Rugby Coaching Blog | Professional Rugby Advice & Coaching

David Melville runs a team building business.

He knows a thing or two about building a team and a winning team at that. He pulled together a disparate group to come third in 2004 / 05 Global Challenge Yacht Race. This race is a truly unique event: 12 yachts, with 17 amateurs and one professional skipper compete to be the first to sail around the world against the prevailing winds and currents. There is nothing that the sponsor can place onboard to make the boats go faster – this 9 month experience is a fascinating test of leadership and teamwork.

I interviewed him yesterday for an article in the International Rugby Technical Journal. In light of the Lions team building experiences, he has a lot to say on what really works for sports teams. It could change the way you think about your coaching.

One snippet worth considering: how do you react to criticism? In a 360 review, jargon for an open feedback session where players and coaches can “appraise” each other, the coaches often find the process even more demotivating than the players!

Have a look at his website for some of the stories of how he built his team.