Team culture and the club's growth are key

Steve Hill puts the questions to Ryan Kirby, head coach at Bowdon RUFC Regional Two North West (Level 6)

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What is your rugby playing background?

I started my rugby journey at Flint RFC in North Wales before moving to Mold RFC. I then moved to London to join the London Wasps Academy.

In my first year, I was a regular starter for the academy side, and in my second year, I was honoured to be named captain.

During my time at Wasps, I also had the opportunity to represent the Welsh Exiles and play for Amersham and Chiltern while they competed in National 2. I returned to North Wales to play for RGC 1404, before finishing my playing days back at my home club, Mold RFC.

How did you get into coaching and what has been the journey to your current role?

When I first moved back home from London, I gained a telecoms communication apprenticeship while playing for RGC. Once I completed my apprenticeship, I applied for coaching roles and was offered a position as an assistant coach at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy in Wiltshire. That is where I really learned my trade, working under Lewis Moody and his company, MadDog Sport. After a year as assistant coach, I stepped into the role of head of rugby at the school.

What is your profession outside of coaching rugby?

I am head of sport at Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay.

What is your style of coaching and how has it been shaped by your playing/coaching experiences?

I've been lucky to have had some excellent coaches during my playing career.