Eric Jones

Eric Jones is a UKCC Level 3 rugby coach who also has a degree in Law from Napier University, is a coach educator and college lecturer, with extensive experience across community, pathway, and performance rugby. He has a proven track record of developing players, clubs and coaches through structured, evidence-informed programmes that align long-term development with performance outcomes.

Eric has coached successfully at senior club level, most notably guiding Corstorphine Cougars to the Women’s Premiership title (2024–25), and previously leading Leith Men to the Regional 3 championship (2013–14) alongside coaching roles at Lismore RFC.

A core strength of Eric’s work lies in player pathway development. He has designed and delivered programmes that have directly supported 17 players progressing into the Celtic Challenge, five players into wider national squad environments, with two players going on to earn full international caps. Notably, Eric has worked with one of these capped players since the age of 12, providing long-term, athlete-centred support across multiple stages of her development.

Alongside his coaching roles, Eric spent 13½ years as a Rugby Development Officer, contributing to school, club, and regional programmes including East of Scotland Girls U18 and BT Academy pathways. His work has consistently focused on creating clear development frameworks, improving coach capability, and ensuring positive, sustainable environments for young athletes.In this role Eric contributed to facility development within a Community Sports Hub and also developed a team of 6 coaches. 

As a lecturer in sport and physical activity, Eric bridges theory and practice, delivering high-quality education for young people and aspiring coaches. His professional interests include player development models, coach behaviours, and the integration of welfare, performance, and learning. 

Through Kudos Sports Services, Eric provides coaching, mentoring, programme design, and educational support to players, coaches, and organisations seeking to build effective, future-focused programmes.