John Cooney is a talented professional rugby union player from Ireland known for his skills as a scrum-half. He was born on December 17, 1989, in Dublin, Ireland. Cooney has played for various teams throughout his career, including Connacht, Leinster, and currently Ulster Rugby in the Pro14 and European competitions.

Cooney is recognised for his exceptional kicking abilities, playmaking skills, and leadership on the field. His precise passing, tactical awareness, and accurate goal-kicking have made him a valuable asset to his teams. Cooney’s versatility allows him to adapt to different game situations, whether it be controlling the tempo of the game, setting up attacking plays, or providing solid defence.

Throughout his career, Cooney has earned praise for his work ethic, dedication to the sport, and commitment to improving his game constantly. He is known for his competitive spirit and determination to succeed, which have helped him excel in the highly competitive world of professional rugby.

Off the field, Cooney is respected for his professionalism, sportsmanship, and involvement in community initiatives. He serves as a role model for aspiring young rugby players, inspiring them to work hard, stay focused, and strive for excellence both on and off the field.

In this episode of the podcast, we learn

  • Embracing Growth Mindset: Encouraging kickers to constantly seek improvement rather than settling for mediocre success rates.

  • Simplifying Technique: Advocating for a focus on essential striking abilities over unnecessary complexities in kicking technique.

  • Learning from the Best: Studying successful kickers like M. Steyn and Dan Carter for insights on simplicity and effectiveness.

  • Coaching Experience: Sharing challenges and growth as a kicking coach, emphasizing the value of coaching for personal improvement.

  • Feedback and Improvement: Highlighting the importance of being open to feedback, even from unexpected sources, to identify areas for enhancement and optimize kicking performance.

There is so much detail and insight in this episode. Please enjoy and share.

Peter Breen