News

Excerpts from interviews with Graeme Moody – Radio Network

High Performance Players' and Coaches' Courses
February 2006

James Wilson, Southland NPC representative player

"The learning in these two weeks would have taken three years under normal circumstances!!"

"It's just been one of the greatest things - an experience all rugby players, everyone aspiring to succeed in pro rugby, should have."

"Of the coaching staff, Nick Mallett was great! He taught a lot about defence and the passion of the game."

"Wayne Smith and Graham Henry were also fantastic. There were a few nerves working with them to start with. It was kind of daunting - but it only took half an hour to get over that and tap into all their ideas."

"Smith's pointers on reading the game and taking attacking options were very interesting. Grant Fox and Shane Howarth also helped out with option-taking and the little things that are absolutely crucial in the game. John Eales pointers on leadership were wonderful. I'll keep what I've learnt from them forever."

"These three weeks have probably added up to three years under normal learning circumstances."

"I came to the course on a scholarship offered by the NZRU and the Southland RFU and had heard a lot about IRANZ from others who'd attended previous courses, so I didn't hesitate to grab the chance."

"My goals now are very much centred on making the Super 14, and I honestly couldn't have asked for any more from attending this course".

Ross Batty, hooker from Newcastle Falcons Academy, England

"It's been a life-changing experience."

"I've learnt a lot of new things. I'm really glad I came. As a front rower, having Richard Loe and Paul Mitchell one-on-one was really helpful."

"I'd heard stories about Loe before coming to the course and he taught me a few tricks of the trade to keep me ahead of the opposition."

"Nick Mallett, Eddie Jones, Wayne Smith and Graham Henry have taught me a lot. It's amazing to have seen them coaching internationally on the telly - you don't think you'd ever get the chance to be coached by them. It fills you with confidence and gives you a psychological edge."

"The accommodation and the food are great - top notch. Food is important for front rowers."

"There's been no trouble with interpretation from the various nationalities of the coaches and players. In fact that's one of the great things about the course, meeting new people and their ideas"

"I'll go back and speak very highly about the IRANZ High Performance players' course - it's an experience and a half!"

Carl Hogg, professional coach with the Edinburgh Club in Scotland.

"It's cutting edge stuff and pushing the boundaries for coaching development."

"We've had the likes of Nick Mallett, Graham Henry, Wayne Smith and Eddie Jones who obviously are at the cutting edge of our profession - and it's very interesting to share their knowledge and experiences."

"It's been awesome actually. A very intensive couple of weeks, with some very interesting and stimulating guests."

"It's certainly impacted on my thinking - and there a lot of new ideas kicking around inside my head."

"You see the level of intelligence and intensity with which these top coaches work, and it's quite awesome."

"It's a unique opportunity to probe and share their knowledge. There'd be no other environment in the rugby world in which you could do that. You get massive benefit from that as an individual."

"I'm on the course thanks to a scholarship from the Scottish Rugby Union - who has sent coaches previously and sees the worth of the course."

"It's cutting edge stuff and pushing the boundaries for coaching development."

"I'm coaching Edinburgh at the moment and the aim is to coach internationally. I'm like a kid in a sweet shop at the moment!!!"