I give away about 4 or 5 stone to some of the bigger wingers I play against. In this module I’ll share with you the tackling technique that has worked for me over 11 years of international rugby. Showing you how to use an attackers momentum to bring them to the ground, stay on top of them and execute turnovers.

In this video Courtney Lawes takes you through a number of defensive systems and structures, outlining where each player has to go and what responsibilities they each have for their role. “The key with defence is to stay in your structure, follow the game plan and to maintain talking amongst the players.”

In this video I will take you through drills for the tackler and the first support player at the breakdown. I’ll show you the techniques and thought processes I use when approaching the breakdown. These are the techniques that have worked best for me, I swear by them and I hope they work for you too.

“I love defending and putting in big hits, but you have to understand that the safest technique is also the best technique.” In this video Courtney Lawes takes you through the tackling technique that works for him. From the importance of foot placement in generate force through to being comfortable using both left and right shoulders and of course head placement for safety.

Watch one of the worlds best openside flankers, Richie McCaw, show you how to get from set piece to the breakdown as quickly as possibly. It is not about speed or knowing where to go, its about know how to get there efficiently and make the right decisions on what is happening next.

The least number of breakdowns you can have the better you will play but its a big part of the game and you need the skills to play there. This video will take you through a range of skill activities, identifying individuals roles and responsibilities at the breakdown.

In this video I will share with you my tackle techniques and most importantly the attitude I take into the tackle. An attitude that keeps me in the game and ensures that I can be as effective as possible at the tackle.

Every top team has a top defence. If you’re not a good defensive team, you won’t win championships. Tackle technique is the key. I break this down into two components: tracking and tackling. This video takes you through the activities I use to develop individual tackle technique, the foundations of good defence and a winning team.

Your team’s character is epitomised by its defence. In this video I’ll share with you my philosophy of defence and also introduce specific activities that I believe in and use to build and test defence systems, from set piece through to general play. Good luck!

Breakdown skills are critical for any player. In this video I look at the three big decisions to make when you are a support player in the defensive line and the techniques to deliver the most effective actions. Being effective at defensive breakdowns is about great decisions and absolute commitment.

There is nothing better than unleashing a long raking spiral punt. In this video I’ll take you through my technique checklist for the spiral and the drop punt and the factors that influence and dictate which punt I choose.