The new-look Youth Rugby Coaching Forum has delivered instant success, with over 67 different clubs and schools attending the program headlined by Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt.
Schmidt delivered an on-field coaching demonstration involving Year 10 students from Nudgee College, the site of the event.
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Forum founder Sean Graham was initially looking to revamp the format in 2026 after the initial three-year cycle attracted the likes of former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, current Reds coach Les Kiss and NRL legend Wayne Bennett.
However, the sudden availability of Schmidt, flanked by scrum coach Mike Cron led to a re-think.
It saw the program shift to a one-day format hosted by Stan Sport's Michael Atkinson, engaging coaches from across the country.
"After three years of running the Youth Rugby Coaches Forum, we had actually planned to take a break in 2025, before starting a new three year cycle from next year," Graham explained in a statement "Then, the emails started coming in. Grassroots coaches from across the country—dedicated to improving their craft and providing the best experience for their athletes—began asking when details for this year’s event would be released.
"Around the same time, Rugby Australia reached out: Joe Schmidt and Mike Cron were available and keen to contribute. What was I thinking?? So, I reconsidered. We adjusted the format, focusing on a one-day event for leaders of school and club programs nationwide.
"The response was incredible—150 coaches registered, selling out in weeks, with 67 schools and clubs represented."
The program's focus was geared around supporting and educating coaches whilst allowing them to share ideas with fellow rugby directors, coordinators, and lead coaches from school and club programs.
It was backed by Principal Partner Tru3y Sports and Student Horizons in order to maximise the capacity for coaches to attend from all parts of the country.
"My hope is the day provided you an opportunity to build connections, embrace fresh ideas, and strengthen the bonds that make rugby such a powerful force in our communities. Go back and share something with someone...please," Graham said.
"My highlight was chatting with wonderful people like Sally Johnston from Downs Rugby and Tess Cullen from Warwick who are absolutely driven to do whatever it takes to move our game forward in regional areas. Keep doing what you're doing- we appreciate you."
