Our latest Coach Profile is on Steve Lawrie, who is the 1st XV Forwards and Defence Coach at Heriots Rugby, and also coaches at George Watsons College in Edinburgh.

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A full international cap was gained following a long battle with injury[/caption]

During the day, Steve is a professional rugby player and has represented his country at all levels, culminating in a full international cap in the summer of 2013.

Heriots are currently fighting it out at the top of the Scottish Premiership for the league title, and also to secure a place in next years British & Irish Cup.

Steve has been coaching for 10 years in schools during his time as a professional player and has been with Heriots for the last 2 seasons.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE UP COACHING?

Prior to turning pro, I studied Physical Education at Edinburgh University, and have always taken an interest in coaching. Whilst playing, I have always analysed my own coaches; whether that be the coaching styles they used and their content; man management strategies; or match tactics. All of this has had a huge influence on my own coaching style, by integrating what I thought was best into my own personality and philosophy.

MOST ADMIRED COACH

England World Cup winning coach Andy Robinson had a huge influence on both my coaching and playing career. Everything he coached made sense and was directly related to the game, rather than other coaches who have delivered non-specific ‘drills’.

He also created a very positive learning environment that I hadn’t previously experienced.

I’M A SATISFIED COACH WHEN…

Players train and perform to their optimum level. You also can’t overlook the relationships you build with players and other staff. It is of course also very satisfying when you win!

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Steve gives some vital pointers prior to a recent win for Heriots[/caption]

TOP TIP

Immerse yourself in either coaching or teaching. I believe the two are exactly the same, and the only way to improve as a coach or teacher is to be constantly planning, delivering, reviewing and adapting in as many different environments as possible.

ALL TIME FAVOURITE SPORTING MOMENT

I always remember being awake in the middle of the night to watch the incredible scenes as Sir Steve Redgrave won his 5th consecutive gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

BENEFITS OF COACH LOGIC

Coach Logic is great as it allows me to easily keep in contact with the team when they are away from training and playing. The Video Room allows myself and the players to reflect on our performance, allowing us to continually develop as a group and individuals. I can also keep up to date with other off field aspects such as Strength and Conditioning and injury management.

WORKING AS A TEAM

The group of coaches and support staff I work with helps me to develop as a coach through open discussion and constructive conflict. In addition to this, through trusting one another we are able to reduce the amount of pressure on each of us.

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT

As a player, battling back from a serious knee injury through a long period of rehab to gain my Scotland Cap is definitely a stand out achievement for me.

Thanks very much to Steve for his insights.

If you would like to be featured, or know someone who would, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch – andy@coach-logic.com.