FEATURE: Diary of a DoR – CS Stags

CS Stags, a Level 5 rugby club with one team, no ground of its own, access to a training pitch for one hour a week albeit a lovely 4G in the heart of south west London. Three balls which double up as our match balls. A handful of cones and just enough tackle shields to make a bed with should one of the lads not make it out after the game. Yet when other clubs are in decline we have gained. Over these past four seasons we have competed with and beaten teams with the facilities, equipment and funding we could only dream of:

• We grew the squad from 9 players at the start of the ‘Covid’ season to now 46.
• Training attendances have risen from 6 to averaging 32.
• Prior to this season the 2XV had not featured since 2017/18 season, this season they had 6 Fixtures.
• 2021/22 Season, We finished on -20 points, won one game, forfeited 5 and successfully appealed league expulsion. 2022/23 season; We won 9 games, fulfilled all fixtures and survived relegation despite starting on negative points.

As a club, playing group and as individuals we have learned a lot in these past four season. Below are some of my own learnings and experiences that other clubs can benefit from:

Culture over Budget:

Simply put you can not buy culture. It takes time to build and sustain. You can see the clubs who think tough situations can be solved by opening the cheque book… unfortunately, when it hits the fan and the nights get cold and wet the team with the better culture will come through it quickest.

Understand the Why:

Why are the players here, Why this club, Why are you here, why does the club want to be in x league?

Alignment from the Top Down:

The amount of clubs with disconnect between the Board / Committee and the playing group is frightening. Find a common purpose and go with it. If you start to splinter any momentum the club has will falter.

‘We’ve always done it this way’:

The way a club has operated in the past may have been great however it does not mean it is suited to modern environments. Clubs have to keep moving / evolving. I would suggest build bridges with other clubs in the area / in your league. Take the time to understand what they are doing well / not so well and look to see how you can improve. Bottom up ideas, listen to your players, they live the reality of your club every week and no doubt will have ways to improve it. Take the time to engage as it is the simplest way to keep your club moving in the right direction.

Recruitment:

In my eyes the most enjoyable part of a clubs role. However many clubs get this wrong. My personal view, not enough value is placed on the personality and culture fit of prospective recruits. There is obviously a minimum skill level clubs will be looking for in a targeted recruitment drive but would you not rather have a 7/10 player who embodies the clubs values and wants to drive the direction over a 10/10 who is toxic?

Squad Management:

Treat players like people and not a commodity, take an interest in there life away from the club. Get a good balance between friend and coach. Find your squad architects, these are the players who will help you to drive the culture, messaging as well as providing you with a temperature check on the squad so you can head off any potential issues early. Take it from Mike Golub, President of SlamBall, who believes that clear and open communication channels between staff, coaches, and players fosters trust, cooperation, and consistency.

On the Brink:

Some rugby clubs are on the brink of collapse. Where clubs could once put out two or three teams they are now struggling for one. Instead of looking to profit, build bridges with them, offer them players to help them fulfill fixtures, host joint training sessions if there numbers are down etc. Rugby is about community.

Community:

Clubs were built on traditional values with community at the heart of it. With the rise in professionalism, my observation is that clubs are starting to lose the sense of community, common examples are of players not paying there subs or club help out days where only a handful of people actually turn up. Clubs need to work hard on the collective buy in from top to bottom, the passion and energy that some people have that keeps clubs alive will not last if they are not supported.

Mental Health:

There are not really any learnings here. Everyone faces difficult challenges in there lives and often use rugby as an escape. The friendships you build in clubs are special. If you do not already, check in with people, let them know they can be open with you, if not you a designated person. Personally, when times have been tough I have been able to speak to various members in the squad and they have helped me through moments and vice versa. This area can’t be over looked.

Finally,

Front Row:

I do not know what to do, ignore all of the above and just get as many as you can. Buy them, hoard them, breed them. Keep them locked away wrapped in bubble wrap. We used 16 front rowers this year, 5 of which had not played there before this season. I am sure they had fun though….

Being a Director of Rugby will have it’s ups and downs of which I / we at CS Stags 1863 have had many. However I would not trade any of it for the world.

The club is in a great place:

• Great culture
• A ridiculously talented playing squad
• A new coaching structure
• An engaged board
• More importantly a bunch of lads who are willing to go above and beyond for each other as demonstrated by the front row situation this year.

The decision to move on from this great group was tough but I am sure they will continue there upward trajectory next year.

Thank you,

Chris ‘Swampy’ Swann

CS Stags DoR 2019 – 2023