Alana Thomas - You own your own development

The Journey of a Grassroots Rugby Coach (More Tracksuits less Business Suits)

This week’s episode is with Alana Thomas.

Alana is the current Head Coach for the Melbourne Rebels Super W team.

Alana started playing rugby in 2001 in Orange after being invited by uni friends. She represented Central West Rugby from 2002-2010, NSW Country 2003-2010, Aus Wallaroos 2006-2010 Victorian State 7’s 2012-2014.

Alana retired from playing after a serious concussion which was one of 12, she suffered in her career, however this one had lingering side effects for months.

Wanting to stay involved and give back to Rugby coaching was a natural step. Helping out at her club was the start of her coaching journey which soon saw her work through her coaching accreditations and coach the Victorian State 7’s & XV’s team.

In 2017 she was awarded the Rugby Australia Community Coach of the Year and the following year she was appointed the Head Coach of the Melbourne Rebels Super W side.

She is passionate about Women’s Rugby and hopes to help players grow and remove barriers that she faced and provide opportunities for all players.

Coaching Experience

· 2015 Assistant Coach Victorian Women's State team

· 2015-17 Rugby Australia Women's Coach Development

· 2016-17 Head Coach Victorian Women State team

· 2016-2018 Melbourne Rebels Emerging Players Program (EPP) Coach

· 2017 Rugby Australia Community Coach of the Year

· 2016-17 Head Coach Melbourne Unicorns Rugby Club - Women

· 2018-19 Coach Development - Wallaroos

· 2019 Australia A Assistant Coach

· Current Head Coach Melbourne Rebels Super W

Alana’s day job is working with the Victorian Institute of Sport where she works with some of Australia’s best athletes, coaches and support staff.

In this episode we spoke about being able to grow from our losses

What is your why

Being authentic and having fun

You own your own development and back yourself and be creative.

If you want to reach out and connect with Alana you can connect via the following social media platforms:

LinkedIn: Alana Thomas

Instagram: @alanathomas7

Twitter: @alanathomas7