North Midlands RFU and Birmingham Newman University Join Forces to Support Grassroots Rugby Coaching
Birmingham Newman University has strengthened its commitment to community engagement and coach development by hosting a landmark rugby coaching event in collaboration with the North Midlands RFU.
As part of the University’s growing Coaching Outreach Programme, led by Dr Alex Powell, rugby coaches from across the region were invited onto campus to learn from two world-class practitioners, including former England international fly-half and coach Les Cusworth and previous England Elite Pathway Coach Russell Earnshaw.
World-class insight, local impact
The visiting practitioners delivered high-level, experience-based sessions that explored how to link grassroots rugby with high-performance environments, offering coaches practical tools and fresh perspectives they could immediately apply within their own clubs.
Les Cusworth drew on his unique 360° rugby journey – from England international and England Sevens World Cup–winning coach to Director of Rugby for Argentina – to share deep insight into how sustainable systems, clear pathways and club-led development can transform a rugby landscape.
Coaches in attendance left with:
- Clear, take-home messages to implement in their clubs
- New ways of thinking about player and coach development
- A greater understanding of how to build strong environments, not just strong teams
Supporting the local coaching community
The event forms part of Birmingham Newman University’s ongoing commitment to act as a genuine resource for the local rugby community, opening its doors, expertise and facilities to coaches across the North Midlands.
Dr Alex Powell, who leads the outreach programme, emphasised the importance of this work in supporting and sustaining the game locally, from mini and junior sections through to senior rugby. By providing access to world-class practitioners and evidence-informed practice, the University aims to help clubs grow, retain and develop both players and coaches.
A valuable learning experience for Birmingham Newman students
The collaboration also provided a rich learning opportunity for Birmingham Newman students, who attended the sessions alongside community coaches.
Students were able to:
- Observe elite-level coaching philosophies in action
- Engage in discussion with practitioners and local coaches
- See how theory from their degree programmes translates into real-world practice
This dual benefit – supporting the community while enhancing the student experience sits at the heart of Birmingham Newman University’s mission.
Looking ahead
The success of this event marks an exciting step in the North Midlands RFU–Birmingham Newman University partnership. Both organisations share a clear ambition:
- To strengthen the network of coaches across the region
- To provide meaningful, ongoing CPD opportunities
- To help clubs build sustainable structures that allow players, coaches and volunteers to thrive
Further collaborative events and development opportunities are already being explored, as the University continues to position itself as a hub for rugby learning and leadership in the region.
