World Cup Winner and International Coaches Join Rugby Academy

Our Rugby Academy has unveiled a new-look coaching team, led by three highly respected figures in the game Tamara Taylor, Nyle Godsmark and Fiona Davidson.

Bringing together experience from international rugby, elite competition and grassroots coaching, the trio will give learners the opportunity to learn from coaches who have played and coached at the highest levels of the game.

One of England’s most accomplished rugby players, and one of only a handful of women to hold their Level 4, Performance Coaching award, Tamara Taylor joins the academy with an exceptional playing record and a passion for developing the next generation of female players.

A former England captain, Tamara earned 115 caps across a 14-year international career, represented her country at four Rugby World Cups and played a key role in England’s 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup-winning campaign. Alongside her international success, she represented the Barbarians and local clubs including Novocastrians and Darlington Mowden Park Sharks.

Tamara has coached across most levels of the game from grassroots to International, coaching locally as a player coach at Darlington Mowden Park, head coach of Sweden Women and assistant coach with Scotland U20 women most recently.

Tamara said: “I’m passionate about growing women’s rugby in the North East and thrilled to join the Women’s Rugby Academy coaching team at the college. The Red Roses’ World Cup win last year inspired more young people than ever to take up the sport and I’m looking forward to helping players develop their skills, achieve their ambitions and reach their full potential.”

Nyle brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience from both the international and grassroots game. Originally from Scotland, he represented Scotland Sevens for eight years on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit, competing at major international tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games.

During his time at Northern RFC, Nyle combined playing and coaching responsibilities, helping players develop their game while building his own coaching expertise.

He said “I’m excited to be joining Gateshead College and helping shape the future of the Rugby Academy. Having played professional rugby for eight years before continuing my playing and coaching journey in the North East, I’m looking forward to sharing that experience with our players and supporting them as they progress in the game.”

“The academy offers a fantastic opportunity for aspiring players to develop their skills, gain valuable experiences and progress within the game. It’s an exciting time for the sport and I’m looking forward to supporting our players as they reach their full potential.”

Fiona’s rugby journey began at the age of four and saw her progress through club, county and regional pathways before representing Richmond RFC, England Under-20s and England.

Since moving to the North East, Fiona has combined her passion for sport with a successful career in fitness and athlete development through her business, FiTrain. She brings a wealth of experience in performance, wellbeing and coaching, alongside a commitment to helping young people succeed both on and off the pitch.

“I’m passionate about growing the game in the North East and creating more opportunities for young people to get involved, challenge themselves and enjoy everything rugby has to offer.”