Be More Rugby Podcast

Professor Adam’s research and teaching has helped Rugby players and sports professionals to succeed on and off the field. He talks about coping with stress in Rugby and how it can be a positive, if managed and understood correctly. He explained how Rugby has taught him that when he feels he is exhausted, he can always find that bit more to get over the line. He also says that creating a culture of support and positivity will help all people feel they can overcome mistakes and achieve. Jay wishes he had more time and James tries to understand something intelligent.

James (Willow) Williams explains how he used the negative comments from the media to drive him to keep going and become even better. He tells us about his respect for those that have gone before that have helped him so much and how he wants to give the same back to the youngsters coming after him. As a Captain, he explains he’s an emotional leader who doesn’t see himself as better then his teammates, he just sees what needs to be done and says it how it is. All this with a peperoni pizza and a smile.

Ben Simpson talks about his decision to become a professional Referee and how it has helped him develop skills and tools he uses on and off the field. He reminds us that the Ref is a vital member of the Rugby family and that there is no Game without them. He speaks about the training, dedication and hard work he has to put into being a great Referee and encourages more people of all ages to consider following in his path, for the sakes of the Game. Jay is delusional about how many tries he has scored, and James feels old, yet again.

Mike Ford talks about his determination to become a professional and how his son George Ford and Owen Farrell’s time in League gave them an advantage in playing Union. He shares his feelings when he got his first coaching position and how he learned more from his failures than his successes. He explains how he wants to continually develop himself and those around him and that as a coach your ultimate goal is to make yourself redundant. He hopes that if you take anything from Rugby, it is the enjoyment of friends, camaraderie, positivity and to be your best. He talks about how he is consulting with corporations in leadership and management through his website www.mikefordpc.co.uk. Jay shows off his new tan and, it seems, James didn’t get the invite to Spain.

Shelley Hamblin shares her experience of playing at Twickenham. How her second rower mentality makes her a good teacher and coach. She discusses how to concentrate on the little wins and let the score line take care of itself. She talks about how Rugby welcomed her in at Uni and the talent that she trialled with for England students. And Smax was back as a stand in for Jay who unfortunately couldn’t be on the pod.