Former Richmond director of rugby Steve Hill puts the questions to Jack Heald, below, the director of rugby at Barnes RFC
Why did you get into coaching rugby and how did you arrive at your current position?
In 2007/08 I was lucky enough to sail around the world. During this time I met my wife and moved to London. The decision I had to make was to either sail as a profession or try and make my way as a rugby coach. I chose the latter – although I do wonder why sometimes…
What is your profession outside of coaching rugby?
Rugby is full time for me. I run a small coaching business where we supply coaches into clubs and school to help them with their coaching provision and player/coach development. Along with family commitments I’ve not much time for another job.
How would you describe your style of coaching?
Authentic – as I’ve grown over the years my experiences have changed me. I feel delivering in a style that comes naturally to me is something I can be consistent with and I hope the players I work with see that within my coaching.
What do you find the most challenging aspects of coaching?
The players – trying to maintain a happy squad where all players feel valued and also get the playing opportunities they think they deserve. This is not an easy balance.
How do you measure your success as a coach?
Retention year on year of my squad. I seek to ensure the players want to come to train and play week in week out and fundamentally have fun. It should not feel like work to them.
The winters are very long, dark and wet.
Has anyone been a mentor on your coaching journey?
Someone who helped me was David Williams who I spent a year or two working very closely with.
His detail and delivery to players was something I always admired. Other mentors I enjoy talking with would include: Tony Robinson, Neal Hatley, Mark Matzopoulos and my club president Michael Whitfield. These are all people I can turn to when I need to sound out ideas/problems.
What would you count as your most significant coaching achievement?
Currently my role at Barnes RFC is hugely satisfying. We’ve grown from being a yoyo National 2/3 club to now being a sustainable National 2 outfit who compete at the top of table. Given our resources I am very proud of where we currently are.
Name a player who you have really enjoyed coaching/developing and why?
This would have to be Josh Davies, current club captain at Barnes. He’s someone who’s been with me since 2018 at Barnes and who has been through a lot. Now a dad, a leader and a great all round human.
What is your process for evaluating and providing feedback to your players?
Being as honest as possible. I let players know where they stand in the pecking order
