Welcome to Rugby Buddy - A player development program that bridges the gap between grassroots rugby and academy, so players are ready, on the radar and never overlooked

Rugby coaching for aspiring young players.

EXPLORE BELOW

Why Rugby Buddy

Affiliated with Saracens Academy

THE SOLUTION

A player development program…

Built for growth

Every player develops at a different pace. Some are ready to be challenged early. Some need a safety net after release. Some are late developers. Our program is built to support the growth of all abilities.

Built for continuity

We know the rugby pathway can be difficult. If a player is released and not quite mentally or physically ready for the next stage, they still have a place to train, improve, and be seen again by Saracens pathway coaches. Development does not stop when selection changes. 

Built to build confidence

Build core skills, good habits and life long friendships, in a less pressured setting. Be coached by current and ex professional players, plus Saracens academy players who will provide individual feedback and focus on your development plan

Built for competition

The younger groups will be able to test their skills against players from the Game Changer academy, whilst the older ones may have an opportunity to be invited to play for one of the Saracens pathway teams, and be ready for future assessment days. This is ultimately about regular exposure to higher standards.

  • - James S (parent)"

    “Charlie coached and mentored my son for many years. Charlie's calm and measured approach to coaching is very reassuring when supporting young players. I can absolutely recommend him."

  • - Louie Sinclair. Bristol Bears

    “I've learnt enormously from Charlie's experiences as a professional rugby player, helping me through tough times and challenges I have faced in my rugby life. I am grateful to have worked with him over the years.”

  • - Mark (parent)

    “Just to say thanks for this term and the handwritten note to Owen too, he was blown away by that! Classy touch. Owen’s loved it, thanks”

  • - Tom (Saracens U18)

    "I really understand how the mental side of the sport can deeply affect the physical side. Thank you for the course, the skills and the confidence you have given me."

  • - Steve (parent)

    "Charlie has a calm, understated confidence. He has been a fantastic role model and influence for our son, and we cannot thank him enough."

  • - Millar (Sale Sharks Academy)

    “I used to overthink everything but now I have so many techniques I can use to help me through those difficult moments. My self talk has improved, so if you are thinking of joining, 100% do it. It’s so worth it.”

  • - John (parent)

    "Charlie, you had a very positive impact on my son Will at a critical phase of his rugby journey - he went from 'not making it' with an academy to playing for Bath in the Premiership. I can highly recommend you to others on their journey!"

  • - Alex (ACE college)

    “I feel more confident, have more focus and clarity around training, and that mental fog has cleared. My dad has noticed a positive change in me. This is a no brainer if you're thinking of getting involved.”

  • - Ryan (parent)

    “Just a quick note to say thank you. I thought the progression from one thing to the next was excellent. The boys respond really well to you and I can see they are both developing alot”

  • - Harry (parent)

    “No doubt Charlie was his favourite coach. He said that his interventions and stoppages to discuss play or skills and the subsequent advice offered was really impactful and engaging. He felt it helped him learn something”

  • Jerry O'S (parent)

    “I just wanted to send a heartfelt thank you for the time and effort you've given to mentoring Izaac. He's told me on numerous occasions how glad he is to have done it, and it’s been clear to see the positive impact your guidance has had – not just on his game, but on his mindset too. Your insight and approach have made a real difference, and I’m incredibly grateful”

A smiling man with glasses takes a selfie next to a black jersey with the number 10 on it. The man has short hair and a beard.

Meet Charlie

As a teenager, I was told I was too small to make it. Yet I went on to have a 16-year professional career and win multiple trophies along the way. I’ve also seen ‘standout’ academy players; bigger, faster, and more naturally talented, released at the final hurdle.

If rugby has taught me one important thing, it’s that talent is only part of the picture.

What separates players is confidence under pressure, developing the habits that elite environments expect and having the right support around them at the right time.

The problem is, most young players are never shown how to develop these qualities.

That’s why I created The Rugby Buddy Player Development Program to give ambitious players the focused support, structure, and environment they need to develop properly and keep moving forward.

Everything you need to know

Structured, year-round development designed to support your child both on and off the pitch.

