Kazakhstan coach eager to continue coaching journey.
Natalia Vlassova’s rugby journey mirrors the progress made by Kazakhstan, one of the emerging forces in Asian rugby.
Vlassova first played rugby as a 12-year-old, when she was a student at a sports school. She then discovered a passion and aptitude for coaching when she was given the chance to organise a rugby tournament while at university seven years ago.
“I was offered the opportunity to run a rugby tournament with children at a school. I enjoyed taking on the role of a coach. I found it interesting and diverse,” Vlassova told World Rugby.
“I enjoy creating an atmosphere that educates and teaches players to be strong and brave. I like to see the fruits of my work.”
Vlassova now coaches at a specialist rugby school and is also the physical training coach of Kazakhstan’s national women’s team, where she works alongside Tugambegova Mahabbat - one of her coaching role models.
“She was my first coach, and is a strong and charismatic person,” Vlassova said.
“For me coaching is a joy. Working with other people, doing what I love and constantly learning gives me a real purpose”, she said.
Thanks to her involvement in the Gallagher High Performance Academy, Natalia has been able to discover what her coaching philosophy and main goals are.
“It’s important for me to remain consistent in what I do and to be as prepared as possible to do my job effectively.
“It’s also about building an independent team culture through player empowerment, communication, respect and trust. I believe that all these components will help me become a better coach.”