Sean Lynn

Sean’s time at Hartpury spanned more than 20 years, initially as a student, completing a Strength, Conditioning and Coaching degree and subsequent master’s qualification over four years, before moving into teaching and coaching as part of the rugby academy.

In March 2025, after leading Gloucester Hartpury RFC to an historic third consecutive Premiership title, Sean officially took up a new role as Head Coach of the Wales women’s national team.

“I think I've created who I am through Hartpury, and I've been very lucky to be guided by amazing people. I'm not from a professional rugby-playing background, I just think it's about identifying and creating “you”. These are the opportunities Hartpury have given me.”

Life as a student

“I'm all about family and that's one thing I would say Hartpury is, one big family; lecturers, academies and students all triangulate and work together. It's probably one of the best memories of my life as a student, playing some great rugby, but also getting an amazing education.

“We had some amazing teachers and coaches. We still keep in touch now. That's probably what I love about Hartpury the most, the values I took from being a student to being a teacher.”

Inspiring the next generation

“We are very lucky that we have a lot of staff who are ex-students. If you said to me as an 18-year-old, I would be a lecturer, I would never have believed it. I always remember the good values about good people. That’s what’s been a driving force for me. I think that my lecturers inspired me as a teacher. It's how I would want my kids to be taught and treated.

“I’m very big about environment. I feel that we have a good environment. You need good people in it. It’s why people stay, because they want to be involved in a good environment.

“The effort members of staff put in outside the classroom, the meetings, the small conversations, make sure the students have a feel-good factor about them. The values that they bring into the Hartpury environment epitomises what their lecturers have instilled in them. The value of those skills is what Hartpury University and Hartpury College is about.”

Success with Gloucester Hartpury RFC

“I'm super proud of Where Gloucester Hartpury have come from. For me, it's making sure that a 16-year-old female player who wants to play rugby is inspired to put the cherry and white jersey on. They've inspired my children to tie up their laces, to be an athlete, and that's what sport is about. I can't fault anything that we've done as a as a group of players and staff.

“Hartpury breeds success and the more and more you're in the environment, the more and more you think that it's the norm. Everything is moving forward, and I just find that everything at Hartpury at the moment is all about driving that success.”

Looking to the future

“Being at Hartpury has prepared me to work with people, from teaching to coaching to mentoring, and having really high standards in the environment. That’s what Hartpury drives.

“If you're a student coming to Hartpury University or Hartpury College, enjoy every minute of it. Embrace the people around you. Embrace the opportunities that you can have in work experience, playing career and in being a good person around the campus.”