The level four qualification is the highest award available to coaches through courses run by the WRU. Five coaches, including Dragons Performance Programme Manager James Chapron, were presented with their awards at the Samoa match as a reward for the culmination of their course.
Gareth Lintern, who coaches at Sam Warburton’s former club Rhiwbina as well as being involved with Pontypool and the Dragons U16, believes the course can take him on to bigger and better things.
“It’s been a great course, very professional and it teaches you the theory of coaching as well as the motivational and physchology aspects,” he said.
“Without a doubt it’s set me on the pathway to coaching professionally. I feel I’ve improved dramatically and it’s given me time to think about where I want to go with the qualification.
“The next challenge for me has to be to try and make it professionally. I’ve secured a brilliant qualification and the opportunities I now have are endless really.
“I’m very interested in the development of rugby in the emerging nations and working with young players so they’re both something I may pursue into the future.”
WRU Coach Development Manager Phil John believes the success of these coaches shows the development of the next generation of young coaches is working.
“The WRU remains committed to bringing through young coaches who are capable of coaching at the top level,” he said.
“With these five coaches passing their awards it shows we are on the right path.”
For more information on WRU coaching go to http://www.wrucoaching.co.uk/.
