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Sunday 14th June – Warwickshire XV Aside Coaching Performance Day
Big Ideas,
Real Impact.
Benefit from our curated learning approach
Pre-Course Task:
Once registered coaches will receive a short pre-course task a minimum 2 weeks prior to the event, inclusive of reflective prompts to encourage coaches to explore their understanding of the intended content prior to the session
Synthesis Tasks:
To encourage coaches to move learning from the short term memory to the long term memory, a number of synthesis activities, together with learning resources will be sent post course to encourage the recall and retention of information.
CIMSPA
All Coach Development Days are endorsed by CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for Sport & Physical Activity) carrying a weighting of 1½ a CPD point.
Attending coaches will be automatically uploaded onto the CIMSPA portal to recognise their attendance for the event (Full name and email) and offered membership if not already done so. Those not wanting to be uploaded onto the portal should make Coach Centered aware of their decision.
Meet the Coaches
Rich Whiffin
Head Coach Wales U20
Richard Whiffin is the Head Coach of Wales Under‑20s rugby union, appointed in December 2023. Armed with a UKCC Level 4 certification, he has built a reputation across the Premiership (London Irish, Gloucester) and regional rugby (Scarlets), with international experience at the Rugby World Cup and England U20 level.
Known for forging tough, tactically disciplined teams and spotting elite talent, his leadership delivered resilience during the 2024 Six Nations and 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship. Under his stewardship, Wales U20 acts as a vital bridge to regional and senior international rugby, solidifying his role as a key architect in shaping future Welsh rugby stars.
Tom Luke
Bristol Bears Women Attack & Backs Coach
Tom Luke is a professional rugby coach with a strong record of developing players and building high-performing teams. He has held senior coaching roles including Backs and Attack Coach at Doncaster Knights, Backs and Attack Coach for the BC Bears and Canada U20s, Head of Rugby at Thornbury RFC, and is currently the Backs and Attack Lead at Bristol Bears Women.
Tom is known for creating positive, ambitious environments where players are empowered to play without fear. His coaching emphasises high skill development and encourages a huge willingness to attack from anywhere.
Dai Flanagan
Attack Coach at Saracens
Dai Flanagan joins Saracens as part of the senior coaching team, bringing with him a strong reputation as one of the most progressive young coaches in Welsh rugby.
Flanagan arrives from Dragons RFC, where he served as Head Coach and was widely recognised for his commitment to developing homegrown talent and implementing an ambitious, attacking style of play. His ability to integrate academy prospects into the senior environment has been a hallmark of his coaching approach.
Prior to his time at the Dragons, Flanagan played a key role within Cardiff Rugby, contributing to one of the most productive development pathways in the professional game. Across both academy and senior settings, he has built a reputation for technical detail, clarity of message, and strong interpersonal skills.
At Saracens, Flanagan will further strengthen an already experienced coaching group, with his proven track record in player development and attacking rugby aligning closely with the club’s long-term vision. His appointment reflects both his rapid rise within the game and his potential to make a significant impact in the Premiership.