Russell is a carpet layer by trade and a rugby and touch coach in his spare time. He sees coaching as a great way to help upskill his community and offer a positive environment for young people to get better each day – in sport and in life. 

Tell us about your coaching career to date. 

I have coached rugby and touch teams for the past five years. I currently coach three teams – a Westlake Girls High School rugby team, a senior women’s team for Massey Kumeu at club level and a North Harbour Under 18 girls’ representative team.  

I started coaching when my kids started playing. I still get on the field myself when someone is sick or injured, but my focus is on our community space. 

My past and present coaches inspire me to do what I do. It’s also a great opportunity to help upskill kids in our community and offer them a positive and fun way to compete with each other and be better each day in their sport and in life.  

What do you think it takes to be an effective coach? 

To be an effective coach you need to be punctual, clear on what you want from your team, open to players’ input and able to build culture and connections. 

I’m lucky to have plenty of support from the clubs and union I coach for. I make sure I upskill regularly via online courses, and I’m in touch with the club and union to see what’s next and how I can do more for my team. 

What do you get out of coaching? 

I enjoy the sense of guidance coaching gives me. There are lightbulb moments that are so humbling I call them marshmallow moments - for me and the players! 

How do you make a difference in the lives of the people you coach? 

I’ve experienced a couple of really positive but emotional moments with kids and their parents. One of the best pieces of advice I got was from a school – ‘earn their trust and you will receive maximum effort from your athletes’. At the end of the day, it’s all about culture and connection. We become family when we get that correct. 

What’s your favourite coaching experience to date? 

When parents ask if I’m coming back next year. Then I know I’ve done my job as a coach both on and off the field. It’s the best feeling ever. 

Tell us more about what you do outside of being a volunteer coach? 

I’ve been laying carpets for 22 years. When I’m not working, I spend time with my family who also play sport. So, if I’m not coaching, I’m supporting them! My wife Telisa manages our kids’ teams, so it’s a real family gig. And off-season we all play touch. 

“When parents ask if I’m coming back next year. Then I know I’ve done my job as a coach both on and off the field. It’s the best feeling ever.”