Joining the coaching lineup for this year’s Global Schools Challenge is Ben Thomas, Director of Rugby at Taunton School and coach within the Bristol Bears Academy setup. With a coaching career that has taken him across Europe and Asia, Ben brings a wealth of international experience and a passion for developing players both on and off the field.
Players interested in joining please apply here
Coaching Journey
Ben’s journey has been shaped by a mix of school, academy, and international rugby. He has led school programmes while working within the Bristol Bears Academy, and has coached abroad with national sides from Czech Republic and Finland, as well as involvement with Hong Kong 7s during their UK Super Series campaigns.
In addition, he runs a men’s invitational 7s team that competes nationally, giving him valuable insight into player management and high-tempo game environments. “Each experience has shaped my coaching journey and brought me to where I am today,” he says.
Why Schools Rugby Stands Out
For Ben, school rugby is about more than just competition. “The connections and friendships that are made are what make it special,” he explains. “There’s something unique about the bonds formed through school rugby, they often last a lifetime.”
It’s that sense of shared experience and camaraderie that drives his passion for working with young athletes.
Taking on the GSC
When the opportunity arose to coach at the Global Schools Challenge, Ben didn’t hesitate. “The chance to coach a group of boys from all over the world was something I couldn’t pass up,” he says. “It’s a unique opportunity to be part of something truly global.”
He sees the tournament not just as a competition, but as a cultural exchange, a celebration of how rugby unites players from every corner of the world.
Looking Ahead
Ben’s coaching ambitions reflect his love for the game’s traditions and its sense of community. “One day, I’d love to coach the Barbarians,” he says. “It’s the ultimate expression of rugby’s spirit: flair, respect, and connection.”
He takes inspiration from Scott Robertson, whose leadership at the Crusaders transformed them into one of the most consistent and successful teams in world rugby. “His ability to build culture and get complete buy-in from players is second to none,” says Ben.
Words for the Players
Ben’s message to players heading to Spain is clear:
“This is an amazing opportunity to meet people from around the world, embrace it fully and express yourself both on and off the pitch.”
His coaching philosophy centres around enjoyment, growth, and freedom. “We’ll be playing fast, attacking rugby,” he says. “Defensively, it’s about how quickly we can win the ball back. My philosophy is simple: inspire and develop. I want players to enjoy the game, grow as individuals, and leave better than when they arrived.”
