10 Nights
Elite Coaches Tour of Japan
Japan
3rd-13th December, 2026
This December, join us on a 10 night Elite Coaches Tour of Japan, curated by Ben Herring, hosted by Sir Gordon Tietjens and Matt Cockbain.
Overview
One of the great joys of hosting the “Coaching Culture with Ben Herring” Podcast (available on all podcast platforms – Spotify, Apple podcasts & youtube etc) has been sitting down with some of the best coaches in the world and learning how they think. Now we’re taking that learning off the microphone and into the real world This December, join us on the Elite Coaches Tour of Japan, hosted by Sir Gordon Tietjens and Matt Cockbain.
Over 10 days we’ll explore schools, universities, professional clubs and the unique rugby culture that makes Japan one of the most fascinating rugby nations in the world.
If you love coaching, leadership and learning, this is a rare chance to travel, connect and grow alongside some of the best minds in the game.
Ben Herring
Director of Rugby
Meet Your Tour Leaders
Sir Gordon Tietjens
Gordon is a highly experienced and globally respected rugby coach, widely regarded as the godfather of rugby sevens and one of the most successful coaches in the history of the game. Gordon Tietjens built and led the New Zealand All Blacks Sevens program for over two decades, winning 12 World Series titles, two Rugby World Cup Sevens championships, and four Commonwealth Games gold medals.
Renowned for reshaping the modern sevens format, he set the global standard for high-performance programs and player development. Tietjens played a pivotal role in producing some of the game’s greatest players, including Jonah Lomu and Christian Cullen, and has developed over 40 players who progressed to All Blacks honours.
A World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee and Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, he brings unmatched insight from a lifetime in the game. Known for disciplined leadership, clarity of message, and uncompromising standards, he consistently builds environments where players perform at their best and teams thrive under pressure.
Coaching Experience & Achievements
- Head Coach – New Zealand All Blacks Sevens (1994–2016)
- 12× World Rugby Sevens World Series Champions Rugby World Cup Sevens Champion (2001, 2013) Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010)
- Widely regarded as the most successful sevens coach in history
- Developed 40+ players who progressed to All Blacks honours
- Head Coach – Samoa National Sevens Team (2016–2020) Led the national program through a rebuilding phase Focused on high-performance standards and player development
- Head Coach – Bay of Plenty (1996–2002)
- NPC Coach of the Year (2000)
- Strengthened provincial performance and player pathways
Honours & Recognition
- World Rugby Hall of Fame Inductee
- New Zealand Rugby Coach of the Year (2010)
- Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM)
- Widely recognised as one of the greatest rugby sevens coaches of all time
Matt Cockbain
Matt is a highly experienced rugby coach and former international player, Matt Cockbain brings elite-level insight shaped by a distinguished playing career, including 63 Test caps for the Wallabies and a Rugby World Cup victory in 1999. Transitioning into coaching, he has developed a reputation for building tough, disciplined forward packs and contributing to high-performance environments at both professional and international level.
Cockbain’s coaching journey is highlighted by his extensive experience in Japan, widely regarded as one of the most challenging environments in world rugby for foreign coaches. Operating within a unique cultural and professional landscape, he successfully adapted his approach to lead, develop, and influence players in a system that demands flexibility, cultural awareness, and strong interpersonal skills.
Having coached within professional setups including the Melbourne Rebels and contributed at international level with Fiji, he combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of the game’s demands across different rugby cultures. His experience across Australia, Europe, and Japan has equipped him with a global perspective on player development, team cohesion, and performance.
Known for his work ethic, clarity of coaching, and ability to connect with players, Cockbain brings valuable insight from both a world-class playing career and a broad, international coaching journey.
Highlights of Achievements
- 63 Test caps for the Wallabies (1997–2003)
- Member of the 1999 Rugby World Cup–winning Australian team
- 90+ appearances for the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby Professional playing experience across Australia, Europe, and Japan
- Played and coached in Japan, successfully navigating one of the most challenging environments for foreign coaches Assistant Coach – Melbourne Rebels (Super Rugby), Forwards Coach with strong reputation for developing physical, disciplined packs
- International coaching experience with Fiji national team (2014 tour)
- Recognised for adaptability across different rugby systems and cultures
- Strong contributor to high-performance environments and player development pathways.
Tour Inclusions
Itinerary
Elite Coaches Tour of Japan
View itinerary
Day 1
Thursday 3rd December
Home City > Osaka
- Arrive in Osaka from your home destination.
- Make your own way to the tour hotel and check into your room where you will stay for the next four (4) nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Meet your fellow tour members and coaches.
- Welcome drinks.
- Evening at leisure.
Day 2
Friday 4th December
Osaka
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Morning visit to Kansai University Rugby Club.
- Touch football fixture against a local team.
- Evening at leisure.
Day 3
Saturday 5th December
Osaka
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Morning classroom coaching session with Gordon and Matt followed by questions.
- Afternoon visit to Kobe Steel to meet Wayne Smith, Andy Ellis coaching staff or similar.
- Dinner with Rugby Quest to understand their mission and the state of club rugby.
Day 4
Sunday 6th December
Osaka
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Witness a coaching session run by Gordon and Matt.
- Attend a local professional fixture.
Day 5
Monday 7th December
Osaka
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Visit Mitsubishi Dynaboars or similar to view a full training session.
- Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 6
Tuesday 8th December
Osaka > Tokyo
- Breakfast at your hotel followed by check out.
- Travel to Tokyo via Shinkansen (bullet train).
- Afternoon coaching session with a leading youth team.
- Check into your Tokyo hotel for the next six (6) nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
- Evening at leisure.
Day 7
Wednesday 9th December
Tokyo
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Visit Tokai University and/or Tokai Sagami.
- Coaching session provided by Gordon and Matt.
Day 8
Thursday 10th December
Tokyo
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Full day at leisure to enjoy the many attractions of Tokyo.
- Coaches dinner with current League One coaches at Shin-Hinomoto (Japanese Izakaya private function) to discuss the state of the nation.
Day 9
Friday 11th December
Tokyo
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Leisure day in Tokyo.
- Evening cocktail event with the Australia New Zealand Japanese Chamber of Commerce.
Day 10
Saturday 12th December
Tokyo
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Attend a League One Round game in Japan.
- Final tour dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11
Sunday 13th December
Tokyo
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Tour concludes after hotel check out.
- Make your own onward travel arrangements.