This research focused on five volunteer rugby union coaches with long-term experience living and coaching in regional Queensland. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, the researcher explored how these coaches' lived experiences have informed their coaching philosophies, practices and development. Five convergent superordinate themes were identified from the data: 1) the formative development of personal qualities conducive to coaching; 2) the significance of sport to their lives; 3) the uniqueness of rugby union; 4) effective coaching pedagogies; and 5) the challenges and rewards of coaching rugby union in regional areas. This research proposes several recommendations to further support volunteer coaches and improve outcomes for their regional communities, their sport's governing bodies, their players and the coaches themselves.

Project Owner: University of Southern Queensland
Year commenced: 2016
Year completed: 2022
Status: Completed
Project ID: ID-230112-3313