Russell Earnshaw

Russell is a former professional rugby player having played at West Hartlepool, Bath Rugby, Rotherham, Worcester & Doncaster. Before turning professional Russell won two Varsity matches whilst studying at Cambridge University, and also represented the Barbarians. Russell was selected for the 1998 Commonwealth Games England 7s squad in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the 2001 England 7s squad for the World Series. Whilst at Doncaster, Russell helped coach the team, but then joined the Pertemps Bees for the 2007/2008 season as player/forwards coach. Russell then became head coach of Birmingham and Solihull and assistant coach of the England 7's team between 2007-2013, winning several tournaments on the World 7s Series, including back-to-back Dubai 7s titles in 2011 & 2012, the 2009 London 7s, and a silver medal at the 2013 Rugby 7s World Cup. Russell coached the GB Students 7s side to a World University Championship in 2012 before joining Eastbourne College, as an Economics teacher between 2013-2015. In 2015 Russell rejoined the RFU as one of England Rugby’s U18 coaches alongside John Fletcher and Peter Walton. Russell is a Level 4 RFU coach, Coach Developer, Coach Educator and Level 4 mentor. After a hugely successful three years as an England Rugby age grade pathway coach Russell co-founded the sport coach development company, Magic Academy, with John Fletcher.

Topics discussed: background & influences; values and beliefs; career path and proud moments in career so far; the importance of connections and relationships; helping players/coaches overcome challenges; how he helped developed the team and character whilst England Rugby U18 coach; the importance of being adaptable as a player; advice to young players to being adaptable and be better players; rugby future and importance in player development; learning curves he has had in his career; how he prioritises and be so creative; opinion on the current England Rugby pathway system; view on Laws of the game; and future goals.