Role Description Template

Club Secretary

This role description is for guidance – change to suit the needs of your club

What you can do for your club

Be the key point of contact for club correspondence and administration.

Keep the club running behind the scenes.

Ensure important communications are managed efficiently.

The role

Working with the committee and club volunteers, you will:

Organise and minute committee meetings and the AGM.

Manage club correspondence and liaise with the Constituent Body and RFU.

Maintain up-to-date records of club membership.

Ensure key deadlines (affiliations, registrations, safeguarding, etc.) are met.

Support the Chairperson and Treasurer with administrative tasks.

Ideally, you’ll need to be:

Organised and detail-oriented.

Good at writing and managing communications.

Friendly, approachable, and discreet when needed.

What you’ll get out of it:

Gain valuable administrative and communication experience.

Play an essential role in your club’s operations.

Develop skills useful in the workplace or other voluntary positions.

Role Description Template

Club Treasurer

This role description is for guidance – change to suit the needs of your club

What you can do for your club

Manage the club’s finances

Keeping everything running smoothly.

Help the club plan & budget

For current and future development.

Ensure transparency in all financial matters.

The role

Working with the committee and club volunteers, you will:

Keep accurate financial records of the club’s income and expenditure.

Prepare reports for the committee and members.

Manage the club bank account and payments.

Oversee fundraising, sponsorship, and grant applications where needed.

Ensure affiliation and insurance fees are paid.

Help set annual budgets for teams, events, and maintenance.

Ideally, you’ll need to be:

Comfortable with numbers and basic accounting.

Trustworthy and methodical.

Able to communicate financial information clearly to others.

What you’ll get out of it:

Develop budgeting and financial management skills.

Play a crucial role in sustaining your club’s future.

Gain experience valued by employers and voluntary organisations.

Role Description Template

Club Chairperson

This role description is for guidance – change to suit the needs of your club

What you can do for your club

Provide leadership & direction

For the club as a whole.

Be the public face of the club

At events, meetings, and functions.

Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful club culture

The role

Working with the committee and club volunteers, you will:

Chair committee meetings and the AGM, ensuring everyone has a voice

Help set the club’s goals and ensure plans are in place to meet them.

Support other committee members in their roles.

Act as a decision-maker in the club’s best interests, particularly on key issues.

Represent the club at Constituent Body or RFU meetings where required.

Lead on resolving conflicts and ensure the club operates fairly and transparently.

Ideally, you’ll need to be:

A good communicator & confident in leading discussions.

Organised, approachable, and impartial.

Passionate about rugby and the community.

What you’ll get out of it:

Be a central part of the club’s future success.

Develop leadership and management skills.

Build valuable experience for work or other voluntary positions.

Make a real difference to rugby in your community.

Role Description Template

Club Volunteer Coordinator (CVC)

This role description is for guidance – change to suit the needs of your club

What you can do for your club

Encourage other people to get involved in helping out

With an enthusiastic and friendly perpective

Be the first point of contact for new volunteers

Introducing them around the club & ensuring they understand what they are required to do.

Make sure everyone feels welcome and valued.

The role

Working with the other volunteers in your club, you will:

Plan how many volunteers you need every year

– remember to include special events, as well as the week-in-week-out running of the club

Consider the best places to find new volunteers

– remember to make sure your advertising and appointment's are as open as possible

Understand the reasons people get involved

- use this knowledge to attract more like-minded people.

Ensure well-fitting roles for volunteers

- giving people roles they enjoy will mean they are more likely to continue

Support, encourage & thank volunteers regularly

- recognise & reward success: nominating volunteers for club, Constituent Body, RFU or external awards & ensure volunteers get the training they need to do a great job

Create a succession plan

- so you always have volunteers ready and willing to step up or provide cover for key roles
Ideally, you’ll need to be:

Welcoming & easy to approach

A good listener & communicator

Confident, well-organised & happy to delegate

Enthusiastic & motivating

What you’ll get out of it:

This is a very social role. You’ll provide an important service to the club and community, and for a small investment of time you’ll :

Meet all kinds of people

Do something distinctive & worthwhile

Become more attractive to potential employers

Build transferable organisational & communication skills

Get Started

How To Book?

Go to Course finder (RFU)
  1. Go to the RFU Course Finder: Click the button above to visit gms.rfu.com/GMS/coursefinder.

  2. Search for a Course:

    • By Course Type: Select the ‘Coaching’ type of course.

    • By Location: Enter your town or postcode to find nearby courses.

    • By Date: Choose a date range to see courses available during that period.

  3. Select a Course: Click on a course title to view details, including description, dates, times, location, and prerequisites.​

Next Step...

Depending on your situation...

  1. Click “Book”: On the course page, click the “Book” button.

  2. Log In:

    • Username: Enter your email address or username.

    • Password: Enter your password.

    • Click “Log In”.

  3. Add to Basket: Click the basket icon to add the course.

  4. Checkout:

    • Review Your Basket: Ensure the correct course is listed.

    • Click “Checkout”.

  5. Payment:

    • Enter Payment Details: Provide your card information.

    • Confirm Billing Address: Ensure your address is correct.

    • Click “Pay Now”.

  6. Confirmation: You’ll receive a confirmation email with course details.

  1. Click “Book”: On the course page, click the “Book” button.

  2. Create an Account:

    • Click “Create Account”.

    • Fill in Personal Details: Name, email, date of birth, etc.

    • Set a Password: Choose a memorable password.

    • Click “Submit”.

  3. Verify Email: Check your inbox for a verification email and follow the instructions.

  4. Log In: Use your new credentials to log in.

  5. Proceed to Booking: Follow steps 3 to 6 from Scenario 1.

  1. Click “Book”: On the course page, click the “Book” button.

  2. Click “Forgot Password?”: Located below the login fields.

  3. Enter Email: Provide the email associated with your account.

  4. Check Email: You’ll receive a link to reset your password.

  5. Reset Password:

    • Click the Link: In the email.

    • Enter New Password: Choose a new password.

    • Confirm Password: Re-enter the new password.

    • Click “Submit”.

  6. Log In: Use your new password to log in.

  7. Proceed to Booking: Follow steps 3 to 6 from Scenario 1.​