Testimonials

"Setting up and offering a programme to improve the skills of young players on both codes of rugby is a great initiative and long overdue. And in Francis Cummins, I can think of no one better qualified to deliver what will be an enjoyable and unique experience for the players of tomorrow."

Gary Hetherington

"The importance of learning skills early can never be overestimated. Once they are there, then what is achievable becomes greater and greater.Good skills mean more satisfaction and more enjoyment. Francis and his Rugby School of Excellence is a tremendous vehicle to help deliver these core skills."

Sir Ian McGeechan OBE

"When all else is equal, skill is king” a coach once said to me when I was early in my development as a coach. Of course I listened to him but I didn’t realise at the time how true the statement really is. When it comes down to the best players and teams in the World of Rugby, League or Union, there are lots of factors and that separate the best from the rest. Undoubtedly in my mind Skill is top, and if I could influence one thing it would be the quality of coaching that young players receive in their developmental years, to ensure that we have great foundations in place. This course will without doubt help all players to become better and with quality coaching will imbed those habits for a lifetime, and therefore I would recommend it wholeheartedly as there is only one real chance to get the foundations in place."

Stuart Lancaster

"Having played alongside, then coached by Francis in both codes. I can honestly say that I personally benefitted from his rugby programs. Learning the importance of core skills is essential in today’s games. It separates the ‘Good’ from the ‘Great’. I believe this is a fantastic and very much needed opportunity for today’s youngsters and couldn’t recommend ‘The Rugby School of Excellence’ highly enough."

Kevin Sinfield

"The Rugby School of Excellence is a fantastic opportunity to both us at Salford Red Devil's and for up and coming young players. We have direct contact and receive in depth reports on all players which helps us recognise the future professionals we are constantly seeking. With super league standard coaching and feedback this is the future of potential Rugby League talent spotting."

Garreth Carvell - Salford Red Devils Team Manager

"Hi Katy, I just wanted to thank you, Francis, Mitch and everyone involved with TRSOE. Owen has absolutely loved his first year with you. Your passion for rugby, healthy living, positive life attitude and loving kids shines through everything you do. Please put his name down as an absolute definite for September! Thanks again and hope you have a great Summer!”."

"My two boys have been lucky enough to have Fran as a rugby coach for just over a year. With Fran you get not only the knowledge and skills of someone who has coached and played at the very top, but someone who promotes the values of team sport and refreshingly isn’t afraid to say and stick to the principle that, whilst winning is great, enjoying the game of rugby, working on the right things to improve and developing as a person is what it’s all about as a youngster. My lads have happily turned off the Xbox to go to training, even when the Yorkshire weather is doing its best to persuade them otherwise. When I asked my kids what was good about Francis’ training sessions they said: “He has lots of discipline and respect” “its fun” “he makes you want to learn and get better” “he can teach you anything “you can keep getting better at rugby” ” “he’s alright!!”."

"Clearly Francis’ depth of knowledge and experience is widely known and will come and no surprise. Francis is nothing short of an incredible and inspirational coach. His teachings are directional and focus on the positive, rather than the “come on lads” style of teaching. He manages to encourage the boys with specific requests and notes for improvement and never raises his voice or criticises their performances in a negative or undermining way. He makes the training sessions fun and enjoyable whilst managing to improve their skills and fitness. My son has learnt considerably under his guidance both in terms of technique and discipline. I have always found Francis to be an open and welcoming coach, who is always approachable to discussions with parents and family. "

"As a parent, I trust Francis to help make my boy be a better Rugby player, but also be a better young man through instilling in him the core values of Rugby. Fran is fantastic with the boys and he has made a brilliant impression with my son. In the past my son has lacked confidence and since Fran has coached him, there has been a massive improvement in his self-belief. "

"As a parent I believe that Fran is an inspiration with the kids who all look up to him as a coach. It's great to have Fran as my coach. He is easy to talk to, makes the game fun and has boosted my confidence. He doesn't criticise me if I make an error and is always supportive. My son has been playing rugby since he was 6. His head went down and he lost all confidence. But then Fran came along. He has taught my son to be proud again. He is amazing with all the boys. He is fair, fun and has the full respect he deserves. "