It was a School Winter Sports Tour of Europe that first opened Matthew Evrard’s (2006) eyes to the opportunities that the global game of rugby could offer. Fast-forward 20 years and he has made his dream a reality, with exciting roles as both the Head Coach of the NSW Waratahs Academy Program, and the Assistant Coach of the Australian Under 20s team.
Matt, we’re chatting to you during a break from training with the Australian team at the Junior Rugby World Cup in Georgia. You’ve managed to achieve so much in the industry – tell us where it all began.
I have been coaching rugby union every year of my life since I was in Year 10 at School.
I thought I wanted to become a teacher, but I decided to shift when I first heard about careers in sport. I went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Administration and Coaching, and was fortunate enough to land a role with Australian Rugby Union as a Development Officer down in Sydney.
I decided to chase a career in coaching from this point. I went on to run Coach Education for NSW for five years, and also worked with World Rugby as a Master Trainer. I coached in the Shute Shield with Eastern Suburbs, before the NSW Waratahs set up their Academy Program.
I was the Assistant Coach of that program and lead the High Performance program for the Waratahs Women’s Super W Program.
In recent years, I’ve taken over as the Head Coach of the Waratahs Academy, and have been fortunate enough to be invited into the Australian Under 20s Program, too. I love seeing players develop on the field, and as people off the field – that is the reason why I coach. It doesn’t ever feel like a real job.
Looking back at your time at School, what are some of your strongest sporting memories?
Central Coast Grammar School made me fall in love with rugby.
I was extremely fortunate to go on a Winter Sports Tour of Europe in Year 11, playing rugby in France, Wales, Ireland, England and Italy, and it truly opened my eyes to the world and the global game that rugby is.
I was also very fortunate to be Rugby Captain in my final year of School. Our 1st XV side went two years undefeated in competition and trial fixtures, and there were many players in those teams who went on to play rugby at a very high level.
I will never forget these memories.
Were there any teachers, coaches, or mentors who influenced your love of the game?
Mr Thomas and Mr Paton were two great rugby men that passed on their passion for the game to every player at the School, and Mr Kensey and Mr Geddes also moulded me as a rugby player and leader of that group – both on and off the field.
Mr Simpson and Mr Gill were also both hugely influential on me, and taught me life-long lessons about what it takes to be a great man who is respectful to all.
Finally, our former Headmaster, Mr Lornie, was a huge supporter of the rugby program, and was always a presence at our home and big away fixtures.
As part of your work, you’ve delivered the NSW Super W and elite female athlete programs. How do you create an environment where these players can thrive?
For me, it’s not about creating a different environment for female athletes; it’s about ensuring they are exposed to the same levels of high performance that should be expected for any similar program in any sport.
These programs are very much in their infancy from a game development and high-performance point of view, but the progression can be fast-tracked as the levels of investment and interest in female football codes increases in Australia.
The programs can also allow for quicker learning due to the nature of these athletes, who are always asking more questions and wanting to learn more. Female athlete body composition and response to training on the field and in the gym is quite different, too, so these programs need to be designed to meet the needs of the players.
What qualities do you look for in young players who want to succeed in elite rugby programs?
Good, resilient people with an exceptional work ethic. I look for great athletes who like to be physical, but the person they are and the way they apply themselves matters, too.
I want commitment from them, because that is what I will give them in return. They need to want to learn more every day, and never think that there isn’t room for improvement.
What advice would you give current students who are interested in a career in sport?
Working in professional sport is the most rewarding and fun career choice you can make. I have honestly not felt like I have worked a day in 15 years. I love what I do, I love the people I get to work with, and I love the game for everything it has given me and my family.
I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have to work a real job one day.
