Gareth Barrett

“Nanaki Chadha kindly introduced the group to sport psychology by delivering seminars explaining how it [psychology] can be used to develop the team’s psychological approach to their rugby. The delivery was both informative and interactive with a good number of opportunities for the group to ask questions and discuss the strategies that could be introduced to the team.

Various techniques were implemented throughout the season with some key away wins noted. These wins were achieved in the second half of the season with a full squad to select from. Two closely fought away losses may be attributed to inability to select from a full squad; however, compared to last season these losses would have been extremely heavy. Therefore, the new resilience and discipline displayed by the team was certainly an improvement from the previous season.

The fixture between Staffs and Keele, historically, has been a difficult environment for the team to compete as Keele have always been a lot more physical, experienced and mentally superior. Past scores have been heavy defeats with our players feeling extremely dejected. This year was a different encounter with the team in a much better frame of mind and displayed a determination to improve and face up to the physical challenges that were presented. Some key moments that highlighted this improved psychology:

• Keele scored an early try butStaffs were unfazed by this and replied almost immediately with a try of their own
• Key refereeing decisions against Staffs were met with acceptance to regroup quickly and be ready for the next play
• Maintained high work rate throughout and competed at every opportunity to win possession or score
• Togetherness and self-belief was the best I have witnessed since my tenure as head coach”