Catrina Nicholas-McLaughlin has benefited from working with a Welsh international from a different sport on the Gallagher High Performance Academy (GHPA).
Catrina, who played for Wales as a back-row forward, has worked closely with her mentor Christian Edwards, who was also capped by Wales in a long and distinguished football career, which included stints with Swansea, Nottingham Forest and Bristol Rovers.
Edwards now works as an academic at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Centre for Sports Coaching, Management and Culture, and has acted as Catrina’s mentor on the GHPA WXV programmes.
“Christian allowed me clarity and supported me through my journey during the GHPA programme,” Catrina told World Rugby.
“Being from a football background, he has objectivity from outside the sport.
“I feel mentoring is a very worthwhile experience and a fantastic support for coaches.
“It allowed me to organise my development plan, and be concise with it. It also allows you some perspective to have someone to speak to outside of your organisation.”
Catrina, who is Wales Under-18s Head Coach, will also be attached to Wales Women’s senior squad as part of the GHPA RWC 2025 programme.
“I found experiencing the demands of a senior national environment particularly useful,” Catrina said.
“Creating a network of female coaches and people around me has been fantastic, and one of the most rewarding aspects.
“I have thoroughly embraced and enjoyed being a part of the GHPA programmes. I have learnt a great deal from the workshops, the network of people I have met along the way and those I have developed friendships with.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been presented with and know that, had it not been for this initiative by World Rugby and Gallagher, I wouldn’t have had these opportunities or experiences over the past two years.”
Catrina hopes that she might continue her relationship with the Welsh national squad in a more permanent role, but she also remains focused on being a role model for her daughter and other aspiring female coaches.
“Allowing my daughter to have role models, and to break down gender barriers - allowing her to see that she can be anything she wants to be, regardless of her gender - is a huge aspiration of mine. I really believe I have been able to achieve that on this journey,” she said.
“The Academy has been a really great learning experience and has crystalised that coaching in the professional game is a career I want to pursue.”
