I like playing open, fast and attractive rugby

What is your playing background and how did you get into coaching rugby?

- Steve Hill

I come from a big rugby family with three brothers and a dad who coached. I went to Harlequins when I left school, then signed for Newbury in 96, and later played at Henley. I coached whenever I was injured (which was often!) so fell into it quite early on.

Who have you previously coached and how did you arrive at your current role?

I initially helped coach the Royal Artillery team back in early 2000s. I then coached within the Army Rugby Union, with the Under-23s and A XV. Having won three Championships as head coach of the Royal Artillery 2017-20, I was appointed DoR at Army Academy in 2021 before becoming head coach of the senior XV in 2023. In civilian rugby, I coached at Eastleigh RFC and now at with Tiffinians RFC in Hampshire. I have also coached my Surrey U16s RFC for the past 10 years at mini and junior level.

What is your profession outside of coaching rugby?

I commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1996 and have been employed in many roles over the last 26 years, at Regimental duty, training regiments and at staff roles. This has varied to living and coordinating large artillery pieces, deploying Ground-Based Air Defence Missile systems around the world, training and mentoring the Afghan National Army or delivering state support to His Majesty’s Coronation!

How would you describe your style of coaching?

Generally pretty relaxed. I like to play open, fast and attractive rugby where possi ble for the players to own their individual game. I enjoy the analysis side of things and looking at different ways to challenge opposing teams.