Birmingham Newman University hosts scrum masterclass with Northampton Saints coach
Birmingham Newman University and the North Midlands RFU hosted an inspiring and insightful event that brought together over 60 rugby coaches together for an exclusive presentation delivered by Matt Ferguson (Fergi), the current Northampton Saints coach and former international leader. Fergi, renowned for his role in the Saints’ triumphant 2024 Gallagher Premiership Cup win, offered a masterclass that captivated everyone in attendance.
Since joining Northampton Saints in 2018, Ferguson has been a game-changer, following an impressive tenure as the England Women’s forwards coach where he led the Red Roses to reach the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup final. His experience is vast, spanning roles with the RFU, London Irish, Cardiff Blues, Bristol Rugby, and London Welsh—all of which shaped his distinct approach to coaching. At this recent workshop titled “Scrum Masterclass”, Fergi shared his wealth of knowledge, diving into the philosophy of the scrum, its strategic role in game planning, tactical adaptations, and the technical markers to a safe and powerful scrum. His insights were practical, transformational, and rooted in his deep experience with both men’s and women’s rugby.
This event was a highlight of an ongoing collaboration led by Dr. Alex Powell, Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead at Birmingham Newman University, and Ian Bletcher in partnership with the North Midlands RFU constituent body. Together, they’ve established the “Birmingham Newman & North Midlands Coaching Group”, a vibrant community of practice aimed at elevating rugby coach education. As a Level 3 RFU Coach and Educator, Dr. Powell is leading initiatives that position Birmingham Newman as the heart of coach development across the region.
The Newman Sport & Health department has quickly become a hub for community rugby education, hosting a variety of professional development opportunities that bring together coaches eager to learn, share, and grow. This year alone, Dr. Powell has led two England Rugby Coaching Awards (ERCA), four regional coaching workshops, the Rugby SHARP Conference—which spotlighted cutting-edge research by Newman Sport & Health faculty—and an event with the RFU Executive team.
By providing top-tier facilities and creating a supportive environment for learning, Birmingham Newman University is making a lasting impact on the local coaching landscape. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value of research-informed workshops and the caliber of guest speakers like Matt Ferguson. With initiatives like these, Birmingham Newman University is at the forefront of transforming community rugby, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning, and setting new standards for coach education in the North Midlands.
Birmingam Newman University is one of four Catholic universities in England.
