About Duncan Hodge
Ex-International Rugby Coach & Player
Building Rugby Excellence
Duncan Hodge brings over 2 decades of experience from the very highest level of rugby as professional player and International coach. As importantly in the journey alongside professional coaching he has always coached and developed kids at every single year group from age 5 to 18. His journey from playing international rugby into full time coaching has been driven by a passion to help and develop players and help them be the very best they can be.
Accelerate Rugby was founded post watching other high level youth sporting environments first hand. It is based on the principle that youth rugby coaching can be so much better and every player should be able to access elite level coaching regardless of their current ability and situation. Accelerate Rugby aims to compliment a players current school or club training and provide new stimulus.
With some of the very best qualified and experienced coaches in Scotland we provide small coach-to-player ratios. The focus is on the player and individual development but also their behaviour and role within the team. Accelerate Rugby delivers coaching that makes a real, measurable and proven difference.
Playing Career
1997-2007
Professional Career
Turned Professional in 1997. First player to play 100 games for Edinburgh Rugby. Had 2 stints at Edinburgh Rugby playing in now URC equivalent and The European Cup, followed by 2 years with Leeds in the English Premiership in between.
1990-1996
Early Career
Played as many sports as I could. Mini rugby with Dumfries RFC, School rugby with Merchiston. Played Scotland U18, U19, U21 and joined Watsonians in 1993 playing in a backline containing 3 British Lions.
1997-2003
International Career
Played Stand Off for Scotland (26 Caps, scoring 123 points and 6 tries) and the Barbarians. Went on 7 Scotland tours, captaining Scotland vs Eastern Province (as a 22 year old in 1997). Most memorable match was the win vs England in 2000 scoring all the points in a 19-13 win.
Coaching Career
2007–Present
Professional Rugby
Held varying roles coaching Scotland for 8yrs (Kicking Coach & Attack Coach) and Edinburgh (Attack Coach and Head Coach) for 6yrs. Since leaving Edinburgh have worked for Fiji, USA, Holland and consulted for World Rugby as well as still working for MLR Pro Team; Washington Old Glory.
2000-2007
Early Amateur Coaching Years
Where my love of coaching began. This all took place whilst playing. Coached Watsonians 2nd XV initially. Then coached Leeds Academy (whilst injured) with Stuart Lancaster. Which included coaching amazing young talent like Danny Care, Jordan Crane and Rob Webber (all then to become England Internationals). Then returned to help coach Watsonians 1st XV win the Scottish Cup. Finally my last playing contract at Edinburgh involved a role doing some specialist Kicking coaching.
2021-Present
Accelerate Rugby Founded
Established Accelerate Rugby to offer something very different, raise standards and make elite coaching accessible to all youth levels and use my coaching experience to provide help to clubs and Pro teams.
Coaching Philosophy
Individual Development
Every player is totally unique. Succesful coaching recognises individual strengths and weaknesses. Forming relationships and tailoring development programs to each player's needs and potential.
Technical Excellence
We are huge on basic skills, they are the foundation of the very best players. We focus on building technically excellent players who can then execute under pressure.
Game Understanding
Physical skills alone aren't enough. They must be matched with context, game situations, competiton and pressure. We try to help players understand the game, read situations and make the best decisions possible at all times.
Enjoyment & Growth
A huge rock of Accelerate Rugby must be fun, yet we want to players to be challenged and grow. Smiles, creativity and loving rugby is as important as developing skills.
Why Choose Accelerate Rugby?
ELITE COACHING
Train with some of the best coaches in Scotland who have also played at elite level rugby. They bring coaching experience, top level insight, discipline and real-game experience to every session
SMALL RATIOS
This ensures every child receives close attention, personalised feedback, a high volume of repetitions/touches and the best chance to develop quickly
TECHNIQUE FOCUS
From passing and tackling to game sense and positioning — this where we differ. The quality of coaching will bring detail and context to all basic and new skills
FUN ENVIRONMENT
We believe development should also be stimulating and fun! Our camps balance challenge with positivity to help build confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of the game
Hear from Players, Families and Coaches
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“The best rugby camp I’ve EVER been to…” He absolutely loved it & has completely sold the experience to my P6!”
— School Pupil
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“My son loved it again and says it is the best camp he goes to with a great blend of skills and games, plus you have some other really good coaches supporting you.”
— Parent
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“It was great to work with a top quality international coach like Duncan with Fiji. His detail and knowledge was outstanding, and most importantly was able to impart it on the players in a variety of ways whilst having a great relationship with world class players.”
— Rory Best
Find the training you’re looking for
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School Age Players
Performance camps, school team training, and private coaching for developing players
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Professional Players
Elite performance training, consultancy, and specialist coaching for professional athletes
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Club Players
Performance training, team coaching, and individual development for committed players