First of all, rugby is a game built on commitment, solidarity and respect.
Becoming a rugby coach means passing on far more than technique: it means keeping the values of the team alive.
In addition, England Rugby’s coaching courses give everyone, from volunteer parents to aspiring professionals, the skills to coach safely and confidently, and to lead projects that bring the whole club together.
1. The courses to become a rugby coach in England
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) runs its coaching pathway through the England Rugby Learning platform. However, the course offer was refreshed for the 2026/27 season, so check the latest details with your Constituent Body before booking:
- Developing Coaching Practice (DCP): a face-to-face course for those new to coaching, or looking to refresh the “how to coach”. It is ideal if you’re starting out helping with the minis.
- Tag Rugby and First Contact courses: next, short, non-assessed courses for those coaching the youngest age groups and introducing contact safely.
- England Rugby Coaching Award (ERCA): then a competency-based, assessed award combining digital learning with a face-to-face day. It is also the recommended entry point for anyone coaching U12s and above.
- Introduction to Advanced Coaching Practice and the England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award: for experienced coaches moving on to senior, performance or coach development roles.
To coach age grade rugby, you’ll also need an RFU DBS check and to complete the online safeguarding and concussion awareness (HEADCASE) modules. Because you learn while coaching at your own club, it’s also the perfect time to bring something extra to club life.
2. The club project: living the rugby spirit
Indeed, in rugby, strength comes from unity.
That is why the best new coaches don’t stop at training sessions: they get behind projects that strengthen the bond between players, coaches, volunteers and supporters.
For example, here are projects coaches can lead:
- Organising an intergenerational tournament, from minis to vets
- Setting up a buddy scheme between junior and senior teams
- Creating a club sticker album that tells the story of the season and celebrates every member of the rugby family
As a result, projects like these build real pride in the club while putting the coaching skills you’ve developed into practice.
3. The club sticker album: a project with real collective impact
Meanwhile, alongside your coaching courses, a personalised sticker album for your club can be an outstanding project:
- it involves every registered member, from minis to vets;
- it showcases rugby’s core values (teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship);
- it connects every age group and generation;
- it leaves a lasting mark of your time as a coach at the club.
With no deposit, photos taken straight from our app and an average of £2,400 raised per club through in-album sponsors and sticker pack sales, it’s an initiative that perfectly embodies the rugby spirit and the coach’s role in the community.
4. Become a rugby coach: in a nutshell
In short, becoming a rugby coach means developing players… but above all building a team.
Of course, the courses give you the tools to coach, lead and bring people together, but it’s your club project that brings it all to life.
