Former Woodrush chairman Matt Elwell has completed the first of three modules on the RFU’s new Leadership in Union project.
Elwell attended a two-day course at Ashridge House in Hertfordshire where Nigel Melville, the former England scrum-half and recently-appointed RFU Director of Professional Rugby, was among the guest speakers.
John Neal and Ian Bell were course leaders and Simon Winman, the RFU Head of Club Development, was a,one those who spoke to the selected candidates of which Elwell is the only one from North Midlands.
Leadership in a Union is a bespoke leadership programme designed and delivered by Ashridge Executive Education to help the selected candidates to become the best leaders they can be for their Constituent Bodies and the game.
The programme will involve modules throughout the season which will be held at Ashridge House and a 360-degree feedback process – the Ashridge Inventory of Management Skills which will provide from managers, peers, reports and valued colleagues.
“The first weekend was very intensive and very demanding but also very useful in getting the candidates there to look at themselves and the roles they have in their CBS,” Elwell said.
Elwell, a former North Midlands Colt, was forced to retire early from playing through injury. He moved into coaching with Silhillians and Woodrush then into administration.
After serving as Woodrush chairman, he was elected to the Worcestershire & Herefordshire committee and recently completed a successful stint as North Midlands Unity Project Co-ordinator with rugby in the Czech Republic.
Elwell is director of family company Anglo Italian Tiles in Hollywood.