“It was the very first time all the key stakeholders were in the same room, future-proofing the game in Wales which some would say was a historic occasion, but it shouldn’t have been if I’m perfectly honest,” he said.
“It should happen more often. It was pleasing everyone attended, pleasing to see them work in their workshops, integrating from their different regions and talking about what they do and how they do it. Everyone was discussing – not always necessarily agreeing – and sharing ideas and thoughts – and that’s what it’s about.”
Prior to the workshop, John had previously been in regular contact with the regions and North Wales over the past 12 months, in a concerted attempt to find a formula to develop and improve our Welsh players.
“Hopefully as a result of the workshop we have unearthed a skills development programme which can be distributed through regional level and fed down to our national age grade teams.
The coaches and those received a presentation by Cardiff Met’s Head of ???Biomechanics, Gareth Irwin, who showed key areas in skill development and also went through the biomechanics of the pass and catch which has been a study he and the university have been doing which proved valuable and informative.
“It was a chance to get the regional coaches together, along with all the academy managers, the development managers, our international age grade skills coaches and all the skills coaches in the regions as well.
“Wales’ assistant coach Rob Howley also addressed the attendees and encouraged everyone to communicate openly with each other and expressed the importance of skill development, coaching and what is required to be successful now and in the future, especially towards the 2023 World Cup.
“We’re all in it for the same thing, we want our players to improve, we all want our players to get better and if that happens hopefully our regions get better and are successful and Wales are successful too,” added John.
“Wales can only be successful if we all work together and share. Now the aim is also to make sure our coach education programme will support a lot of the things happening.”
Work carried out during the day will play a key part in the coach education programme. National coach development manager, Gerry Roberts and Performance coach manager, Peter Drewett were also in attendance which was vitally important, according to John.
“Lots of good work goes on in Welsh rugby – the workshop was all about trying to channel all of that good work and try and use the knowledge in making our players better – we always do produce good young players in Wales but the fact is we probably have a smaller pool of players than many other countries so we have got to make sure we maximise our players’ potential and days like this can only help,” said International age grade skills coach, Geraint Lewis.
Ospreys assistant forwards coach, Tom Smith, added: “It is refreshing that everyone is open to discussion and willing to share their ideas and hopefully that is how rugby here is going to grow. Hopefully we can replicate this more often as I think events like this will create those bonds and open up avenues for conversation.”
Next Monday and Tuesday will see the cream of regional under 18 rugby talent from throughout Wales attend a skills and physical assessment programme held at Leckwith’s Cardiff and Vale College campus.
Age grade skills coach Geraint Lewis will spearhead the two days with invited coaches from the regions and age grade coaches also present to pass on their expertise as the rising stars of Welsh rugby continue their progression through the ranks.
