Coach the Coaches Series - Matt Ferguson (Transition Coach - Harlequins RFC)

Session Objectives

• Understand the Importance of the Breakdown in the Modern Game

• Recognise how breakdown efficiency directly influences possession, momentum, field position, and game control.

• Identify Where and When Breakdown Excellence Is Required

• Determine the appropriate breakdown speed required in different game contexts (e.g. exit, red zone, counterattack).

• Clarify Player Roles and Responsibilities at the Breakdown

• Identify which players must consistently contribute to breakdown effectiveness and how roles vary by position and phase.

• Understand how non-forwards (e.g. backs, back three) influence breakdown outcomes in modern rugby.

• Coach and Improve Breakdown Performance

• Apply coaching strategies, cues, and practice designs to improve breakdown decision-making, technique, and urgency.

• Design representative training activities that target breakdown behaviours and transfer effectively to match play.

Matt Ferguson Bio

Matt Ferguson is the Transition Coach at Harlequins, where he supports the progression of academy and developing players into the senior professional environment, aligning pathway, loan, and first-team performance.

Matt brings extensive experience from the elite game, having spent seven seasons at Northampton Saints, contributing to Premiership success and the development of international-level players. He has also worked within the international pathway as Forwards Coach for England A, alongside previous roles with the England Women’s programme.

Highly regarded for his clarity, detail, and player-centred approach, Matt specialises in developing forwards, set-piece efficiency, and supporting players through key transition phases in their careers.