Summary:
In this episode, we interview Lesley McKenzie, the head coach of Japan’s women’s rugby team. Lesley shares insights from her coaching journey, her experiences working with the Japan team, and what she hopes to bring to her upcoming presentation at the USA Coaches Summit.

Link to register is below:
https://therugbysitelocker.com/us-n

Meeting Purpose:
We discuss Lesley’s coaching experiences, her philosophy, and the challenges she faces coaching in Japan, as well as a preview of her upcoming appearance at the USA Coaches Summit at St. Mary’s College.

Key Takeaways:
• Japan’s women’s rugby team has unique challenges, including a small player pool of only 300 senior players.
• Communication is key for Lesley, especially with language barriers, and she believes in simplifying instructions to focus on core ideas.
• The women’s international rugby landscape is evolving quickly, with more teams professionalizing and improving rapidly.

Topics Covered:

1. Lesley’s Rugby Background:
• Started playing rugby at the University of British Columbia after exploring other sports.
• Played for Canada’s national team, including two Rugby World Cups (2006 and 2010).
• Transitioned to coaching through volunteer opportunities and worked in rugby development roles in New Zealand before becoming Japan’s head coach in 2019.
2. Coaching Philosophy:
• Advocates for continuous learning and a growth mindset for both coaches and players.
• Emphasizes clear and simple communication, especially when overcoming language barriers in Japan.
• Breaks down complex rugby concepts into actionable steps that players can easily follow.
3. Japan Women’s Rugby Program:
• Japan has a relatively small player base of around 300 senior women players, compared to tens of thousands in top rugby nations.
• The team has been evolving since the 2022 World Cup, focusing on set-piece improvements and integrating young talent.
• McKenzie and her team are aiming for a strong showing at the 2025 Rugby World Cup with a goal of reaching the quarterfinals.
4. Women’s International Rugby Landscape:
• There has been a rapid rise in the professionalism and resources allocated to women’s rugby, especially in leading nations like England.
• This growing competitiveness poses challenges for smaller nations like Japan, but also creates opportunities for exciting rugby innovations, including faster-paced play styles.
5. Advice for Coaches:
• Don’t feel overwhelmed by the flood of information; focus on the lessons that resonate most with your own coaching style.
• Keep messaging simple and direct to avoid overcomplicating instructions.
• Stay confident in your coaching abilities while remaining open to new ideas and continuous learning.
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