Originally set for launch in mid-2020, the Positive Rugby Foundation have made several alterations to the platform’s format to allow it to effectively assist rugby players at all levels during this period of isolation.
This week we're looking at the responses from our UNSW elite athletes' clubs and organisations during this lockdown period. Today we have this story about a fantastic online coaching resource from our community partner, the NSW Waratahs, which is also home to UNSW students Ned Hanigan, James Ramm and Triston Reilly.
A widely accessible online coaching resource – the Positive Coaching Platform – will be in the hands of school and club players from Bourke to Ballina, providing access to practice methods and advice from some of the best coaching minds in the game.
A range of coaching sessions, strength and conditioning and tactical tips will be available on the go, anytime courtesy of a newly designed smartphone app.
The app is designed to support coaches within a team environment, but has been altered in this first release to provide drills that can be completed individually or in isolation with family.
The NSW Positive Rugby Foundation have partnered with Ignite Rugby, developed by Rod Kafer and Wallabies Skills Coach, Mick Byrne to make this project a reality for coaches and players across all age groups and abilities.
The Positive Coaching Platform will be available via the Ignite Rugby app.
Head of the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation, Greg Mumm said the original planning and the subsequent change of format due to COVID-19 had been the result of contributions from across the organisation.
“Whilst the initiative has been funded by the Positive Rugby Foundation and through our members, it’s a great collaboration between all parts of NSW Rugby, particularly our Coach Education and High Performance departments,” Mumm said.
“We have adapted the original product to focus more on players until teams are allowed to train again, at which stage we will release the full coaching app as planned.
“I’d like to thank our partners Ignite Rugby, who have been amazing in getting this development done in a short time to support rugby communities across the state.”
NSWRU Head of Schools Rugby, Andrew Hill said the launch was about keeping players engaged with rugby whilst outside of their school or club environments.
“It was important for us to change the direction [of the app] given the situation rugby and the wider community is in, and get something into the hands of players so they can continue to stay connected to the game,” Hill said.
“The platform gives them something they can do at home, while they are currently missing the great connections that rugby provides.
“The platform – both the coaches and players versions – have been designed to give consistent skill and coaching information in one place. We’ve made sure all the key coaching ideals and focus points are aligned so that everyone is working towards the same outcomes.”
“Our rugby community will have access to hundreds of skills, drills and games which is a massive step in building players understanding of the game.
“Through the Positive Coaching Platform we’re able to provide consistent, quality coaching year-on-year no matter what school or club someone might play for – the positive influence that can have on our development pathways is mind blowing.”
To access Positive Coaching Platform head to igniterugby.com to register as a player and then head to the app store to download the Ignite Rugby app.
Step-by-step guide to access the Positive Coaching Platform:
Apple – Ignite Rugby -https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ignite-rugby/id1450847972
Android – Ignite Rugby-https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.igniterugby.mobilefirst.igniterugby&hl=en_AU
*ANDROID USERS once downloaded PICK COUNTRY AS EUROPE OR NORTH AMERICA
This story originally appeared on the NSW Waratahs website