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Rugby beginners 322749775

Beginners’ Rugby Coaching and Refereeing (15-a-side)

with Dan Cottrell

Face to face Senior and Secondary School Prep and Primary School Rugby Beginners Officiating

Course Description

Coaching and refereeing school Rugby continues to evolve, with player safety and effective coach education becoming increasingly important. This course is designed for teachers and coaches involved in delivering 15-a-side Rugby, as well as those refereeing school matches and practices. It provides practical guidance on planning effective sessions, developing core techniques and introducing simple, engaging practices that support player progression. The course also addresses the latest tackle requirements and safe approaches to coaching the scrum and contact area. The refereeing element focuses on applying the laws confidently, managing safe and competitive matches, and using effective communication to enhance the experience for players, coaches and spectators. Delegates will leave with greater confidence to deliver and officiate Rugby safely and effectively.

Coaching

  • Coaching the core skills of the modern game
  • Building the skill set for young players
  • Implications of new tackle laws
  • The contact area and ways to practise it
  • Creating a basic backline
  • Safe scrummaging

Refereeing

  • Applying the law in school matches
  • Ensuring safe procedures at scrum and ruck
  • Refereeing the new tackle law
  • Managing the game through communication
  • When and why to blow the whistle – and when not to
  • Coping with the mismatch
  • Creating a positive match environment

Course Features

  • This course will include catering and resources.

Course leaders

Dan Cottrell

Meet your course leader, Dan Cottrell

Dan Cottrell has been coaching rugby in schools, clubs, and at representative level for over 30 years. He is head coach of Bristol Schools U18s, performance coach at Bristol Grammar School and a World Rugby coaching and development consultant. He is editor of Rugby Coach Weekly, which has been running since 2003 and has a worldwide following. Dan played first-class rugby for Bristol and Bath and was director of rugby at Cranleigh.

All Courses by Dan Cottrell

Booking options

Beginners’ Rugby Coaching and Refereeing (15-a-side)

From £239.00

  • Thursday 19th November 2026

    10am-3:30pm

    with Dan Cottrell

Venue Information

Trinity is well served by a number of safe and reliable bus, train and tram routes, connecting us to students in South London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex.The main entrance to Trinity is off Addiscombe Road by Shirley Park Golf Club.Enter postcode CR0 7LB in your SatNav to find us.

Venue Address

Trinity School, Croydon Addiscombe Rd, Shirley Park, Croydon CR0 7LB
Venue website

Frequently Asked Questions

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