At Rugby Bricks, we're obsessed with better — better skills, better mindset, better communication. Today’s focus is a subtle skill that can transform your relationships, coaching, and overall communication in rugby, league, or everyday life: conversational threads.
Whether you’re coaching young athletes, leading a team, or just catching up with your mates, how you communicate determines how much you connect, learn, and grow. In this blog, we break down the power of conversational threads and how they can unlock more meaningful interactions both on and off the field.
What Are Conversational Threads?
A conversational thread is when you respond to a question with just enough detail that it opens up the door for the next question. It’s not about giving a speech or oversharing, it’s about giving the other person something to pull on — a thread to keep the kōrero flowing.
Here’s the difference:
Without a thread:
Q: “Where do you live?”
A: “Dunedin.”
With a thread:
A: “We’ve just moved back to Dunedin from Melbourne. We were there for five years — loved the food scene, saw some Melbourne Storm games, and got a bit of travel in. Now we’re back, two young kids, family’s just up the road in Oamaru, and Rugby Bricks is humming at the moment.”
That’s 5–6 different threads the person could pull on to keep the conversation going:
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“What was it like living in Melbourne?”
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“Why did you move back to Dunedin?”
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“What’s the Rugby Bricks journey looking like?”
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“Tell me more about the Storm games.”
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“How’s life with two young kids?”
The key? You’re not making someone else do all the heavy lifting in a conversation.
Why It Matters in a Rugby or Coaching Environment
Let’s talk rugby. If you’ve ever coached a 16 to 18-year-old group of boys, you’ll know the challenge. You’ll ask, “How was training?” or “How’d that skill work for you?” and get hit with:
“Yeah. Good.”
It’s not that they don’t care — often, they’re unsure, nervous, or worried about saying something wrong. Especially in environments with selection pressure, players can hold back.
But here’s the thing: great communication is a skill. And it can be coached.
As a coach or mentor, this is where you can model and encourage conversational threads. Instead of accepting one-word answers, prompt detail. Ask why. Ask how. And for players reading this: if you want to grow faster, build better connections with your coaching staff, and open up more learning opportunities — start threading your answers.
Better answers = better feedback. Better feedback = better improvement.
Examples Players Can Use Right Now
Here are some quick examples players can try at their next training:
Coach: “How was the session today?”
Player: “I really enjoyed that first drill — heaps of touches, and I’ve been working on my passing, so it felt good to put that into action.”
Coach: “How’s your kicking going?”
Player: “It’s going okay in games, but I’ve been slicing the ball a bit. I’m trying to work out what’s causing that — might be my plant foot.”
Simple additions like these give your coach something to work with — it creates discussion, learning, and more tailored coaching. You’re not just saying “good” and hoping your development speaks for itself. You’re in the process.
Using Threads Off the Field
This isn’t just about footy. Communication is key in all parts of life — with your partner, your teammates, your family, or at work.
You know that awkward 4-hour gap at weddings between the ceremony and speeches? That’s where this skill shines. Instead of small talk going nowhere, drop in a couple of threads when someone asks you what you do, where you’re from, or how you know the bride or groom.
You’ll be surprised at how far a good conversation can go when you give people a few angles to explore.
How This Helps Us at Rugby Bricks
As podcast hosts, conversational threads are everything. It’s how we move from surface-level chat into the juicy stuff that delivers value. We listen out for small details — something a guest mentions in passing — and we pull on that thread.
But you don’t need to run a podcast to use this skill. Whether you’re a player trying to build confidence, a coach leading young talent, or someone wanting stronger connections with your teammates, this one habit can change your conversations.
And the best part? You can start using it today.
Key Takeaways
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A conversational thread = adding detail in your response to give others something to pull on.
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It leads to better communication, deeper relationships, and more learning opportunities.
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It’s a massive tool for coaches, players, and leaders in rugby, league, and beyond.
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It works both on and off the field — from team meetings to family dinners.
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You don’t need to overdo it — just add one or two key details to each answer
Final Word
If you take one thing from this blog, let it be this:
Every time you’re asked a question is a green light to connect.
Start using conversational threads today. Share this with your team, your coaching staff, or someone who needs that reminder. At Rugby Bricks, we’re always about helping you build — brick by brick.