Every rugby team has heard the age-old call: "What do we need to improve?" And every time, there's that one person who pipes up with the answer—communication. It's a common theme at every training session, every game, in every team environment. No matter how skilled your players are or how refined your plays are, without clear communication, you're left with potential untapped. And that’s where rugby’s top-level teams really shine: they understand the value of world-class communication and have mastered it.
At Rugby Bricks, we believe that building a strong game is done brick by brick. That’s why we’ve broken down the key areas that lead to exceptional communication on the field. Today, let’s dive into how you can transform your team’s communication, one brick at a time.
Name, Action, Need: The Three Pillars of Effective Communication
As players move up through the grades, they become increasingly aware of just how important communication is in high-pressure situations. It’s not just about shouting calls—it's about clarity, connection, and confidence in those moments when the game is on the line.
We break it down into three key components: name, action, and need. Let’s look at a simple example from a forward pod setup: you're playing off nine, hitting the middle forward, and calling a hook pass out the back.
- Action: Just say "hook". Short and simple.
- Name: Add a name to the call, for example, “Peter Hook”. Now Peter knows exactly who you’re talking to.
- Need: Now, take it to the next level. “Peter Hook, stay square.” Or “Peter, Hook, stay square for me." By adding the "need", you’ve created a connection that goes beyond just the action and name. You’ve added a layer of intent—giving Peter the instruction he needs to execute the move flawlessly.
In those high-stakes moments, the best communicators in the world use these three components with ease, adding a touch of confidence to make their communication not only effective but also inspiring.
Non-Verbal Communication: It’s More Than Just Words
Often, communication isn’t about what you say—it’s about how you say it. Non-verbal cues are just as important, if not more, than verbal communication. Things like eye contact, gestures, body language, and even touches all play a critical role in fostering connection and trust between teammates.
For example, a high-five or a simple tap on the back can go a long way. Studies suggest that physical touch, like high-fives and chest bumps, leads to greater success on the field. When you look at teams like the NBA, it’s clear that teams with more physical connection tend to have higher performance.
Listening: The Simple Skill That Requires No Talent
Good communication starts with one simple skill—listening. It may sound obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. The best communicators are also the best listeners. They understand their teammates' cues, and they know how to respond without needing to say much at all.
For instance, when a halfback and a first-five work together to build a strong partnership, it’s not just about talking—it’s about listening to what each other needs. A great example comes from a story where a halfback and fly-half worked out what “strike” really meant for them. One understood it as a fast break, while the other was unsure. After a simple conversation, they were able to execute flawlessly, creating a perfect match between their intentions and actions.
Building Team Chemistry: Away From the Field
One of the secrets to excellent team communication is the work done away from the field. Strong teams don’t just communicate well during practice—they build relationships in their downtime, too.
Take the Crusaders as an example. Their academy manager tracks the number of games players have played together, even at a young age, because they understand the importance of chemistry. The more games they’ve played together, the better their understanding of each other’s communication on the field.
Simple actions like having a coffee together, talking through lineouts, or going through specific plays help players connect on a deeper level, making the calls on game day feel more natural and seamless.
Capability and Feedback: Strengthening Communication Through Confidence
The final piece of the puzzle is ensuring that players have the capability to execute the calls they’re receiving. Communication is only as effective as the confidence behind it. If players are unsure about executing a specific move or if they don’t trust their ability to perform, communication can quickly fall apart.
Coaches should ensure that players are not only receiving clear instructions but that they feel confident and capable of executing those instructions under pressure. Whether it’s a strike play or a lineout call, players need to know what’s expected and trust in their own ability to perform.
Providing feedback loops is essential in this process. Coaches should give real-time feedback during training and games to build players' confidence. Even subtle cues, like “keep your hands up” during a drill, can make a huge difference in ensuring players feel capable and ready to execute.
Positivity and Self-Confidence: The Magic Ingredient
Finally, the tone of your communication matters. Positive reinforcement can turn a simple call into a game-changing moment. Instead of saying “improve your communication,” try saying, “Sarah, I love what you’re doing there. Your communication is on point. Keep it up!” Recognizing great communication in real time can boost your players' confidence, pushing them to continue raising their game.
By infusing your communication with positivity and self-confidence, you inspire your team to perform at their best, even when the pressure’s on. A supportive tone has the power to elevate everyone’s performance on the field.