Scrum Specialists in the Community

NPC Forwards Coach Craig Dunlea is spending time out in the community game this season, joining the Community Resource Coaching team as their Scrum Specialist.

Developed off the back of the Rugby Smart Masterclass series in which Dunlea presented sessions on both scrums and lineouts, the new role has seen him getting out to a range of different club and school team trainings, looking to develop a wide range of skills amongst both players and coaches.

“The idea is that we continue to help prepare front rowers for the next level, no matter their current level.” said Dunlea.

Dunlea’s time amongst the community game will be dedicated to building on the skills and development already provided with local Scrum Factories, helping Teenage players learn and develop new skills, Senior players preparing them to jump to the next level, and upskilling community coaches so that they can deliver specialised coaching themselves.

“We want to future proof scrummaging and build up the next generation of front rowers,” Dunlea said, “so for us to be able to visit so many clubs and schools and help them out has been extremely rewarding.”

Dunlea has been out to a range of teams throughout Canterbury and it’s three sub-unions, with just this week visiting the new Horomaka Combined 1st XV, Waihora seniors, Christ’s College across all of it’s teenage grades, Christchurch Seniors and last night out in Darfield, working with both their Division 1 and 2 sides.

“It’s great to be able to call on someone like Craig and get him out amongst the community.” said Canterbury Rugby Game Development Manager Michael Sheat.

“Having Craig and our other Scrum Specialists in the community is second-to-none and allows us to continue to develop our people to be the best they can be, while promoting safety and enjoying their craft on and off the field.”