England rugby star David Wilson clubs together with Guinness to help grass roots coaching

By Mark Lawford Bath and England prop David Wilson has never forgotten the rugby coaching advice that influenced him, so is always happy to spread the good news. The ideal opportunity to support grass roots rugby clubs arose when he was asked to promote Guinness Club Together – where every club in the country has the chance to play at Twickenham.

The 6ft 1in, 19-stone tighthead’s game was forged on the playing fields of Westoe RFC, South Shields, and the big Geordie has never forgotten his roots.

With 17 Test caps to his name, 25-year-old Wilson has been a regular in the top flight since the 2003-4 season.

And even though Bath had an imminent must-win Aviva Premiership clash against Harlequins, Wilson took time out from training to help coach South West League side Combe Down RFC.

It’s not every day an England player turns up at Hollys Corner and so quite a crowd gathered to see him and fellow England star Shontayne Hape in action.

David Wilson, Guinness Club Together coaching

By his own admission Wilson is not yet ready for full-time coaching but explained: "I’m not sure if it’s something I would ever want to do full time because I don’t have the skills just yet. I see myself more of a forwards’ coach than a team coach but it was great to work with Combe Down.

"Guinness Club Together is a massive thing for minor clubs. If they can get tips and advice from professional players, such as Shontayne, Lewis Moody and myself, it can only do them good.

"I remember as a youngster working with more experienced players and they seemed so good. What they brought in stuck with us and it makes a huge difference to club players not only to get up close to professionals but also have the very real prospect of playing at Twickenham."

Wilson helping coach Combe Down players

Guinness Club Together offers every club a chance to turn out at HQ ahead of the Premiership Grand Final, and Wilson added: "That’s the dream of every player. What I do when I coach them is to make sure they are enjoying the game because even if you never play at Twickenham you need to love what you are doing.

"Club Together may have a marvellous prize for the winners but there’s far more to it than playing at one stadium or one specific pitch. It’s all about playing the game as well as you can and as often as you can. That’s what I recall most from my early days.

‘‘But it is a brilliant opportunity to play at Twickenham. The first time I played there was against Argentina with 80,000 people singing the National Anthem. It was intense. But every time is special and different, the crowd are brilliant and the experience is overwhelming."

England centre Hape is also playing a key role in Guinness Club Together. He said: "This is a great campaign. I remember my first experience playing at Twickenham, it was an amazing feeling running out in front of 40,000 fans for the Baa-Baas game. It was a special moment, so hopefully a club like Combe Down RFC will get the chance to go out there and do the same."

Wilson and Hape coach Combe Down RFC as part of Guinness Club Together

Combe Down’s players clearly enjoyed their experience, leaving Hape and Wilson to concentrate on the Quins clash they must win to keep alive their hopes of making the top four and end-of-season play-offs.

"Coaching is an art," said Wilson."The best coaches will leave a mark on you for your whole playing career. I remember the advice my first ever coach gave to me and we are still in touch all these years on.

"It’s not about repeating mind-numbingly boring drills, time after time, but mixing things up and keeping it fun. That’s the same for every team, be it Westoe, Newcastle, Bath or England.

"As a player you should look forward to training and not dread it because it’s boring. Vary sessions and you’ll get the best out of your players. Stay regimented and watch those players lose interest and drift away to other clubs or even out of the game."
Bath player David Wilson coaching Combe Down RFC as part of GUINNESS Club Together. To win a training session for your club and the chance to play on the hallowed turf at Twickenham go to www.guinness-clubtogether.com.