The coach as cultural architect: an exploration into the knowledge, skills and behaviours of elite rugby union coaches

Background: This paper provides original insights into the knowledge, skills and behaviours of elite rugby union coaches. The purpose of this paper was to critically explore how elite, international rugby union coaches deal with the principal issues and dilemmas that arise within their coaching practice. More specifically, it examines the key characteristics of elite, international rugby coaches and how they help develop individual and team performance through their own coaching ‘craft’. Methodology: In adopting a qualitative research methodology, data were collected through semi-structured interviews (n = 7). This type of interview gathered rich, detailed and complex accounts of coaches’ perceptions of the complexities of coaching in elite rugby union. Inductive data analysis procedures were broadly used to examine and categorise the data gathered from the semi-structured interviews. Findings/Discussion: Three overarching themes were constructed: (1) social competencies of elite coaches, (2) the pedagogical competencies of elite coaches, and (3) culturally perceived competencies of elite coaching practice, which examine the micro-oriented ways in which these coaches use their social, pedagogical and cultural competencies. The utility of the findings highlights the importance of considering socio-pedagogical and cultural dimensions of coaching, which are crucial for developing effective coach education programmes and fostering environments where athletes and coaches can thrive. Such an approach is essential if research addressing such nuanced coaching practices is to have a meaningful impact outside of higher education curriculum. Conclusion: By examining the micro-oriented ways in which elite rugby union coaches use their socio-pedagogical and cultural competencies, this research contributes to the broader discourse on professional education and lifelong learning of coaches. For us, such an approach is essential if research addressing the social, pedagogical, and cultural competencies of coaching practice is to have a meaningful impact beyond academic environments [Edwards, C. N., and P. Potrac. 2024. ‘Combining crystallisation and creative non-fiction to develop new insights on the politically astute use of humour in sports coaching’. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health 17 (2): 93–107. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2024.2411979.].