An investigation into the talent development knowledge and practice of a rugby high-performance coaching team

The purpose of this study was to investigate Talent Development environments (TDE) within the transition stage of professional rugby. The aim was to explore the knowledge and application of best practice concepts by the coaching teams that work specifically with Academy players to facilitate transition to the first team playing squads. A focus group was established in order to explore TDEs more fully following a series of talent development workshops delivered by the authors, that presented a range of recognised academic theories and concepts. Data were collected and analysed thematically. Findings suggest that those currently working in professional rugby’s talent development transition stage have a series of ‘gaps’ in their theory to practice which are limiting the successful creation and operation of the most conducive TDE for their players. These especially relate to the generated themes of organisational connectivity, philosophical alignment, psycho-social nurturing, workforce development, and legacy building. The paper concludes by recognising the fundamental role that education and training has in any aspiration to create effective TDEs. It also recognises the over-arching responsibility the Academy Manager has in how best to proceed and fill the gaps, not just within this transition stage but throughout the talent pathway