Mathew Cripps

Defense- & Kicking Coach

In his coaching career spanning over a decade, Mathew has been a guiding force in rugby coaching. Starting in August 2012, his insights and tactics have benefited the Men’s National Team with Rugby Netherlands as an Assistant Coach. His coaching portfolio is extensive, including a role at the former National Training Centre (NTC) and working with Rugby Nederland as a self-employed Defense and Kicking Coach, where he collaborated with the Men’s National Team, Age grades, and Academies.
Accomplishments
  • HXV Assistant 2012-2022
  • NTC Skills Coach 2014-2017
  • Delta Assistant Coach 2021-22
  • U20’s Defence + Backs 2023-Present
  • DXV Attack + Backs 2024-Present

Mathew Cripps

Defense- & Kicking Coach

In his coaching career spanning over a decade, Mathew has been a guiding force in rugby coaching. Starting in August 2012, his insights and tactics have benefited the Men’s National Team with Rugby Netherlands as an Assistant Coach. His coaching portfolio is extensive, including a role at the former National Training Centre (NTC) and working with Rugby Nederland as a self-employed Defense and Kicking Coach, where he collaborated with the Men’s National Team, Age grades, and Academies.

Mathew Cripps is a testament to the saying, “Home is where the heart is.” His journey began in the welcoming town of Maerdy in the Rhondda valleys of Wales, a place known for its community spirit and rugged landscapes that are as tough as they are beautiful. In a twist of fate that would chart the course of his life, Mathew moved to the Netherlands in 2006, having met his Dutch wife during a memorable trip in New Zealand.

Professional Highlights:
Mathew’s humility shines through in his claim of not seeing himself as professional, yet his record speaks differently. His career is marked by significant team achievements, including winning the European U20’s Championship in 2023. Further showcasing his strategic prowess, Mathew played a pivotal role in leading his team to qualify for the WXV with the DXV in 2024. His commitment to the sport is evident in his longstanding service as a coach at Academy Oost since 2017 and extending his expertise to Academy MiddenOost from 2021 onwards.

Away from the field, Mathew’s most cherished victories come from his personal life. He is a devoted husband and a proud father to two brilliant children, Robyn and Logan. His dedication to family is the cornerstone of his life, providing the foundation for his professional endeavors.

In his coaching career spanning over a decade, Mathew has been a guiding force in rugby coaching. Starting in August 2012, his insights and tactics have benefited the Men’s National Team with Rugby Netherlands as an Assistant Coach. His coaching portfolio is extensive, including a role at the former National Training Centre (NTC) and working with Rugby Nederland as a self-employed Defense and Kicking Coach, where he collaborated with the Men’s National Team, Age grades, and Academies.

Mathew Cripps’ professional journey and personal life are woven together by the common threads of passion, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, both on the rugby field and in the embrace of his family.