It's an incredible time to join the RFU, with the women's game pushing new heights, and the RWC happening on our doorstep right now. Working at the RFU means being part of the 'bigger picture' at England Rugby: to be rooted in our purpose, which is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union & develop the sport for future generations. If our purpose resonates with you, and you recognise the value that sport can bring to people's lives, we'd love to work with you. An opportunity has arisen for a Women's Pathway and PDG Strength & Conditioning Coach (U18s) to join our Pathway team on a fixed term basis for 2 years.
Job Title : Women's Pathway and PDG Strength & Conditioning Coach (U18s)
Department : Professional Rugby Department
Reports to : Athletic Performance Manager – Women's Game
Salary : c. £35,000 depending on experience
Job Level : Guide
Location : Hybrid
Employment Type : 2-year Fixed Term Contract
Working Hours : This is a full-time role, covering 35hrs per week
Application Information:
* Please submit an anonymised CV and cover letter (i.e. please exclude personal details).
* The closing date for applications
Sunday 14th September 2025 at 9pm.
Please note; we are currently experiencing an issue with applications using
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The Role:
The U18 & PDG Strength & Conditioning Coach will carry out all S&C delivery for the U18 England team, operating within a multidisciplinary performance support team to help create world-class environments and building bespoke individual development plans for the development of young English players. This role will work in partnership with the nine Player Development Group (PDG) Centres to deliver the physical attributes required for individual players to maximize their rugby potential and requires close collaboration with key PDG staff to ensure players are able to transition between regional and national environments. The role also requires the incumbent to offer coaching support at England U20 camps as required and provide advice and educational materials on athletic development for the benefit of the game of rugby.
Some key responsibilities include:
* Delivering world class conditioning programs to developing rugby players and monitoring the efficacy of the program design for individual players.
* Communicate effectively with both international, PDG and other relevant performance teams on individual player development.
* Attend all required England U18 training camps, matches and tours and work full-time out of camps.
* Aid in the strategic planning to meet current and future development requirements.
* Effectively collate a broad range of sport science data and evidence to drive athletic performance development in our best young players.
* Plan, implement, monitor and coach individualised fitness programs for England players during camp and competition periods.
* Deliver nutritional advice and good nutritional behaviours in U18 players and coordinate the activities of consultants including pathway nutritionists
* Support the PDG S+C Coaches to embed and deliver the Athletic Development Framework to all U18 PDG players
* Support the administration of S+C provision within the U18 Girls PDG programme
* Build and maintain excellent relationships with the PDG's and other key stakeholders to ensure effective communication on individual player development.
* Assist in the planning and coordination of team camps and tours to ensure optimal player preparation.
* To work with the women's U20 S&C coach and the wider RFU performance teams to further develop best practice for fitness development, profiling and recovery.
* Participate in specified research projects as required.
* Maintain a commitment to self-development; continue to research and develop current practice to ensure delivery is maintained at the highest possible standards.
* Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the current strategic, business and operational plans.
* Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
* Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
The skills and attributes outlined in this description are not exhaustive and we welcome candidates who can bring different relevant experiences to the role.
Essential:
* Credible experience of planning, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring individual fitness programmes within an elite sport environment.
* Significant experience working within and leading an athletic development programme, ideally with experience of working in an academy setting.
* Experience working with, and thus understanding, the unique working context of adolescent athletes is favourable.
* Proven technical capability to a UKSCA or 'similar' formal or applied professional standard.
* Be comfortable using and interpreting information from player monitoring systems (such as GPS and heart rate) and physical testing systems (such as force plates). The candidate must be capable of processing and reporting such performance data for use by the coaches and the performance team.
* Strong motivational, leadership, communication and listening skills.
* Demonstrate an understanding of high professional standards combined with passion, confidence, and a proven track record of fitness coaching.
* Commitment to education and continuing professional development.
* Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the current strategic, business and operational plans.
* Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
* Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.
Additional Information:
* We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If there is anything we could do to support you through your application or to provide the best environment for your interviews, including assistance or adjustment, please reach out to
* During your application, we will ask questions about your identity. This information is considered highly confidential and will not be seen by hiring managers. You can find out more about why we ask these questions here.
* This role will require a DBS check.