Overview
The RGC Academy Coach will support all RGC Academy activity in the Talent Development Phase (17-18 yrs) and Performance Development Phase (19-20 yrs), with a primary responsibility for the development of forwards set piece skills. They will also support the academy talent identification and development principles, and in doing so drive forward the WRU strategic objective of ‘developing more and better (North Walian) players for the professional game and for Wales through life enriching experiences’.
Salary: £28,000 – £35,000
Location: Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay, North Wales
Hours of work: Standard working hours will be 35 per week. To be successful in the role, the postholder will need to be willing to work unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends and with some time spent working away from home.
Responsible to: RGC Academy Manager
Contractual status: Fixed term (15 months, with a potential to extend), full time. Subject to 6-month probationary period
Closing Date: 30 September 2025. We reserve the right to close the role early.
The Person
* WRU Level 3 Coaching Qualification and registered/recognised as a WRU Performance Coach.
* A minimum of 3 years’ experience coaching in a performance rugby environment (Regional or higher)
* A proven track record of successfully supporting the development and preparation of players for professional and/or international rugby
* A demonstrable understanding of the developmental needs of male players aged 14 to 20 yrs, including a clear awareness of the broader educational, vocational, and social factors that influence elite young players, ensuring a holistic approach to player development.
* A confident and empathetic leader with strong interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills, and the ability to lead by example in creating engaging, inspiring, and challenging high performing learning environments that balance long term individual player development and progression with campaign performance.
* A proven ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships and networks across a wide range of stakeholders, contributing to the alignment and achievement of ambitious shared goals.
* Comfortable being both self-directed and working as part of a team.
* Ability to communicate and work through the medium of Welsh is desirable
The Role
Key Responsibilities, Tasks And Activities
* Curriculum Delivery: Work in collaboration with the RGC Academy staff to shape a structured, age-appropriate (14 to 20 yrs) player development curriculum that prioritises technical skills, tactical understanding, teamwork, and positive behaviours. Assist the RGC Academy Senior Coach in the planning, coordination, and delivery of technical and tactical content to players within the Talent Development Phase (17-18 yrs) and Performance Development Phase (19-20 yrs), taking primary responsibility for the development of forwards set piece skills.
* Performance Monitoring: Work in collaboration with the RGC Academy staff to establish long term Individual Development Plans for Junior Academy (17-18 yrs) and Senior Academy (19-20 yrs) players. Track, assess, and review player development using observation, feedback, and performance data to drive continuous improvement.
* Talent Identification: Collaborate with other RGC Academy staff to identify and nurture high-potential players, ensuring a strong pipeline into Wales’ Pathway teams and professional clubs.
* Collaboration and Relationship Building: Assist in the coaching of any Academic Partners teams and players as and when required. Assist in the development of relationships with academic and commercial partners as required.
* Coach Development: Support RGC Academy U18 and U16 (EPP) coaches in their delivery and personal development. Deliver Pathway Coach Education tasks as required.
* National Alignment, Strategic & Coaching Support: Support pan Wales initiatives and projects of national importance related to the Men’s Performance Pathway as determined by the RGC Regional Academy Manager. Be an active member of the RGC Academy staff group and the wider WRU Pathway team bringing ideas and practice to our ways of working. Assist in the development of a positive culture within the Wales Performance Pathway in adherence with WRU and RGC standards and values. Carry out duties in support of the WRU Group Strategic Mission, Purpose and Values.
Key Relationships
* RGC Academy Coaches & SSSM Staff
* RGC EPP Staff
* Coleg Llandrillo Rugby Academy Staff
* RGC SRC Head Coach & Coaching Staff
* Wales Pathway Team Coaching Staff
* RGC Community Staff
WRU Requirements
* Valid UK driving licence is required
* This role is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and reviewed regularly in line with policy activity and policy requirements
* The WRU require that individuals are proficient in IT skills, specifically Microsoft packages. Excellent written and verbal communications are essential, along with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
The Perks
* Salary Sacrifice Pension (5% employee contribution, matched by WRU)
* Life assurance scheme
* WRU Group Ticket Allocation
* Employee assistance programme
* Team Tactics – hybrid working arrangements
* Free stadium parking and gym
* WRU Group store and tour discounts
* WRU Group partnership offers
* Eye Care Voucher Scheme
* Cycle to Work Scheme
Our Values
The WRU Group are committed to developing a culture whereby all employees are equally valued and respected. Our aims, together with our vision and mission, are underpinned by our core values and beliefs which embrace: Integrity, Excellence, Success, Courage, Family & Humour.
Inclusion At The WRU
The WRU Group are committed to building diverse, high-performing and engaged teams across Welsh Rugby. We are ambitious about providing a people-first culture where everyone can belong, be heard and respected. We are happy to talk to you about our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy (2024-2029) and you can also read more about our commitment in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
Diversity monitoring
We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. To continue to do this we need your help in filling out a short monitoring form. None of the information you provide will be visible as part of your application. It will only be used anonymously to monitor the inclusivity of our selection processes. You can select a single option:
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