Why Most Rugby Coaches Train the Wrong Things | Kyle McLean

Are your training sessions actually preparing players for what happens on Saturday?

In this episode of The Rugby Institute Podcast, coach developer Kyle McLean explains why many rugby coaches spend too much time training only a small part of the game. Drawing on research, coach development work, and real-world examples, Kyle shares how game-based training can improve player learning, increase engagement, and create better transfer from training to performance.

We discuss:
🏉 Why training should replicate the demands of the game
🏉 The balance between technical coaching and game-based learning
🏉 How to coach unstructured play and transition attack
🏉 Practical ways to increase player involvement and reduce queues
🏉 Using peer coaching and video feedback to accelerate learning
🏉 Why engagement and enjoyment are critical for player development
🏉 The Coaching Gig app and its mission to support coaches

Whether you're coaching minis, youth, school, club, or representative rugby, this conversation is packed with practical ideas that you can take straight into your next session.

👇 What percentage of your training is spent on activities that truly look and feel like the game?

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Our mission at The Rugby Institute is to support rugby coaches in developing their skills, growing the game, and making a lasting impact on their teams and communities.