The Acculturation Experiences of Elite Rugby Union Coaches

Abstract

Currently, little is known about how elite coaches acculturate and how they manage their acculturation environment. This study examines the acculturation experiences of elite rugby union coaches and their management of multicultural squads. Five male elite coaches participated in the research. Each of the five coaches arguably fit a “best of the best” criterion, boasting between them multiple European and U.K. domestic championships as well as multiple Super Rugby titles with similar accomplishments at the international level across 15- and seven-a-side. Inductive thematic analysis of semistructured interview data revealed two emerging themes: (a) proactively managing personal acculturation, and (b) proactively managing player acculturation. Implications for coaches managing their own acculturation experience and their respective acculturation environments are discussed.

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“…Both researchers' considerable experience in academia, professional coaching and coach education provides a level of credibility to the findings. 38 This credibility is further supported and enhanced through the participants' experience and successes as professional coaches. Recognising researchers are liable to bias, there were regular meetings with a critical friend to critique the research and identify any assumptions that may underpin data analysis.…”

“…The use of such video conference technology has increased in qualitative research over recent years and is a valid method to obtain data when face-to-face opportunities are not possible. 38,39 The Zoom focus group with coaches 1, 2 and 3 was conducted first, the second FG, with coaches 4–11, was conducted a week later and finally a separate FG was conducted with the players. The FGs were conducted based on availability and to avoid scheduling conflicts.…”