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Inside Eoin Griffin’s IMI Experience

Former Connacht Rugby player Eoin Griffin recently completed the Diploma in Executive Coaching at the Irish Management Institute (IMI) through the Rugby Players Ireland Scholarship programme. Now working as a Development Associate Manager at Accenture, Eoin reflects on why he applied, what he learned and why other former players should consider taking the leap.

What attracted you to the IMI Scholarship and the Diploma in Executive Coaching?

The IMI is such a well-renowned institution that when the scholarship opportunity came on my radar, I spent a considerable amount of time exploring the courses on offer.

There were a number of attractive options but the Executive Coaching programme appealed to me most because I wanted to become better at developing and empowering the people around me. I don’t necessarily see myself becoming an executive coach but I knew the skills could be a real asset in my role at Accenture.

As a rugby player, you’re constantly solving problems in the moment. You have a responsibility to your teammates and you become conditioned to taking ownership of issues and finding solutions quickly. After a few years in the working world, I realised I’d carried that instinct with me. If somebody came to me with a problem, I’d immediately try to solve it for them.

While I thought I was helping, in reality I wasn’t giving that person the opportunity to develop their own thinking. While I have been exposed to a variety of coaching styles on and off the field, I felt I needed to better understand how to coach people properly, to ask better questions, guide conversations and help them arrive at their own solutions.

While I may do some executive coaching in the future, I definitely approached the programme through the lens of my current role. Looking back now, I’m grateful to have availed of the opportunity because I feel I’ve developed a really good understanding of how to incorporate those skills, both professionally and on a day-to-day basis.

The scholarship is worth €10,000. How important was that support?

It’s a significant investment in yourself. Not many people are in a position to do it so having that support made a huge difference.

Like everyone else, I had to balance work, family life and the demands of the programme. I was living in Galway and became a father for the second time during the course too so it was all-go! It wasn’t easy but I was determined to make it work.

I think that’s one of the main things that stood out to me about the programme. Everyone was there with real purpose. People were investing their own time and energy, so there was a real commitment from the outset. Nobody had time to waste.

How was it being back in the classroom?

The programme was very practical and I was probably taken aback by how quickly we got stuck into it. It was very different to any academic course I’d done before.

When I arrived on the first day, I assumed we’d spend the opening sessions working through slides and learning the theory. Instead, you’re thrown in at the deep end and you don’t really have a clue what you’re doing.

I felt like a bit of an idiot at first, if I’m honest! I was fumbling around, making mistakes and asking stupid questions before realising everyone else was in exactly the same boat.

Looking back, that was the best possible way to learn. Very quickly you discover what works and (most likely) what doesn’t, and because you’re living the concepts rather than simply reading about them off a page, the theory begins to make much more sense.

When you look back on your time at the IMI, what will you remember most?

The facilities and the food were top class… but one of the biggest takeaways was the people. It was an incredibly diverse group, with people from different industries and at very different stages of their careers. Some wanted to develop a side hustle, others were looking to transition into something in retirement, while people like me wanted to become better managers and develop those around them.

There were some seriously impressive individuals in the room, so naturally there was a little bit of imposter syndrome at the beginning. But once you got talking to people, you realised they were simply good, genuine people looking to improve themselves and help others do the same.

That honesty created a really supportive environment, and has led to some really strong friendships and professional connections.

Did your rugby background help you get the most out of the programme?

Definitely.

Firstly, my connection with Rugby Players Ireland opened the door to the opportunity, but I also think rugby prepared me well for the experience itself.

As a player, you learn to commit fully, embrace uncomfortable situations and deal with mistakes. You’re constantly asked to solve problems under pressure and adapt on the move.

That mindset really helped. Even when I felt a little out of place in the early stages, I was comfortable making mistakes, learning from them and moving forward. That’s something rugby teaches you every day.

What would you say to a former player considering applying for the scholarship?

Go for it.

It’s an opportunity to invest in yourself, develop new skills and spend time alongside some incredibly talented people from a wide range of industries.

Don’t be put off by any feelings of imposter syndrome. Everyone is there because they want to learn and improve, and before long you realise you belong there too.

If you’re willing to embrace the experience and put the work in, you’ll get an enormous amount back.

RPI/IMI Scholarships 2026

Rugby Players Ireland is currently offering two IMI Scholarships worth €10,000 each to members of our past player network.

Applications close Thursday, 17 July.

To find out more or apply, contact Deirdre Lyons (deirdre@rugbyplayersireland.ie)