Mexico head coach, Ruben Duque, is a passionate rugby man.
Having lived part of the great growth of Mexican rugby in recent years, Duque continues to lift the standard of play on local pitches, as well as the presence and performance of the national team at international tournaments.
Although he is fulfilling his dream as a professional rugby coach, Duque has an impressive list of other credentials including international public speaker, conference guest, and experienced facilitator – using his involvement with the Federación Mexicana de Rugby, España Rugby and other international experiences to inspire his audience in the areas of motivation, leadership, and teamwork.
Collaborating with multinational companies like Google, Microsoft, AIG, Banco Nacional de Paris, AXA and Honda, a dynamic Duque has made it his mission to help businesses and individuals reach their full potential in all aspects of life; and that of course includes on the rugby pitch.
In the beginning
Spanish-born Duque started playing rugby at 10 years old, when his best friend invited him to play at Liceo Frances C.R, a French international school in Madrid. “I did not know what I was doing, but the camaraderie was so amazing that I kept playing,” he said. “From then until now, rugby has been like a drug for me.”
Duque continued playing the game for 10 years until he was side-lined by injury aged 20. “I loved rugby so much and even though I had to stop playing, I wanted to continue to be involved,” he said.
Seeking to learn as much as he possibly could, Duque went on to study the game through all kinds of courses and visits to professional clubs in places like France, England, Ireland, Italy, USA, Canada, and South Africa, helping him acquire a wealth of sports and rugby-specific certifications, as well as a keen interest in coaching.
In fact, during this journey of exploration, Duque became so enamoured by rugby that he dropped out of his Economics Degree to travel to New Zealand to chase his newfound dream of becoming a professional coach.
“I wanted to learn from the best in the world and I figured New Zealand was the place to do it,” he said. “I couldn’t speak English, I had no friends, and I only had a tourist visa, but I was so focused on my vision and determined to make it work. My brother was also a big support to me in this adventure.”
After just two months in New Zealand, Duque’s finances ran out and he found himself working “under the table” washing dishes, glasses and floors for 12 hours a day, five days a week, for over a year.
“It was hard, but it enabled me to live and fulfil my dream,” Duque said. During this time, he was able to coach at Ponsonby RFC; the Kiwi club that has generated the most All Blacks in history, as well as studying for his Level 3 Coaching Qualification – one of the highest-level training courses in the country.
“My time in New Zealand really set the foundation for me through the mentorship and support of some of the best in the rugby fraternity,” he said. “Particularly Bryan Williams, Director of Rugby at Ponsonby RFC, who played more than 100 games for the All Blacks and became President of the NZRU in 2011 when the All Blacks won the World Cup in New Zealand.”
Coming to Mexico
Prior to arriving in Mexico in 2012, Duque spent eight years performing various roles within the Spanish Rugby Union (FER). He coached the U17 and U20 teams, coached Spain’s women, coordinated the development of rugby in Spain, directed the High Performance Programme of the National Players Academy, supported the men’s senior team in a couple of test matches and eventually became the union’s Co-Sports Director.
When the FER administration changed, Duque’s role was left uncertain due to the drastic reforms that the new directive intended. “I asked several times but did not have a clear answer so, when I was approached to join the Mexican Rugby Federation, I didn't think twice about it,” he said.
“I wanted to continue living every day of what I was passionate about, even if it meant leaving Spain.”
During his time in Mexico, the Mexican Rugby Federation has significantly diversified, which Duque says can be attributed to a passionate Mexican Rugby community as well as the support of clubs, sports institutes, State Associations, the Government and the committed members of the Federation itself.
Most notably, the national teams have grown in their quality and performance. “Mexico has gone from having rugby in four states to now in practically 32,” Duque said.
“We have also implemented outreach projects in schools, universities and municipalities that have triggered the participation of many young people, coaches, referees, and managers.”
Inspiring others
Since 2008, Duque has also dedicated his time to helping people and teams to ‘find their purpose’ within both a business context and individual level.
He is a personal development coach, team coach, international speaker and author of the book "Millennials. Adiós al Trabajo Aburrido". He has given his insights for TedX and assisted in the mental preparation of Olympic athletes, top-division coaches in Europe, as well as directors and leaders of Fortune 500 Organisations.
Duque says the key is to do “purposeful work”, stressing the importance of connecting with a purpose or a vision to achieve maximum productivity.
“I believe that a firm commitment abandons mediocracy,” he said. “I share some of my powerful experiences with the Mexican national rugby team and inspire people to achieve their best in whatever that may be.”
The future is now
More recently, Duque coached Mexico U19, who under his leadership won the RAN Tournament in 2014-2015 and 2018-2019.
His leadership also helped the senior Mexican team win 2016 RAN, secure a historic win against Paraguay at Americas Rugby Challenge 2019, and rise up the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, from 76th in 2013 to 43rd in 2019.
Duque is also currently the Director of High Performance and the Rugby 15s Programme, as well as coach of the Mexican 15s team, and a World Rugby Master Trainer within the field of Training and Education, using his talents to grow the sport in any way he can.
He says the focus for the Mexican Rugby Federation is to continue to strengthen the structures of local clubs so they can steadily grow in a positive direction.
“We want to maintain the growth of our national teams,” he said. “If we can increase local competition, as well as provide strong training programmes for all those involved in rugby, I believe we are in a strong position to raise the standard both locally and regionally.”
Duque says Mexico is also turning its attention to the involvement of women in all levels, as well as concentrating on player welfare, while he continues to deliver his message of ‘purpose for productivity’.
“To me, purpose drives performance,” he said. “As I say to my players and my audiences – to be the best version of yourself, one must have purpose.
“I live each day with a purpose, and I continue to be passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, as well as striving for new heights within the rugby arena.”