What is the Rugby Smart and Small Blacks Coaching Course about?

All coaches and assistant coaches who are involved with are required to attend either a Small Blacks (Year 1-8 / U6 - U13) or Rugby Smart (Secondary School / Senior Club) Coaching Workshop every season. NZRU Policy makes this course compulsory for all coaches.

Rugby Smart has evolved into a very valuable resource for Rugby Coaches of all levels. While its main objective continues to be injury prevention, the interactive workshop provides practical coaching tips and strategies based around safe technique for the contact area of Rugby.

Before attending a Rugby Smart all coaches must complete a 2026 Coach Registration form through Rugby Xplorer

As per New Zealand Rugby policy, all coaches must be accredited each year in order to coach.

There are two steps to becoming fully accredited. This applies to:

• Coaches returning from 2025
• New coaches for 2026

Step 1: Register in Rugby Xplorer (RX)

All coaches must complete registration before attending a workshop.

• Returning coaches (registered in 2025): Log in to your existing account
• New coaches (2026): Create a new account

Follow this link: Rugby Xplorer

Step 2 – Attend a Course

Simply attend one of the sessions below. 

Rugby Smart – Senior Club Rugby

(Colts, Men’s, Women’s)

• Monday 2 March – Marist St Michael’s Rugby Club, 6:00pm
• Monday 9 March – BOP Rugby, 6:00pm
• Monday 16 March – Te Teko Rugby Club, 6:00pm
• Wednesday 8 April – BOP Rugby, 6:00pm

Rugby Smart – Teenage / Secondary School Rugby

• Monday 16 March – Trident High School, 3:30pm
• Monday 23 March – Rotorua Boys’ High School, 3:30pm
• Monday 30^th March – Papamoa College, 6:00pm
• Monday 27 April – Tauranga Boys’ College, 5:00pm

Teenage/Secondary School coaches may attend a Senior Club Rugby Smart course, and vice versa.

Small Blacks – Primary & Intermediate Coaches

(Year 1–8 | U6–U13)

• Wednesday 18^th March – Whakatāne Refs Pavilion, 6:00pm
• Monday 23^rd March – Rotoiti Rugby Club, 6:00pm
• Thursday 26 March – Te Puna Rugby Club, 6:00pm
• Sunday 29 March – Papamoa Rec Centre, 9:00am
• Monday 30 March – Opotiki Rugby Club, 5:30pm
• Wednesday 8 April – Mount Rugby Club, 9:00am
• Sunday 19 April – Greerton Marist, 10:30am
• Monday 20 April – Mount Maunganui, 6:00pm
• Wednesday 22 April – Tauranga Sports, 6:00pm
• Wednesday 22 April – Whakatāne Refs Pavilion, 6:00pm
• Thursday 23^rd April – Rotorua Intermediate School, 6:00pm
• Tuesday 28^th April – Marist St Michaels, 6:00pm
• Wednesday 29^th April – Te Puke Sports, 6:00pm

What Does the Course Cover?

• Injury prevention
• Safe contact techniques (tackle, scrum, warm-up, etc.)
• Coaching strategies that support player welfare
• Age-specific coaching craft

While injury prevention remains the priority, Rugby Smart also provides valuable development for coaches at all levels.

The Coaching Gig App 

BOP Rugby is excited to continue our partnership with The Coaching Gig, giving all coaches access to a coaching app designed to provide support and inspiration.

The app includes coaching videos, session plans, and practical insights to help keep sessions fun and engaging.

👉 Download here: www.thecoachinggig.com