My approach is player-centered & purpose-driven

Steve Hill talks to Paul Vinicombe, below, the head coach at Cleve RFC in Counties 1 Tribute Western North (Level 7)

- 

What is your playing background?

I joined Cleve RFC age nine before progressing to Filton College, where I combined full time education and college rugby with colts rugby at Cleve. I represented Gloucestershire U18, Southwest U19, Somerset U20, and eventually the Gloucestershire senior XV. I went on to make 125 appearances for Cleve 1st XV.

Why did you get into coaching rugby and what was your journey to arrive at your current position?

I started coaching at 21, still playing. With Dan Cox and Aaron Sealey-Grant we reformed Cleve's colts team. I then coached Chipping Sodbury Ladies for a season and have also spent the last eight years working with the Bristol Bears Academy DPP. Injury led me to being Cleve 1st XV forwards coach and for the last three years head coach.

What is your profession outside of coaching rugby?

I work as a project manager at PowerX, a UK-based tech company that uses data science to help companies intelligently manage and improve the performance of their cell tower networks. We monitor, optimise and automate complex power infrastructures to cut costs, prevent problems, and use energy more efficiently.

How would you describe your style of coaching?

It is player-centred, positive, and purpose-driven. At the heart of everything I do is a “players first” approach. I coach with the mindset that if people enjoy what they're doing, feel part of something, and are supported to improve, they'll thrive. I focus on creating an engaging environment where players are encouraged to express themselves, take ownership of their development, and feel confident making decisions on and off the field.

What do you find the most challenging aspects of coaching?