At just 33 years old, Tom Harrison has already made a name for himself as one of England’s most promising rugby coaches.
Known for his behind-the-scenes work, Harrison has been instrumental in reviving the national team’s scrum, an area that had been struggling not too long ago.
Although he’s earned praise for his efforts, he’s quick to remind everyone that the journey is still ongoing and there’s more work to do.
Learning from the Past: Harrison’s Early Influence
Harrison’s story begins in France, where during his playing days with Auch in the country’s second-tier league, he absorbed the core rugby philosophy of “Pas de melee, pas de victoire” – “No scrum, no win.”
This motto, which emphasizes the importance of the scrum in winning games, is particularly relevant to England’s recent struggles and successes.
In the past year, England’s set-piece had been one of the team’s biggest weaknesses, contributing to their narrow losses in a series of high-profile matches.
However, things have taken a turn for the better, with England’s scrum emerging as one of the best in the Six Nations.
From Struggles to Triumph: England’s Scrum Resurgence
Just nine months ago, England’s head coach Steve Borthwick was concerned about the team’s difficulties in the scrum, especially after a tough defeat in New Zealand.
At that time, he pointed out that the team needed to develop a better understanding of the tighthead position, which Harrison and Borthwick took on as a crucial development project. Fast forward to today, and the transformation is evident.
England now boasts one of the strongest scrums in the game, with key players like Maro Itoje praising the scrum as a major weapon for the team.
The Role of Tom Harrison: A Behind-the-Scenes Architect
Harrison’s success can be credited to his hard work behind the scenes.
At just 33, he’s earned widespread acclaim for his work with England’s forwards, helping to create unity and purpose within the team.
He’s made it a point to build strong relationships with England’s age-group players and coaches from Premiership clubs.
While he emphasizes that the work is still a process, the improvements are clear to see.
Building Team Unity: Harrison’s Methodology for Success
One of Harrison’s primary focuses has been to ensure the forwards are all on the same page.
He credits much of the scrum’s success to the unity and timing within the team.
In fact, Harrison sought advice from Steve Trapmore, a decorated water-sport expert, who helped him figure out how to bring rhythm and cohesion to the scrum.
By ensuring that all eight forwards are working in sync, Harrison believes they can dominate the scrum and create a strong foundation for the team.
Perfecting the Scrum: Harrison’s Weekly Routine
When it comes to preparing the forwards, Harrison follows a rigorous and structured training routine.
In the days leading up to each Test, he holds two main training sessions for the forwards.
On day one, they focus on set-up work and understanding the opposition’s tactics.
Day two is the most physical, with a competitive live scrum session designed to test the players’ skills and endurance.
By the time Thursday arrives, the team is preparing under fatigue, making sure they are physically and mentally ready for the real thing.
The Impact of Will Stuart: A Breakout Star
A key figure in England’s scrum resurgence is tighthead prop Will Stuart, who has transformed from an unheralded figure to one of the team’s most reliable players.
Harrison credits a pivotal meeting with Stuart in Bath as a turning point in the player’s development.
During this meeting, Harrison laid out a plan for Stuart’s growth, and the results have been remarkable.
Stuart’s physical conditioning and his mental focus have allowed him to thrive, and he has become a key part of the forward pack.
The Mental and Physical Growth of Will Stuart
Stuart’s journey has been marked by significant growth, both physically and mentally.
He has worked hard to refine his strength and conditioning, focusing not just on power but on acceleration and endurance.
Mentally, Stuart has embraced the challenge of stepping into the role once held by England’s all-time greats, like Dan Cole.
He’s no longer the young player with a safety net—he’s now taking center stage.
New Talent on the Horizon: England’s Emerging Scrum Stars
Looking to the future, Harrison is excited about the next generation of props coming through.
As England’s Under 20 team recently proved by winning the junior World Cup, the future of the scrum looks bright.
One standout player is Asher Opoku-Fordjour, a talented prop from Sale who made his senior debut with England against Japan.
His debut was a memorable moment, with his teammates ensuring that he was fully supported as he took on the challenge of his first scrum.
Another exciting prospect is Afolabi Fasogbon, a dominant tighthead from Gloucester who’s already making waves in the Premiership.
Fasogbon’s confidence and assertiveness have impressed Harrison, and he’s considered a likely candidate for England’s future squads.
Harrison’s Role: A Passionate Coach Building the Future
For Harrison, coaching has become more than just a job—it’s a passion.
After a journeyman playing career, he has found his stride as a coach, and his commitment to improving England’s scrum has been central to the team’s rise.
Looking ahead, Harrison is excited about the wealth of talent coming through and the potential for his work to continue yielding results for England in the months and years to come.
With the continued development of England’s front row, the scrum is set to remain a powerful asset for the team, and Harrison’s influence will only continue to grow.