Cornwall's coaches get guidance from Cornish Pirates
The development day helped give coaches insight into how they can improve.
Cornwall’s connection to rugby is a well-known thing, and Cornish Pirates have been strengthening their community ties by delivering a development day to the county’s coaches.
More than 30 community coaches in the area attended the session hosted at Truro School on July 6 with practical skills, video reviews and discussions all included.
Having spoken to the Cornish clubs last year, the Cornwall Rugby Football Union (CRFU) realized there was a lack of development opportunities for coaches and so decided to address this in partnership with Cornish Pirates and Coaching Centered.
Game and Player development lead at the CRFU Daubroy Delahunty said: “We want to be able give our coaches all the skills, knowledge and experience possible to deliver that to the community in Cornwall.
“If we help develop the coaching skillset, that’s naturally going to help develop our kids and create better rugby players.
“They all absolutely loved it; they thought it was a really great event. The facilities were fantastic, and the team was incredibly helpful and supportive of the event.”
The day involved learning about attacking structure and pod systems, with a combination of classroom work and practical on-field work.
Daubroy was also impressed by the commitment of the club to the community game and recognizes the strength of the relationship between club and county.
“As part of their Championship work, they’re really big on supporting community rugby so they absolutely jumped at the chance to be involved and help support us,” he said.
“Neil Smith, the Pirates' Community Engagement Manager, has played a crucial role in making this event possible.
“The coaching team at Pirates has been incredibly supportive, dedicating their free time to providing guidance to community coaches across the county.”
In addition to the coaching development, attendees were provided with a pasty lunch – it is Cornwall after all.
The event seems to be bearing fruit already, with evidence that coaches have already begun to implement what they learnt.
Daubroy said: “What’s really encouraging is we’ve seen pictures and videos being posted online throughout the county and we can see some of the aspects being put into practice.
“That’s the kind of stuff you get a buzz from, when you know people are listening.”
With more development days to come, there will be opportunities for Cornwall’s coaches to continue their progress and in turn, that of the county’s rugby.
