Back to Basics, Raising the Standard – England Rugby Skills Development at Yate
- yateyouthrugby
- Sep 4, 2025
- 2 min read
At Yate Rugby, we’re passionate about growth – not just for our players, but for our coaches too. That’s why we were so proud to recently host the England Rugby U14–U18 Skills Development Programme: Catch & Pass.
And what a turnout it was! Coaches from several local clubs came together for this session, focused on one of the most fundamental (yet often overlooked) skills in rugby: the ability to catch and pass under pressure.

Why Catch & Pass Matters
It sounds simple, but getting the basics right is what raises the standard of the game. The course explored how to use the game zone/skill zone model to introduce, develop, and stretch players’ abilities. It reminded everyone that sometimes taking a step back to refresh on the core skills is exactly what’s needed to push standards forward.
Learning for Coaches and Players

This wasn’t just about coaches. A number of our own U14 players joined the session to support the England Rugby development coach. For two hours, they were put through their paces and came away with new skills, sharper technique, and huge smiles.
The best part? Our coaches – with years of experience between them – also came away with fresh tips, new tricks, and a renewed energy to take their teams to the next level. It just goes to show that rugby is a game where learning never stops.
Investing in People, Thanks to Our Sponsors
At Yate Rugby Academy, our mission is clear: we develop players AND coaches. For this event, we funded five of our coaches to attend the course – and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of our sponsors:
Every penny raised for the Academy goes straight back into coach and player development. With their backing, we’re building a stronger, more skilled, and more confident rugby community.
If you are interesting in sponsoring the academy and supporting community development for please use the link below:

What’s Next?
This was just the start. Throughout the season, we’ll be looking to bring more opportunities like this to Yate Rugby – opportunities that benefit not only our own club, but the wider rugby family in South Gloucestershire.
We’re proud of what we’re building here. With passionate coaches, dedicated players, and the support of our sponsors, the future at Yate Rugby looks brighter than ever.
Visit Us Online
Don’t miss out on all the latest updates and events – head over to our Yate Rugby website and see how you can get involved. Whether you’re a player, a fan, or just someone who wants to be part of something amazing, Yate Rugby has a place for you!
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Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter for Yate Rugby. Let’s keep pushing forward – with pride, positivity, and progression! Visit Yate Rugby Website today!









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