Coaching is one of the most crucial factors in developing, sustaining and increasing participation in rugby union, securing the future and quality of the English game. To be an effective coach, you will need to fulfil a number of different roles, covering the technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects demanded by our game.
The RFU is committed to offering a world-leading coaching development service, from helping volunteers who want to coach junior tag rugby on a Sunday morning to assisting people who aim to reach a professional coaching standard.
How To Get Started
Details of all available courses, inclusive of type, content, duration, and cost, are listed on the England Rugby Coach resources page.
RFU coaching courses
There are a range of practical and theoretical courses to cover these differing aspirations, offered in all parts of the country.
Coaches can use the RFU Introduction To Rugby Booklet to help inform themselves, parents and new players about the basics of rugby.
Coaching remains a valuable and rewarding way to get or stay involved in rugby union, and with an RFU qualification getting started as a coach is extremely straightforward. Want to go further?
Online resources for coaches are also available here.
England Rugby Coaches Association
As of February 2019, England Rugby replaced the Coaching License with the England Rugby Coaches Association. This is a online membership to the Coaching Association rather than the card memberships.
Your coaching licence badge, will be replaced with a digital ERCA membership card, that we would ask you to print or alternatively save on an electronic device, to use as you would have previously used your old coaching licence. Your ERCA membership will also be displayed via your profile on England Rugby’s ‘My Rugby Academy’ website. To receive your new digital ERCA membership card, please ensure your correct email address is submitted on GMS.
ERCA memberships last for one year, and in order to renew your membership, you will be required to complete one CPD in the next 12 months. All Coaches attending the England Rugby Coaching Award will have the option to join the association on completion of the award.
The benefits of membership include:
• 15% online discount at England Rugby Store
• Exclusive range of ERCA training kit (coming soon)
• Monthly ERCA newsletter, complete with training content and advice for aspiring coaches
• Opportunity to win VIP coaching experience
Further information will be provided to members in due course.
For regular updates follow us on twitter @ERrugbycoach using #CoachingFamily.