In this episode of The Athlete Welfare Podcast, I recorded episode #044 with Damian McGrath, the current Head Coach of Germany Rugby 7s. 

Previously Damian has also been involved at Rugby Canada, Samoa Rugby Union, England Rugby, England Rugby 7s, Great British Sevens, WRU, Huddersfield Giants, Spanish Rugby, Leicester Tigers, The Rugby Football League, London Broncos, Leeds Rhinos, and Batley Bulldogs.

With this wealth of knowledge, expertise, and experiences, myself and Damian delved into some very interesting points. 

Damian made consistent references to positivity within an environment that accepts the ability to try new things, as long as these attempts can be justified, where vulnerability and resilience are implemented vastly, where all staff and athletes are challenged in the correct way, and when trust = comfort = interactions = positive welfare. 

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about Damian's experiences as a teacher and how his own experiences as a student, have impacted his philosophy and approach to teaching, and in turn his technique adopted into coaching. 

It is clear that for Damian, that he focuses on the interactions, connections, and the journey more than anything else. 
This is recognised by the definite factor that Damian will talk positively to every player before training, on a 1-1 basis. 

It was also quite refreshing to hear that Damian has been referred to as a father-figure, particularly when Damian openly demonstrates an intrinsic connection to the way that he his as a father, and the way that he coaches. Damian ensures that he looks after everyone, as his own. 

Lastly, to ask Damian what his understanding of Athlete Welfare is, and to hear that there is no such thing as just Athlete Welfare, is inspirational. As, Damian defines that he secures Welfare for everyone involved within the environment, as everyone has a major part to play on the field. He stated that to develop the environments off the field, as well as welfare, pays major diligence to that of the performance on the pitch. 

This really sets the tone for this incredible conversation.

I hope you all enjoy todays conversation,


The Athlete Welfare Podcast x Fin Kelly