Mid Season Review

With the start of the SRC Cup this month, Head Coach Jon Callard gives his mid-season review, and thoughts for the rest of the season

Five Months into the Journey at RGC

It feels slightly surreal to be conducting a mid-term review when three quarters of the regular season have already been completed by the end of the first week in January. With just four league games remaining — three at home and one away at league leaders Ebbw Vale — now feels like the right moment to pause, reflect, and hopefully offer some insight into where we are as a group, as a team, and where our focus must lie moving forward.

I have spent the best part of thirty years working in player development and I take enormous pride in helping individuals realise their aspirations and fulfil their potential. However, development is very much a two-way street. Players must give as much, if not more, than they take. Drive, dedication, and commitment are non-negotiable qualities. In my experience, I have never met anyone who has achieved sustained success without them. Some may reach the top briefly, but staying there is another matter entirely.

I consider myself fortunate to be able to implement my philosophies at RGC, working with a genuinely good group of players who are hungry to improve individually and collectively. For some, international representation may no longer be realistic — the “ship has sailed” — but their value to the programme remains immense. They play a crucial role in allowing others to shine, and it is those younger players we are desperate to push on to the regions and beyond.

How We Work: Our Brand and Our Identity

So how do we try to do this, and what does a typical week look like?

Everything starts with a flexible programme built around clear principles of play. These are supported by opposition-specific patterns and, critically, the ability to adapt. Players need freedom — freedom to express themselves, to discover their strengths, and to grow their understanding of the game.

Some refer to this as the “DNA” of a team. I prefer to call it our brand. Our brand is our style of play — one that captures the imagination, entertains our supporters, and gives RGC a clear identity for those who aspire to be part of it in the future.

Time is limited. We have just two pitch sessions per week, totalling approximately 2.5 hours. In that time, we must cover team principles, unit identity, defensive scenarios, and functionally fit skills. These are the core skills required for each position — for example, a hooker must be able to scrum and throw. That is his functional fitness.

One of the most challenging aspects of coaching is the selection process. Not picking a team that will fight for each other — that part is straightforward — but leaving players out. With only 23 places available, honesty is essential, even when the decisions are difficult.

Where Are We Now?

From the fourteen matches played so far, there have been many positives.

We are averaging over 32 points per game, and importantly, we score in a variety of ways. We are not a one-dimensional team — our attacking shape and ambition offer multiple threats, which is exciting both for us as coaches and for those watching.

Our set piece continues to develop. It is not yet where it needs to be, but it is responding positively to the challenges presented each week. We are averaging 2.98 points per entry into the opposition 22 — as coaches, we target three points per entry, so we are right on the edge of that benchmark.

Work rate is another positive. We break matches into twelve three-minute blocks, reflecting that the ball is in play for approximately 36 minutes per game. Treating these blocks as individual challenges allows us to reset quickly after poor periods and prevents one bad moment from defining an entire performance.

Statistically, we are the third-highest point scorers in the league. We have won three “Try of the Month” awards, including two from Dion Jones  and currently have the league’s top point scorer in Billy McBryde.

Perhaps most exciting of all is the age profile of the squad. Over 60% of the group are 21 or under. The potential within this squad is significant, and developing it properly is something we can genuinely look forward to.

The Honest Conversation: Why the Results Haven’t Followed

Of course, there is another side to the story.

We are conceding an average of 36 points per game — far too many. The reasons are multifaceted: a lack of experience and game understanding at this level, poor ball security leading to turnover possession, and individual errors in one-on-one situations.

Too often, turnovers have resulted in direct scores against us. Newport was a clear example — two gifted tries (14 points) ultimately proved the difference between winning and losing.

Our focus moving forward is clear: improved defensive understanding, better one-on-one tackle technique, and eliminating the “gifts” we give away. At this level, those moments are ruthlessly punished.

Looking Ahead: Cup Competition and Opportunity

Our attention now turns to the cup competition, which provides a welcome break from league action. It also presents an opportunity to rotate the squad and give deserved starts to players who have been patiently waiting in the wings.

I love cup rugby, though this particular format — a mini-league leading into playoffs and a plate competition — isn’t a traditional knockout. True cup rugby is about who performs best on the day, under pressure. Nonetheless, it offers valuable exposure and development opportunities for the squad.

Officiating: A Necessary Conversation

I’ve been contacted by several supporter groups regarding the standard of officiating, and I want to be clear that this is not about individual decisions or calls going against us. Rather, it reflects a shared passion for the game and a desire to see consistency and clarity continue to develop across all aspects of rugby.

Officiating, like playing, is an incredibly demanding role. Referees operate under intense pressure, and mistakes are an inevitable part of any high-level sport. What matters most is the environment around them — one that encourages openness, learning, and continual improvement. When officials, players, and coaches are aligned in that process, the game benefits as a whole.

I’ve always believed in the power of support and mentorship in officiating. I remember a young Nigel Owens refereeing a cup match between Worcester and Leeds at Sixways early in his career. What stood out was not just the challenge of that day, but the guidance and backing he received from Derek Bevan. That support helped shape a referee who would go on to become one of the game’s very best — a great reminder of what investment and belief can achieve.

We are encouraged by our ongoing dialogue with referee manager Ian Davies and remain optimistic that this collaboration will continue to support officials in their development, just as players are supported in theirs. Ultimately, our shared goal is to enhance standards across the board and ensure our game continues to grow in quality, consistency, and excitement for everyone involved.

Final Thoughts

2026 has the potential to be a great year for RGC. Our ambition is clear: continue to entertain, continue to develop, and most importantly, continue to push players onto bigger stages.

Thank you for your continued support.

Jon