To lead the development and implementation of the Community Rugby Coaching Strategy in Wales.
Salary: £40,000.00 per annum
Location: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Hours of work: 35 hours per week. Monday to Friday. Due to the nature of the role, flexible working hours may be required, including weekends and evenings.
Responsible to: Head of Rugby Engagement
Contractual status: Permanent, full-time. Subject to a 6-month probationary period.
Closing Date: 28th August 2025
The Person
* UKCC Level 4 coaching award or equivalent in other performance sports
* Management and/or relevant higher education qualification
* Significant experience in a high-level coaching or education environment
* Understanding of systems and structures within coaching and sporting environments
* Knowledge of coaching, development programmes, and environments
* Experience in setting clear goals, targets, measures, and implementing action plans
* Excellent IT skills, especially Microsoft Office
* Relationship building skills
* Strategic thinking
* Data analysis and reporting skills
* Self-awareness
* Planning and organizing skills
* Professionalism and integrity
* Knowledge of regulatory compliance
* Ability to communicate and work in Welsh is desirable
The Role
Key Responsibilities, Tasks, and Activities
Strategic Alignment and Evaluation
Ensure all WRU Community Coaching strategies, programmes, practices, systems, content, and resources align with strategic priorities such as:
* Community Rugby Engagement
* Talent Discovery Pathway (ages 14–16)
Lead ongoing evaluation and reporting of coaching effectiveness, providing evidence-based recommendations for continuous improvement.
Coaching Strategy and Operational Development
Lead the national coaching strategy focusing on:
* Recruitment and retention of coaches
* Modernized coach development pathways
* Enhancing quality, quantity, and sustainability of coaching environments
Coaching Content and Course Modernisation
Collaborate with the WRU Rugby Engagement Content Lead to:
* Regularly review and improve coaching courses and resources
* Implement high-impact, accessible, and relevant content
* Ensure delivery methods are inclusive, engaging, and future-focused
Age-Grade Coaching Development (6–18 years)
Design and implement targeted coaching programmes to:
* Support coach development and education for ages 6–18
* Promote age-appropriate, player-centred coaching practices
Education Sector Engagement
Develop innovative coaching programmes for:
* Current and aspiring coaches in educational settings
* Teachers and educationalists supporting rugby in schools and colleges
Women and Girls’ Game Development
Accelerate coach recruitment, development, and support in:
* Girls’ community rugby (especially ages 6–16)
* Adult women’s community rugby
* Talent discovery pathways (ages 14–16)
Pathway Review and Integration
Lead comprehensive reviews of:
* WRU Community Player Pathway Coaching (ages 6–18)
* Talent Discovery Pathway Coaching (ages 14–16)
Coach Quality Assurance and Support
* Design and embed a world-leading coach quality assurance framework
Develop a robust support programme for community and talent discovery coaches.
Key Relationships
* Head of Rugby Engagement
* Content & Resource Lead
* Girls & Women’s Lead
* Boys & Men’s Lead
* Match Officials Development Lead
* Rugby Engagement Leads
* Rugby Engagement Officers
* Volunteer Coaches
* Clubs & Education Establishments
* WRU Performance
* WRU Safeguarding
* WRU Digital & Data Department
* World Rugby Education and Learning Department
* Sport Wales
* Other Governing Bodies and Education Departments
WRU Requirements
* Valid UK driving licence
* Subject to DBS disclosure and regular review
* Understanding of health and safety responsibilities
The Perks
As a permanent member of the WRU Group, you will have access to employee benefits including:
* Salary Sacrifice Pension (5% employee contribution, matched by WRU)
* Life assurance scheme
* WRU Group Ticket Allocation
* Employee assistance programme
* Hybrid working arrangements
* Free stadium parking and gym
* Discounts at WRU Group store and tours
* Partnership offers
* Eye Care Voucher Scheme
* Cycle to Work Scheme
Our Values
The WRU Group is committed to a culture where all employees are valued and respected. Our aims, vision, and mission are underpinned by core values including: Integrity, Excellence, Success, Courage, Family, and Humour.
Inclusion at the WRU
We are dedicated to building diverse, high-performing teams and fostering a culture of belonging, where everyone is heard and respected. We encourage you to learn about our EDI Strategy (2024–2029) and our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.
Diversity Monitoring
We strive for a workforce that reflects society's diversity. Please help us by filling out a short monitoring form, which is anonymous and only used for inclusivity monitoring. You may choose 'prefer not to say' for any question.
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