From rewarding grassroots volunteers through its Volunteer Recognition Programme, to supporting England’s Senior and Age Grade teams, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is committed to supporting English rugby at all levels.
With the grassroots season finished and the nation on lockdown, coaches have time to take stock, research, develop and plan for the future. At this difficult time, Mitsubishi Motors continues to inspire coaches and other volunteers up and down the country so they are best placed to support their players off the field and ready to put them through their paces when they return to action.
With this in mind England Rugby’s proud Performance Partner Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has teamed up with England Rugby Head Coach Eddie Jones to surprise five volunteer rugby coaches with a coaching development masterclass to remember.
Tuning in from Japan via Zoom, Eddie spoke with the coaches about how their teams are faring during lockdown and discussed strategies for keeping players engaged in the current climate. Eddie also provided unique insight on what makes a good leader, citing the three key characteristics as knowledge of your team and sport; strong management skills of staff and players; and being the most enthusiastic person in your club. Eddie also recommended on-field drills for coaches to take away, ready to use when they can get back out on the field.
Commenting on the webinar, Eddie Jones said:
“It was an absolute pleasure having the chance to drop in on the five coaches and chat with them about their current coaching situation and provide some tips on how they can manage their teams at the moment. Volunteer coaches form the backbone of rugby in England, and any opportunity we have to give back to the rugby family should be welcomed. Thanks to Mitsubishi for organising the webinar and for the ongoing support they provide to the volunteer community.”
Jim Taylor, volunteer Assistant Coach at Haywards Heath RFC who attended the webinar, said:
“What an amazing surprise when Eddie jumped on the call – it was a special moment and the smile on my face was huge! It was a pleasure to discuss different themes around coaching, selection and tips for the current lockdown situation. Eddie is someone you can listen to all day, and with his wealth of experience, I instantly knew this would be a big learning moment. I am so grateful to Mitsubishi for inviting me on to the call.”
–ENDS–
For further information please contact Hamish Murdoch, ENGINE Sport – hamish.murdoch@enginegroup.com
The five volunteer coaches were:
- Phil Ward – Girl’s Coach, Hove & Newman College
- Jim Taylor – Assistant Coach, Haywards Heath RFC
- Maria Crowfoot – Head Coach, Loughborough Students Women’s
- Major Gemma Stonebridge-Smith – Head Coach, Army Rugby Union Women’s
- Marcus Cattell – Head Coach, Bishop’s Stortford RFC 1st XV
ABOUT MITSUBISHI MOTORS
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, with particular expertise in SUVs, pickup trucks, electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Since producing its first car more than a century ago, it has demonstrated an ambitious and often disruptive approach by developing new vehicle genres and pioneering cutting-edge technologies. Mitsubishi Motors’ brand strategy is expressed in its “Drive your Ambition” tagline, reflecting the personal drive and forward-looking attitude of the brand and its customers, underpinned by its continuous investment in innovative new technologies as well as attractive and authentic new vehicles for ambitious drivers all around the world.