Craig Wilson
About Craig Wilson
Craig Wilson serves as the Director of Rugby at Yale University, where he also coaches the men's rugby team. With extensive experience in rugby development and coaching across various organizations, he has contributed to the sport at both national and collegiate levels.
Current Role at Yale University
Craig Wilson serves as the Director of Rugby at Yale University since 2020. In this role, he oversees both the men's and women's rugby programs, ensuring the development and success of the teams. He has also been the Head Coach of the Yale Men's Rugby team since 2019, contributing to the growth of the sport within the university. His leadership in these positions focuses on enhancing player performance and fostering a competitive environment.
Previous Experience in Rugby Development
Before his current role, Craig Wilson held various positions in rugby development. He worked at the Hong Kong Rugby Union as the Inclusive Rugby Officer from 2012 to 2014 and as the Performance Player Development Officer from 2014 to 2015. Additionally, he served as the Rugby Development Officer at Hong Kong Scottish RFC from 2009 to 2012. His experience includes coaching roles at multiple levels, including the Hong Kong U18 Women's team and the USA U20's Women's Defense Coach from 2017 to 2020.
Coaching and Leadership Qualifications
Craig Wilson has pursued advanced education in leadership and coaching. He studied at Harvard Business School Online, earning a Principles of Leadership Certificate in 2021. He also holds a Master's degree in Performance Coaching from the University of Stirling, which he completed from 2014 to 2016. These qualifications support his coaching methodologies and enhance his effectiveness as a leader in rugby.
Contributions to Rugby Commentary and Analysis
In addition to his coaching roles, Craig Wilson is active in rugby commentary and analysis. He serves as a commentator for National Collegiate Rugby, where he contributes to the sport's visibility at the collegiate level. He also hosts the 'When Coaching Goes Wrong' podcast, discussing coaching challenges and experiences with various sports professionals. His social media presence as a rugby analysis content creator under the handle @thecontactcoach has garnered millions of views.
Involvement in Rugby Organizations
Craig Wilson has been involved with various rugby organizations throughout his career. He served as the Chair of the Ivy Rugby Women's Competitions Committee from 2018 to 2019. His coaching experience also includes a brief tenure as Head Coach of the India National Team in 2012 and roles with Rugby United New York as an Academy Coach from 2021 to 2023. These positions reflect his commitment to developing rugby at multiple levels.