Growing rugby in the North West: Why I’m excited about Go Forward Rugby

James coaching at Go Forward Rugby

Hi, I’m James Smith, Director at Esselle Sports, and I want to tell you why I believe Go Forward Rugby has the potential to change the game — literally — for young players across the North West.

Rugby’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember. The smell of the grass, the roar when you hit a tackle just right, the lifelong friendships forged in mud and sweat — it’s more than a sport. It’s community. It’s character. It’s lessons that carry off the pitch.

Over the years, through Esselle Sports, I’ve been fortunate to see what great coaching, quality tours, and the right opportunities can do. I’ve witnessed young players grow not just in skill, but in confidence, leadership, and teamwork. That’s what drives me to make sure those opportunities reach every corner — especially where they’re needed most.

When we talk about having the right people leading the way, Mark Irving is one of them. I’m thrilled to have Mark as my partner in Go Forward Rugby. He’s not just got a passion for rugby; he’s got the experience to back it up.

Mark played professionally with Newcastle Falcons before heading to Italy, where he pulled on the shirt for Viadana 1970 and Petrarca Rugby Club. Back home, he spent five years with Sale Sharks as a Community Rugby Coach, helping to develop talent and grow the game at grassroots level. More recently, he’s been working with England Rugby as a Coach Developer while coaching at Manchester Grammar School and with Go Forward Coaching.

What makes Mark so valuable to our programme is that he understands rugby from both sides — the elite professional stage and the community pitch. He knows the highs, the challenges, and the huge leap between youth rugby and professional performance, and he’s committed to making that pathway smoother for players here in the North West.

James with the coaching team at Go Forward Rugby

At the heart of our camps is coaching that’s truly elite. Between Mark, myself, and our wider coaching team, we bring not just qualifications — Level 3 and above — but years of lived experience in the game. We know how to get the best out of players because we’ve been there ourselves.

We’re going to spend plenty of time on the skills that matter most — passing, tackling, decision-making, game awareness. But more importantly, we want players to feel free to try things, to take risks, to make mistakes and learn from them. That’s how you grow as both a player and a person.

And rugby, for me, has never just been about what happens on the pitch. These camps are built around the bigger picture: teamwork, resilience, leadership, character. They’re about helping young players take lessons from the game and use them in every part of their lives.

Most importantly, the camps are open to everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re brand new to rugby or already playing at a high level — there’s a place for you. We’re passionate about making rugby accessible to as many players as possible, because the more people we can bring into the game, the stronger the community becomes.

Children taking part in the Go Forward Rugby coaching camp

In the North West, I often see passion and desire — but not enough access. Coaching that’s really top-tier, facilities that are good, clear pathways into higher levels — these are too rare. Young players with promise sometimes miss out just because of geography or resource. That’s not right.

Also, one thing we hold dear at Esselle is the power of tours. I remember going on tour each year as I was growing up — playing in new places, seeing different styles, making memories. It shaped me. We’ve made tours central to what Esselle offers: France, Italy, Canada, South Africa, Australia/New Zealand — places where rugby pulses, where culture and sport combine.

These tours aren’t extra — they’re part of what makes rugby rich. With Go Forward Rugby, camps will be stepping stones for players to access more of those life-broadening experiences. Because if you believe in ambition, you have to build the road to it.

If you’re a parent wondering if this is right for your child, or a school or club looking for camps that bring quality, passion, and opportunity — let’s do this together.

Camp dates and registration details can be found here. And don’t forget to follow Go Forward Rugby on Instagram (@goforwardrugbycoaching) for updates.

I’m really excited to meet the next generation — whether that’s watching them nail a pass, lead a team, or just grow in confidence.

Count me in if you want to be part of that!