£88 per month

Season Overview

SEPT–JUNE

Weekly, 1 hour rugby sessions between Sept-June.

Term time only.

Mental skills workshops once per half term.

JULY&AUG

Recovery and prep for next season.

Online calls with special guests plus group monthly check in's with players - 2 calls per month.

YEARLY SUPPORT

Powered by AthleticIQ, players will have year long athletic development, nutrition education, hydration and step recording (more to be added).

TRAINING DAYS

MONDAY EVENINGS - U12 & U13 Boys (7-8pm) U15 Boys (8-9pm)
TUESDAY EVENINGS - 1:1’s (booking for Sept)
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS - U14 Boys (7-8pm), U16/17 Boys (8-9pm)

THURSDAY EVENINGS - 1:1’s (booking for Sept)

Program Highlights

Compete against your peers by earning points for your activity.

Term and end of season prizes for the most disciplined and those who show the right behaviours.

Players grouped by ability.

Following assessment, players are grouped by ability into either the Foundation Squad or Performance Squad to ensure the right level of challenge and support.

Player Feedback

Half term reports with strengths and focus areas

Gain promotion into the Performance squad and earn a new coloured shirt.

Stash

Kit available to purchase through the clubshop. Click the link in the menu above

Coaching Team:

LOCATION: Harpenden Rugby Club, AL5 2BA.

TRIAL SESSIONS AVAILABLE: New players are welcome to join a trial session before committing. *Players will be assessed according to coachability and ability.

PARENT EDUCATION: We understand how difficult this journey can be for parents, which is why, in collaboration with Saracens academy, we are developing an educational program for them too.

A development pathway for ambitious young players, aligned with Saracens Academy standards.

£88 per month

APPLY HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.

Apply here

  • For younger players U12-U14, it means preparation. It’s about learning the behaviours, standards, and technical elements that Saracens expect throughout the pathway.

    For the older players, we are aware that talent identification can be a challenge when taking into account the maturation and relative age effect of adolescent athletes. Being affiliated with Saracens Academy provides the players who were perhaps missed, under-served, or simply not physically or mentally ready at the point of pathway review, an extra layer of focused development. Think of it as a safety net when the time isn’t quite right.

    Most importantly for all players, it’s about continual enjoyment of the game.

  • From Game IQ and Athletic development, to nutrition, mental skills, and educational support for parents, everything is covered.

    Bring the right attitude and a desire to improve, and we’ll match it with the support, coaching, and feedback to help you get there. Including tracking your progress along the way.

  • A monthly direct debit of £88.

  • There is no other rugby coaching group that works in affiliation with an official Premiership academy. That means that for the younger age groups, we can prepare them for the journey ahead, knowing the exact behaviours and traits that are expected. And for the older ones, players still have a place to train, improve, and be seen again by Saracens pathway coaches. Development does not stop when selection changes.

  • In person sessions are for an hour, once per week. The rest of the program is to be done in your own time, whenever it works for you.

  • No. Every player is welcome.
    However, all players will be placed in a group that is designed for their playing ability. We know that some will be late developers, so it is about protecting what is right for them at that specific time of their development.

    Players can move between groups when the coaches feel it is the right time to do so.

  • If we haven’t worked together before, please come to a trial session and be assessed. Once you join, the coaches will then decide what group you will be part of.

  • It is unlimited numbers in each age group but players will be placed in the Foundation Group or the Performance group

  • This is definitely not another academy. It is definitely not a shortcut to the Saracens academy pathway. It is also definitely not us promising future contracts.

    However, when we feel it is required, we will arrange meetings with the Saracens pathway coaches to share updates on specific players within the Rugby Buddy player development program.

    We will provide as much support as possible to help you with the pathway. We will work with you on your IDP and come up with a plan to improve those things.

  • If you click the ‘kit’ link in the menu at the top of the website, you will be able to access the shop where you can choose what kit you’d like to buy.

    Players selected for the Performance group will have the option of buying the Black rugby shirt but please check before you buy.

Take a look at our blog page - where we answer some of your biggest challenges, as well as sharing some of the things we’ve been up to.

LATEST BLOGS

VIEW HERE >>>