George Tavner - Rugby Coordinator

I have worked in sport for the past 18 years, across both education and the professional rugby environment. During this time, I have gained extensive experience as a coach, manager and coach developer, with a specialist focus on player development. Across the programmes I have coached and managed, I am proud to have supported more than 100 players in progressing into the full-time professional game.

I am a Level 4 Rugby Coach, a qualified coach developer and mentor, and I hold both a master’s degree in Sports Development and Coaching and a BSc in Sports Coaching. I also hold teaching and assessing qualifications.

After completing my studies at UWIC, I began my professional career at Filton FE College (now SGS College) in Bristol. Alongside my teaching role, I founded the Filton Rugby Academy and developed it into one of the leading rugby development programmes in the country. More than 60 players from the programme have gone on to play professional rugby, including numerous full internationals. Notable achievements in this role included winning the Rosslyn Park National 7s and the St Joseph’s National 15-a-side Festival on three occasions.

Following my achievements at Filton College, I was recruited by Bath Rugby as Assistant Academy Manager. In this role, I was responsible for designing, managing and leading both the PDG (U16–U18) and DPP (U13–U15) programmes, as well as leading the coaching across all teams within the Academy pathway. After four years as Assistant Academy Manager, I was promoted to Coach Development Manager at BathRugby. My remit included developing coaches working within the Bath pathway and supporting coaches across the community game within the club’s catchment area. I have extensive experience in leading and managing people and am passionate about providing high-quality support and guidance to coaches and volunteers. I am also an experienced coach educator and mentor for both the WRU and RFU.

Training and Qualifications

  • MA Sports Development and Coaching (UWIC) – 2007
  • BSc Coaching (UWIC) – 2002
  • RFU Level 4 -2014
  • RFU Level 3- 2006
  • A1 Assessors Award (D1/D32) - 2007
  • Coach Educator/Trainer 2007- present
  • Leading on Level 1, 2 and 3 Courses for both RFU and WRU. Experienced Level 3 and 4 Mentor.
  • Level 3 Certificate in Tutoring in Sport - 2017
  • Level 3 Award in Mentoring – 2020
  • PTLLS teaching Qualification 2006
  • CTLLS teaching Qualification 2007
  • Experience of teaching and working as a pastoral tutor.

Teams Coached and Achievements

  • UWE Bristol Head Coach: Led all aspects of University of West of England Rugby. Led UWE to the top level of university rugby gaining three promotions in four seasons.
  • Filton Rugby Academy Head Coach/ Director of Rugby: Led Filton Rugby to numerous national and international titles
  • Bath Rugby- Head Coach of all Academy Teams and United Team (2nd team): Over 40 players graduated from the Academy into the professional game under my guidance.
  • Other Voluntary coaching roles undertaken:
    • England Universities Coach
    • South West Under 18s Coach
    • England Colleges Coach
    • Bristol Academy Pathway Coach
    • Bristol Schools Coach
    • Cardiff U18s Regional Coach