When confidence drops, performance usually follows.

Selection worries. Poor performances. Injury setbacks. Nerves. Self-doubt.

Most players do not ask for help until something goes wrong.

That is usually when confidence has already dipped, frustration has already built up, and the player starts telling themselves the wrong story. They begin to overthink. They hesitate. They play not to make mistakes. They lose the edge that made them stand out in the first place.

Parents often see it too and often don’t know where to begin to help:

  • A child who used to play freely now looks tense.

  • A player who loves rugby suddenly dreads selection day.

  • A confident performer starts doubting every decision.

  • An injury or setback becomes a mental block as much as a physical one.

Mental skills coaching is designed for these moments.

What we work on

Each programme is built around the needs of the player, but common themes include:

  • Confidence and self-belief.

  • Handling nerves and pressure.

  • Responding to selection challenges.

  • Coping with injury and return to play.

  • Managing frustration and emotion.

  • Staying focused and present through goal setting

  • Having a strong sense of identity

  • Developing resilience after mistakes or setbacks.

The aim is simple: help players think better, respond better, and perform with more freedom.

How it works

Every journey starts with an initial chemistry meeting.
This first session is important. It gives us the chance to understand the player, hear what is really going on, and decide whether the fit is right before moving forward.

From there, sessions are delivered in either:

  • a 3-session format for a focused intervention around one issue, or

  • a 6-session format for deeper work and longer-term change.

This allows us to keep the support clear, purposeful, and tailored to the player’s needs.

Who it is for

This service is for players who:

  • have lost confidence,

  • are struggling with nerves or pressure,

  • feel overwhelmed and drained by rugby rather than energised,

  • feel stuck after injury,

  • are frustrated with selection,

  • want to perform with more composure,

  • or are beginning to doubt themselves in a way that affects rugby.

It is also for parents who can see that something has changed and want proper support, not just another conversation about “trying to stay positive.”

Why this matters

In performance sport, mindset is not separate from performance, it is part of it.

A player can have strong skills, good fitness, and real potential, but if confidence is fragile or pressure shuts them down, those strengths do not always show up when it counts.

Mental skills coaching helps players become more robust, more self-aware, and more able to cope with the demands of competitive rugby.

Enquire Below

If your child is no longer playing with the freedom, belief, or clarity they used to have, now is the right time to address it.

Book the initial chemistry meeting and find out whether mental skills coaching is the right next step.

Discover What Your Child Needs Most to Progress in Rugby

Take the free Rugby Buddy Mental Skills Scorecard to see what is holding your child back right now.

  • "This has been massive from a mental point of view. I feel more confident, have more focus and clarity around training, and that mental fog has cleared. My dad has noticed a positive change in me. This is a no brainer if you're thinking of getting involved.."

    Alex

  • "I now feel more in control mentally. I am calmer during games, especially after mistakes and I am much more organised with my school work, which in turn means I am less stressed. The community has enabled me to see I am not the only one experiencing these things. If you're thinking about joining, do it. Charlie has so much knowledge to offer."

    Tom

  • "After a long injury, I thought I'd be worse when I started playing again. But after using one of the techniques, I was surprised how much of a positive difference it made. I feel really proud of myself. The community really helped me too and getting their support was brilliant. I'd give this a 10/10"

    Izaac

  • This has enabled me to become more self-aware. I never really thought about anything else other than what happens on the field, but I've developed life skills that have freed up time to focus on what is important. I have learnt something new on all the calls. If you're thinking about joining, do it. It gives you someone to talk to and see other players in a similar situation to you.

    Cieran

  • "I was encouraged to start this program by my Head of Rugby at school. He thought it would help me manage the pressure that I place on myself and enable me to bounce back from mistakes I make in matches. Having finished the course, I believe it has completely changed my perspective. I used to overthink everything but now I have so many techniques I can use to help me through those difficult moments. My self talk has improved, so if you are thinking of joining, 100% do it. It’s so worth it."

    Millar

  • "I just wanted to send a heartfelt thank you for the time and effort you've given to mentoring Izaac. He's told me on numerous occasions how glad he is to have done it, and it’s been clear to see the positive impact your guidance has had – not just on his game, but on his mindset too. Your insight and approach have made a real difference, and I’m incredibly grateful"

    Jerry

  • I appreciate it loads with you just listening to what I had to say and what was going on in my life. I honestly can’t thank you enough and you’ve had a real impact on me. I am super grateful for your support.

    Will

  • The support you gave, the listening and advice really connected with him. He described you as just a great human being. Thanks again

    Dave W

  • "Charlie's programme has improved my confidence. I look at life and rugby in a new way. It's made me fall in love with the graft it takes to become a professional rugby player"

    Alex