Coaching Laid Bare Episode Ten with Sophie Bennett

Liza “Bird” Burgess and LJ Lewis discuss a round of questions about the practicalities of the game. In this episode, they are with Sophie Bennett, the Bath team manager.

Sophie, having played and coached rugby herself, she was the WRU National Programme Co-ordinator. This role included team management of Wales U16s boys, Wales Women (XVs and 7s) and Cardiff Blues age groups. She was also team manager of Great Britain 7s.

Here are the questions posed to Sophie:

1. Can you give us a little detail on how you moved from coaching into the WRU Women’s Manager role?
2. What led to you getting the team manager role with Bath Rugby?
3. What would you say is the most challenging part of your role as team manager?
4. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self? (When you were coaching?)
5. Did you think you would make a career in men’s professional rugby? Have you faced any obstacles?
6. How do you manage family life with your full-time career as team manager for Bath Rugby?
7. What advice would you give to young females wanting to pursue either a playing, coaching or managerial role in rugby?