The ERA Rugby Podcast with Bryony and Nash

Elite Rugby Academy
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The ERA Rugby Podcast with Bryony and Nash gives ambitious rugby players and their parents an honest, practical look at what it takes to develop, access opportunities and progress towards elite sport.The ERA Rugby Podcast, hosted by Bryony Cleall and Nash Cohen, gives ambitious rugby players and their parents an honest, practical look at what it takes to develop, access opportunities and progress towards elite sport.Drawing on ERA’s experience in player development and high-performance coaching, Bryony and Nash explore the technical, physical and mental demands of the game. They discuss how players canrain more effectively, make better decisions, navigate academies and performance pathways, and take greater ownership of their development.The podcast is for players who want to improve, parents who want to support them effectively, and coaches committe to creating better development environments.No hype. No shortcuts. Just clear guidance on becoming a better player and building a genuine pathway through rugby. Drawing on ERA’s experience in player development and high-performance coaching, Bryony and Nash explore the technical, physical and mental demands of the game. They discuss how players can train more effectively, make better decisions, navigate academies and performance pathways, and take greater ownership of their development. The podcast is for players who want to improve, parents who want to support them effectively, and coaches committed to creating better development environments. No hype. No shortcuts. Just clear guidance on becoming a better player and building a genuine pathway through rugby.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 6: Rugby’s Social Media Shift — Authenticity, Player Brands and Life Skills

    What role should social media, personality and content play in rugby now? In Episode 6, Bryony and Nash are joined by Flo Williams: Wales international, former Saracens and Wasps player, and most recently the first ever Creative Director at a rugby club, at Saracens. Flo gives a real insight into where rugby is heading, why the sport has been slower than others, and why young players need to understand the value of showing who they are, on and off the pitch. This episode covers: • Why rugby is finally starting to embrace bigger personalities • How social media can help young players tell their own story • Why authenticity matters more than trying to look famous • The transferable skills players can build through content creation • How followers, influence and visibility may affect future opportunities • The problem with parent-run accounts that lose the player’s real voice • How young players can start simply, safely and in a way that feels like them • The risks of online comments, distraction and judging yourself by likes Flo also gives practical advice for players who want to create content: start with who you are, pick something you can keep up, don’t chase perfection, and just get going. An honest conversation about rugby’s changing media world, why authenticity is power, and how young players can build skills that matter far beyond the pitch.

  2. Sep 25

    Episode 5: Challenging Rugby’s Establishment — Money, Gatekeeping and Putting Players First

    Why does an academy built to give young players more coaching, more support and more opportunities create so much resistance? In Episode 5, Bryony and Nash take aim at some of the politics surrounding independent player development—from outdated thinking within traditional structures to community clubs and coaches who appear more interested in protecting their territory than helping players access additional opportunities. They address the criticism ERA receives for being commercial, challenge the idea that high-performance development should somehow be delivered for free, and explain exactly what player fees make possible: elite coaching, medical support, video analysis, premium facilities and professionally managed environments. This episode covers: Why independent academies make parts of the rugby establishment uncomfortableThe gatekeeping that can prevent players from accessing additional developmentWhether tradition is sometimes prioritised ahead of player progressionWhy ERA is unapologetically a commercial businessWhat it genuinely costs to create a high-performance environmentHow independence allows ERA to innovate where traditional structures cannot—or will notThe difference between protecting players and simply protecting your patchWhy clubs, pathways and independent providers should be working togetherERA follows the required safeguarding, medical and RFU guidance—but it will not apologise for questioning outdated practices, challenging the status quo or doing things differently when players benefit. An honest and occasionally uncomfortable conversation about money, politics, gatekeeping and who youth rugby development is really supposed to serve.

