Our Year 6–8 A Team rugby boys enjoyed an unforgettable morning of coaching with former Newcastle Falcons, Northampton Saints and England star Tom May, who delivered an inspiring blend of high‑level skill, honesty and motivation.
Talking Pressure, Nerves – and What They Really Mean
Tom opened the session with a powerful message about pressure and nerves. He explained that players can feel excitement, nerves or even both at the same time — and that these emotions can either sharpen or cloud focus.
He reassured the boys that these feelings are completely normal. Sometimes they help; sometimes they make you feel unsure, overwhelmed or even like an imposter in big moments. What matters, he said, is how you respond, and learning to recognise your emotions before stepping into performance.
His key message was simple:
Focus on the controllables — the small, deliberate actions that ground you when the pressure is on.
Putting the Lessons Into Action
With Tom’s words fresh in their minds, the boys took on a fast‑paced and (very!) noisy passing‑under‑pressure challenge. Their teammates tried everything to distract them as they worked to stay composed and accurate.
It was the perfect test of resilience, focus and teamwork — and the boys rose to it brilliantly.
A Champion’s Memory
Tom also shared one of his favourite moments from his professional career: lifting the cup with his Newcastle teammates. He reminded the boys that while individual effort matters, the most special achievements in sport are the ones you accomplish together.
He even let the boys try on his England cap, giving them a glimpse of what dedication, belief and hard work can lead to.
Inspired and Motivated
The session left the boys buzzing with motivation — not only about rugby, but about mindset, emotional awareness and supporting one another. Tom’s honesty and energy made a real impact, and we are incredibly grateful to him for sharing his time, experience and wisdom.
It was a brilliant morning full of learning, laughter and inspiration.
