Sport

A day in the life of… a Team Manager

So, please tell us what a Team Manager actually does?

The Team Manager is responsible for the Management of the team, coaching and back room staff for the Barbarian’s tours, which are at the end of May and Autumn internationals. This encompasses:

  • Developing and implementing the schedule for the weeks the squad is in camp
  • All travel negotiations and logistics – flights, coaches, van, etc
  • Hotel and nutritional requirements
  • Training venues./li>
  • Developing the team merchandise, playing and training kit
  • Management of all back room staff requirements (
  • Delivering all sponsors’ requirements for media and team arrangements.
  • Team evening meals and extra leisure activities during the tours. Golf days, cultural visits, restaurants, etc
  • Match day arrangements with the stadiums and rugby unions
  • Management of the team during the match, liaising with the coaches instructions to the players during the game, substitutions, player injuries, media requirements, sponsor requirements

What do you like most about the job?

The variety of work – no day is the same. I Work with some great people, players, managers, governing body staff and others within the rugby industry. The job also allows me to travel across the world to different destinations.

Do you do it for the love of rugby or is it just a job?

Yes it is job and I am very professional, however it is important to try and enjoy. And do I do it for the love of rugby? Yes really, it is great sport, fantastic values both on and off the pitch, and also like minded passionate people involved too.

Tell us about a typical working day…

A working day during a tour is below:

7.30 -8.30 Breakfast

9.00 -9.30 Team meeting about training and schedule for the day

10.30 -12.30 Team Training

12.00 -13.00 Media commitments

13.00-14.00 Lunch at hotel

15.00-17.00 Media, Team, Coach Requirements, Office Administration

18.00 -19.00 Gym / Fitness

19.30-21.00 Dinner in Hotel or restaurant

23.00 Bed

How did you get started in rugby and how did you get to where you are now?

I played representative rugby in my youth and did a Sports Marketing and Management degree at university. I then worked at a sports marketing agency, gaining experience across a number of sports and skill sets: Commercial, Marketing, Sponsorship, Event management, Team management, Media and PR and Communications.

What’s been the highlight of your career?

Meeting most of the greatest players from around the globe, both old and new.

In your opinion, what makes a good Team Manager?

The team manager must have the following skills:

  1. Organised
  2. Logical
  3. Decisive and clear in their communications
  4. Respectful, social, charismatic, and a people person
  5. Hard working and prepared to do long hours

What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in rugby?

Be passionate about the game, be prepared and willing to do any job that is required at any time, and respect the game and values they stand for.

Are there any players you’d particularly like to work with at some point in your career?

I have met most of the best players from around the world over the last 18 years, but only met Jonny Wilkinson once at Penny Hill Park Hotel when he had finished a kicking session. He seems very passionate and dedicated, and therefore it would be fascinating to work with him on a personal basis. Another great fly half would also be Dan Carter.

And finally, what are rugby players like to work with?

Rugby Players are in my opinion some of the best professional sportsmen to work with, they are in the main very respectful, humble, educated, understanding, willing, social, fun, charismatic people and always grateful for the position they are in.