  3. Sep 18

    Episode 4: Great People Make Great Players — The ERA Approach to Player Development

    What does real player development actually look like? In Episode 4, Bryony and Nash explore the philosophy behind player development at ERA and why producing better rugby players starts with developing better people. We discuss how players build resilience, accountability and confidence by experiencing pressure, solving problems and learning to make decisions for themselves. We also explain why young players need game-based learning, strong fundamental skills and the freedom to develop without being placed into fixed positions too early. This episode covers: Why great people make great playersThe importance of resilience and personal accountabilityCreating challenging environments that prepare players for pressureThe difference between practising techniques and developing genuine skillsWhy decision-making is fundamental to elite performanceAvoiding early positional pigeonholingHow parents can support players without protecting them from every setbackAn honest conversation for players, parents and coaches who want to understand what meaningful long-term development requires.

  4. Sep 11

    Episode 3: The Girls’ Rugby Pathway: Building Your Route to the Next Level

    The opportunities available to aspiring female rugby players are growing—but understanding the pathway and making the right decisions can still be challenging. In this episode, Bryony and Nash take a detailed look at the girls’ rugby pathway, exploring the different routes available throughout the key development years and into the future. They discuss what selection may mean, what options remain if a player isn’t selected, and why long-term development must always remain the priority. The episode also provides practical advice for players who want to keep improving, respond positively to setbacks and make the most of every opportunity. A clear and honest guide for ambitious female players and the parents supporting them.

  5. Sep 11

    Episode 2: The Boys’ Rugby Pathway: Building Your Route to the Next Level

    The development pathway can offer exciting opportunities—but it can also be confusing for young players and their parents. In this episode, Bryony and Nash take a deep dive into the boys’ rugby pathway and explore the different options available throughout the key development years and beyond. They discuss what selection may mean for a player’s future, what happens if selection doesn’t come, and why no single decision defines a young player’s potential. The episode also includes practical advice on responding to setbacks, continuing to develop and creating future opportunities. Essential listening for ambitious young players and the parents supporting their journey.

  6. Sep 3

    Episode 1: The ERA Story — Why We Started and Where We’re Going

    Episode 1: The ERA Story — Why We Started and Where We’re Going In the first episode of The ERA Podcast, Bryony and Nash share the story behind Elite Rugby Academy: how ERA began, what the early days were really like, and the ambition driving its future. They discuss why ERA was created, the problems they wanted to solve and what they have learned while building a development environment for ambitious young players. The conversation also explores the patterns they see in developing players today, including the challenges they face, the opportunities available to them and the difference between simply wanting to succeed and being prepared to do what elite sport demands. This episode covers: The origin story of ERAThe realities of ERA’s early daysWhat ERA is working to achieveCommon trends among developing young playersHow players and parents can approach progression pathwaysThe standards, behaviours and commitment required to pursue elite sportThis is an honest introduction to ERA’s philosophy, its approach to player development and the purpose behind the podcast. For ambitious players, supportive parents and coaches committed to helping young people fulfil their potential.

  • 6 Episodes

About

The ERA Rugby Podcast with Bryony and Nash gives ambitious rugby players and their parents an honest, practical look at what it takes to develop, access opportunities and progress towards elite sport.The ERA Rugby Podcast, hosted by Bryony Cleall and Nash Cohen, gives ambitious rugby players and their parents an honest, practical look at what it takes to develop, access opportunities and progress towards elite sport.Drawing on ERA’s experience in player development and high-performance coaching, Bryony and Nash explore the technical, physical and mental demands of the game. They discuss how players canrain more effectively, make better decisions, navigate academies and performance pathways, and take greater ownership of their development.The podcast is for players who want to improve, parents who want to support them effectively, and coaches committe to creating better development environments.No hype. No shortcuts. Just clear guidance on becoming a better player and building a genuine pathway through rugby. Drawing on ERA’s experience in player development and high-performance coaching, Bryony and Nash explore the technical, physical and mental demands of the game. They discuss how players can train more effectively, make better decisions, navigate academies and performance pathways, and take greater ownership of their development. The podcast is for players who want to improve, parents who want to support them effectively, and coaches committed to creating better development environments. No hype. No shortcuts. Just clear guidance on becoming a better player and building a genuine pathway through rugby.

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