011: Chris Boyd - Inside the Mind of a Rugby Coach

A Load of BS on Sport: The Behavioural Science Podcast with Daniel Ross and Dan Biggar

Today we’re joined by Chris Boyd, highly respected rugby coach with extensive experience in both New Zealand and the UK. Known for his tactical expertise and leadership, Chris shares insights into his coaching journey, including his time with the Kiwi U20s, the Hurricanes and Northampton Saints; as well as the mental side of high-performance sport. As a close mentor to Dan Biggar, their relationship adds an extra layer of depth to the conversation, offering a unique perspective on coaching, leadership, and team dynamics.
Show notes:
Continuous Improvement for Elite Players
"The very best players are gifted in one part of their game... but there's always something to work on."

• Boyd emphasises the importance of consistent self-improvement, regardless of a player's talent

Creating a Culture of Empowerment
"People that feel empowered, belong, connected are always going to want to try harder and perform better."

• Boyd fostered a culture at Saints where players felt supported and empowered, leading to better team cohesion and performance

Philosophy on Risk and Reward
Boyd’s allowed players to take risks: "The Kiwi attitude probably is a little bit more..., if we can hold on to the ball... we’re back in the game."

• He contrasts the risk-averse mindset of Northern Hemisphere teams with the more fluid, risk-taking style from New Zealand rugby

Building a Resilient Team
"You can’t grow culture, culture grows itself."

• Boyd reflects on how setbacks, such as tough defeats, can be used to build resilience and foster a team’s growth

Empathy and Connection in Leadership
"Coaching rugby is a pleasure and a privilege... life experiences teach you to be calm."

• Boyd discusses the importance of emotional intelligence, both in coaching and managing people

Developing Players Beyond Rugby
"You get used to living on big wages... but when the game stops, you can fall off the cliff."

• He warns about the challenges players face post-retirement and importance of planning for life beyond sport

The Importance of 'Why’
Boyd introduced a "Why Board" at Saints, where players would place personal photos to remind themselves of their purpose: "The last thing you saw before going out onto the pitch was why you were doing it."

• This initiative reinforced the idea that personal motivation connects with team success

Coaching Style: Balancing the Carrot and Stick
Boyd contrasts his coaching style with that of other famous coaches: "Eddie Jones wanted to keep you on your toes... with me, it was black and white."

• He believes in being clear and consistent with players, empowering them to express themselves without fear of failure

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• Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto