Meet Phil Lucker: The New Head Coach of 7 Bamboos RFC

Phil Lucker, is the new head coach of the 7 Bamboos RFC, overseeing both the men’s and women’s teams this 7s season. The 47-year-old, Thornbury-born, took a unique entry into professional sports coaching, which was marked by a passion for rugby ignited by his son’s involvement.

Phil emphasises passion, mental toughness, and team cohesion over mere victories. With a strategic focus on fostering resilience and dedication, he is poised to lead the 7 Bamboos RFC to new successes this summer.

We sat down with Phil to find out more about his journey as a coach and his plans with the Bamboos.

Background and Experience in Rugby

Q: Can you share a bit about your background in rugby and what led you to become a coach at 7 Bamboos RFC?

Phil Lucker: I took a somewhat unconventional route into rugby, starting with school rugby before shifting to football for a few years. It wasn’t until my thirties, inspired by my son’s passion for rugby, that I re-engaged seriously with team sports.

This journey took us to North Bristol RFC, which turned out to be a crucial development for us both. Last year, I came across an opportunity with 7 Bamboos and reached out to Max, the founder. I immediately fell in love with the dynamic and intense nature of 7s rugby.

My previous experience coaching athletics, combined with my rugby coaching over the last six years, prepared me well to take on this role. Despite battling feelings of impostor syndrome, I’ve realized that my diverse coaching background is a unique asset that I bring to 7 Bamboos RFC.

Coaching Philosophy

Q: What is your coaching philosophy, and how do you think it will influence the team’s performance and dynamics this season?

Phil Lucker: My coaching philosophy centers on nurturing a genuine love for the sport rather than just the pursuit of medals and trophies. I believe in creating an environment that fosters growth and sets realistic goals.

Sports, in my view, are as much about mental strength as they are about physical abilities. I intend to develop both the mental and physical aspects of our players, emphasizing the critical role of teamwork. My experience across various sports will help foster a welcoming and developmental atmosphere, encouraging new players to excel through rigorous 7s training and competitions.

Goals for the Season

Q: What are the main goals you have set for the team this season, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Phil Lucker: This quite simple for this season, my goals are to build training numbers and have a selection headache. I want to get multiple 7 Bamboo teams playing in the same tournament, but to do this we need to prove that numbers are sustainable and make the squad attractive to potential sponsors. This is the last time I drag money into playing rugby!

Challenges and Opportunities

Q: What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for 7 Bamboos RFC in the upcoming season?

Phil Lucker: I have a number of challenges, some I can control others I can’t. Those that I can’t are the environmental aspects and squad challenges outside of rugby. Those that I can are to make sessions enjoyable and even more so beneficial to players and the squad.

Personal Touch

Q: Away from rugby, what are some of your interests or hobbies that might surprise the team and our fans?

Phil Lucker: This is really difficult, my life outside of work and home is sport (rugby and athletics) so nothing new… So, although not a hobby, more like a life commitment, my wife and I love dogs and have rescued 3 dogs, our latest 2 are a Collie cross and a Greyhound both are definitely part of the family.

Fancy joining the Bamboos this Summer? Get in touch today