TEstimonies
I have been fortunate enough to work with some amazing people throughout my career. Below are a selection of those who have been kind enough to comment on the work we've done together, be it in education or in the rugby world.
Ollie Lawrence
Worcester Warriors, Bath & England
I had the pleasure of working with Mr Daws as my coach & teacher at Old Swinford Hospital School until I left in Year 11. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience.
He was always pushing me to be better and was always willing to help when I had questions or needed advice. He is also incredibly knowledgeable about the game of rugby and the way it’s played. He was never too complex, but it always had a purpose. I still remember to apply some of the core skills such as running lines into my professional game. I know that at times I wouldn’t have been the easiest person to teach/coach, but Mr Daws always gave me a chance and for that I’ll always be thankful. I think that itself speaks volumes of the type of person he is.
One of the things I appreciated most about Mr Daws was his ability to motivate and inspire other people around him. He consistently pushed us to be our best, both on and off the field. His dedication to the team / rugby and teaching in general was evident in the hours he spent preparing for practices and games.
Overall, I would highly recommend Simon Daws to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, dedicated, and hardworking coach. He truly cares about his players and is passionate about helping them achieve their goals. From a teacher, to a friend who has supported me for over a decade & that for me is the biggest reward.
Steve Hewitt
Parent - OSH & Ex-CEO Gymshark
Simon Daws is a first class coach & leader. His ability to enable individuals and teams to become the best version of themselves, both on & off the playing field, is something that is seldom seen and that’s driven by his positive mindset and the way he consistently applies himself.
His style sees him encourage players with constant positive reinforcement and at the same time builds an environment, which sets out the parameters for players to thrive and succeed at the highest level. I have seen from first-hand experience the difference Simon makes and I would highly recommend him when working with players, teams and organisations at all levels.
Ed Taylor
Blackheath (Captain), Bedford Blues, Worcester Warriors & Loughborough, England U20
Simon (Mr Daws) was my 1st XV coach during my final years at Old Swinford Hospital school, and he massively helped many of my peers along their rugby and life journeys. Amongst many of his qualities, he had an amazing way of motivating a group and was able to set high standards whilst highlighting the importance of enjoyment in sport! He would always go out of his way to ensure the personal development of his students were prioritised over himself. Under his stewardship he helped me personally create so many amazing memories - I captained England U18s, achieved a professional contract and as a team we were able to get to the National Schools Cup Final.
Tom Skinner
Old Swinford Hospital School Parent
I saw first-hand the impact that someone can have on a child’s development. My son was fortunate enough to have Simon as a teacher and rugby coach in some of his most important years whilst transitioning to senior school. The building blocks are essential to form the type of player and person we would like to be in the future. Simon was more than a teacher or coach and certainly gave far more thought and emphasis on the children’s future development than results at U12s rugby for example. Everything he did had their future in mind, to be better players and people when the time to be so mattered. He would often stretch them but never take them beyond their capabilities or that of their safety. As parents we always felt involved in the process and feedback was often given. Simon also values certain traits and encouraged humility amongst the lads he mentored and coached. I’ve always found Simon highly approachable and likeable, something that means he gets the best from people in return. I know my son (now 17 and still playing) holds Simon in high regard as do we as parents.
Huw Taylor
Dragons (Wales), Worcester Warriors & England U20
Simon (Mr Daws) was my 1st XV and u15s coach during my time at Old Swinford Hospital school, and he massively helped me and many of my mates along their rugby and life journeys. Dawsy has a great balance of teaching you the core values of rugby (teamwork, hard work and leadership) as well as his want and desire to win and succeed shining through.
He would always go out of his way to ensure we were given every chance to succeed and was always there for a chat if needed. Under his time with me, he helped me achieve England U17-u18 appearances, a professional contract with Worcester warriors and as a team we were able to get to the National Schools Cup Final. And I was not the only one in my year group to achieve this.
Even now when I am taking on new challenges after playing 9 years professionally, I still recognise the importance of those 4 years I spent with Simon to being crucial to my success and still holds some of my fondest memories in the sport
Max Stelling
Worcester Warriors, England Sevens, Hino Red Dolphins (Japan) & TSV Handschuhsheim Rugby
I first met Simon back as a 14 year old at Old Swinford Hospital School. Shortly thereafter he became my rugby coach throughout my senior years. As a 1st XV, we improved year on year, eventually reaching the final of the Daily Mail Cup, in large part thanks to Simon’s work with our team. Simon’s game knowledge and creative session delivery kept us interested, engaged and committed. On a personal note, it was Simon’s emotional intelligence that stood out to me, he understands characters and adjusts his coaching accordingly. And in my 11 years of professional rugby, I’m yet to come across someone as capable in that department.
Joe Wrafter
Hartbury College, Doncaster, Harlequins & Bedford
I’ve been involved with professional rugby for over 5 years now, and Simon Daws was a key part of me trying to facilitate that. He taught me some of the basic fundamentals needed on and off the pitch, this included tackle and breakdown work (close contact skills) and off the pitch gave me the belief and confidence to perform to my best whilst trying to learn academics. He is also well known in the Worcestershire area and has given young men good advice on and off the pitch whether that be sporting or work career based opportunities.
Sam Ripper-Smith
Worcester Warriors, Loughborough University &England U20
Dawsy played a great part in my success as an open side flanker, he is a great mentor and coach and I cannot recommend him enough. He has good technical knowledge in many areas of the game, but for me partcularly in the tackle, breakdown area and contact skills. He also helped me develop my character which ultimately helped me kick on and play professional rugby
Will Harris
Stourbridge RFC, North Midlands, Bromsgrove RFC - Player/Coach
I have had the pleasure of being coached by Dawsey as a player and also being mentored by him throughout my coaching career. His ability to build connections with players is one of a kind.
His enthusiasm, passion and positivity is infectious; this coupled with his excellent analysis and attention to detail to the technical & tactical aspects of the game really drove my progression as a player. As a coach, he has helped me even further. His insights, not only into rugby but the art of coaching has challenged my views on how coaching should be delivered and always providing me with detailed advice and guidance throughout my coaching career.
Tom Mitchell
UR7s Head of Performance, Esher RFC, Stourbridge RFC
Dawsy was my senior coach for three seasons. A great bloke who took my game to another level, whether this be through developing my leadership skills, understanding my roles as a 10 or fullback and always finding new ways to up skill. What stood out with Dawsy is how he would always find time for you. He drives high standards and made my rugby so enjoyable.
Chris Roe
Stourbridge RFC Mini & Junior Section Chairman
Dawsy ran a number of coach CPD sessions for the M&J coaches. Every week there was a different focus in terms of core rugby skills and 'how' to deliver. By helping our coaches understand why techniques are performed, their real basic building blocks, our coaching team felt more confident delivering sessions in areas they'd previously felt nervous about such as front on tackling.