Charlotte Fredrickson Takes the Helm as Head Coach of the Senior Men

Cdr Charlotte ‘Freddie’ Fredrickson has stepped into the role of Head Coach for the Senior Men’s team, succeeding the long-serving Dave Pascoe. With a wealth of experience, a clear vision, and an infectious passion for the sport, and with strong foundations in place, Fredrickson is poised to lead the team into an exciting new chapter.

Reflecting on this milestone in her coaching journey, Freddie described the opportunity as both ‘crazy and amazing’. "I get to do something I love with a talented and motivated group of people," she shared. "It’s a role I have aspired to for many years, and I have worked hard to get into a position to take it on. I am just grateful for the opportunity." Her gratitude is matched by her determination to make a meaningful impact, both personally and professionally, in this singularly important role.

Although Freddie has been away from Navy sport for a time, her connection to rugby has remained steadfast. "I’ve been involved in RN rugby over this period," she explained. "In 2023, I supported the RNRU(W), and in 2024, I coached the newly formed Regional Select side in the Inverdale Cup. Outside of the RNRU, I’ve been involved at a variety of civilian clubs at different levels to keep my coaching up to date, while also just enjoying being a new mum." This blend of professional development and personal growth has prepared her well for the challenges ahead.

Her vision for the team is both ambitious and grounded. "Short-term, the aim is to deliver a successful Inter-Services campaign," she stated. "Medium-term, it is to build a community, pathway, and set-up that can deliver sustained success and make the RN a dominant force in IS rugby for the foreseeable future." She acknowledges the strong foundation she is inheriting, describing the player base as ‘exciting and experienced’, and emphasising the importance of ‘incremental change’ while maximising the resources available.

Central to her approach are the values and principles she hopes to instil in the team. "To be successful, we need to make sure that all we do is purposeful," she explained. "I want the players and the Team Support Group (TSG) to be deliberate in their choices. This will be combined with rigorous feedback and reflective practice, allowing us all to iterate and develop at a pace that is helpful and sustainable." Her focus on deliberate and continuous improvement underscores her commitment to fostering a high-performance environment.

As one of the Navy’s most qualified coaches, Charlotte brings a wealth of expertise to the table. However, she is quick to clarify that she is not the only RFU Level 3 coach actively involved, noting that "Loz [Salisbury] is also a Level 3 coach and is Head Coach of the Vets [Mariners]." For Freddie, honesty and transparency is key. "The best thing any coach can be is authentic," she said. "My style doesn’t need to change, but the priorities and expectations will reflect the level of the rugby and the professionalism of the set-up the RNRU Men provide."

The Inter-Services Championship looms large on the horizon as it does every year and it is the stage on which every coach and team is judged, and Fredrickson is under no illusions about the challenges ahead. "I don’t believe we are favourites to win," she remarked. “The Army will always back themselves, and a good post-Covid record does nothing to undermine the dominance of the Army in the competition over time. However, as the current holders, there will be significant internal and external expectation on us, which we need to manage." Her goal is clear: to win! "I believe that is achievable, but it will take a lot of hard and detailed work to ensure we are technically, tactically, physically, and mentally prepared. That work has already started."

Charlotte also recognises the importance of mental resilience and team culture in achieving success. "From what I have seen, the team already has a strong culture," she observed, pointing to the nature of their recent win at Twickenham as evidence. Building on this foundation, she plans to foster a dynamic and learning environment through innovation and modern coaching techniques. "The game does not stand still, so things will need to move on this season," she said. "I am a strong advocate of the ’many eyes, many times' concept [att. to Mo Bobat, England Cricket’s Player Identification Lead], and with the size, scale, and experience in the set-up, there is no reason this cannot be adopted. Couple this with a robust process of feedback and reflection, and we will develop a dynamic and learning environment."

The integration of elite player programme participants is another area of focus for the new coach. "These players are an important part of the set-up, but no more so than anyone else," she emphasised. "They are a galvanising influence, no doubt about that, and they bring amazing insights to the team and coaching staff, which will be embraced. But I am confident these players are already integrated—they are proud to wear the shirt."

As she embarks on this new chapter, Freddie is mindful of the legacy she is stepping into. "Dave has been involved in RN rugby for 26 years, so yes, a tough act to follow," she acknowledged with a touch of humour. "It’s good of him to finally let it go! But who doesn’t want to take on a challenge that is already firing and delivering?"

Her message to the players, supporters, and the wider Royal Navy Rugby Union community is one of trust and commitment. "I acknowledge that change is always uncomfortable, and most don’t like uncertainty. I simply ask that you trust me and give me the benefit of the doubt in the first instance. I am already working hard to deliver, and rest assured that I would not have taken the job if I did not already truly believe we can be successful."

Tom Blackburn, RNRU Director of Rugby said, “After a highly competitive recruitment process, where we demonstrated a real depth in talent for coaching across the union, I am excited for Freddie to bring new insights and vision to the Senior Men’s team. She brings a wealth of coaching experience from a variety of rugby environments and will add real value to an already established and successful coaching team. We know the Army and RAF will be working hard to take the Inter-services championship title off us, and we need to continue to evolve to stay ahead. Freddie is a great character to add to our team and I look forward to seeing them deliver results with her as Head Coach.”

With her experience, dedication, and clear vision, Freddie is ready to take on the role of leading the Senior Men into the 2025/ 26 season. While challenges lie ahead, her approach provides the team with a solid foundation to build on their recent successes and strive for ongoing development.