Today we’re joined by Bernie Upton — former professional rugby player and high-performance coach — as he breaks down his 4-step model for assessing and evaluating lineouts.Bernie shares insights from over a decade playing with Bay of Plenty, the Chiefs, the Hurricanes, Connacht, and Toshiba, learning from top coaches like Joe Schmidt, Vern Cotter, Warren Gatland, and Ian Foster. Since moving into coaching, he’s developed a reputation for building smarter lineout systems, clear processes, and accountable, high-performing teams.In this session, Bernie walks us through:How to assess your lineout strengths and weaknessesThe 4-step framework he uses to evaluate lineouts at elite levelHow to turn lineout analysis into real performance improvementsPractical insights coaches can use to create clarity and accountability in their own teamsIf you coach rugby, analyze performance, or just want to understand how elite teams evaluate and improve lineouts, this video is packed with high-value coaching gold.Timestamps:0:00 – Introduction2:15 – Bernie’s playing career & learning from top coaches6:30 – What makes a lineout successful at pro level12:45 – The 4-step lineout evaluation model22:00 – How to identify weaknesses and improve performance30:10 – Key takeaways for coachesDon’t forget to subscribe for more insights from top coaches and rugby performance experts!===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur 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.

What can club rugby coaches learn from a 2× World Cup–winning coach?In this episode of The Rugby Institute, we sit down with Wesley Clarke, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, to break down the coaching principles that actually transfer to the club game.This is not theory-heavy coach education. It’s a practical conversation about what works on the training field, in the changing room, and on game day — especially when resources are limited and players are balancing rugby with real life.We cover:How to coach defense and tackle technique safely and effectively at club levelWhat “edge” really means — and how to create it without losing your playersBuilding culture and standards that players buy intoCoaching dominant contact without chasing tackle statsAdapting elite ideas so they work with club athletes, not professionalsWhy environment matters more than systemsCommon mistakes club coaches make — and how to fix themWesley shares honest stories from his coaching journey, including being fired early in his career, learning from elite mentors, and why simple, well-coached basics outperform complex game plans at club level.If you coach club rugby, school rugby, or community teams — and you want ideas you can apply this week, this episode is for you.===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur 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.

In this episode of The Rugby Institute, we’re joined by Dave Ellis, one of the most experienced and respected rugby skills coaches in the game.With over 30 years in rugby, Dave has coached skill across every level — from grassroots and coach education to professional environments including Connacht Rugby, the Blues, and Bristol Bears in the English Premiership.Dave’s work focuses on helping players and coaches better understand what real rugby skill is, how it develops, and how to design training that actually transfers to the game. His global coaching journey and deep understanding of skill learning have made him a go-to resource for coaches around the world.Whether you’re a coach looking to improve your session design or a player wanting to develop game-ready skill, this conversation offers valuable insight from someone who’s spent a lifetime studying and coaching rugby skill.===========================Connect with us! =============================Tik Tok: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteInstagram: ➡︎ @rugbyinstituteX: ➡︎ @RugbyInst===========================#therugbyinstitute #rugbycoaching #defencedrills #pasingdrillsOur 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.