At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Men's Rugby BUCS programme, focusing on forwards coaching and player development.
- Company: Cardiff Met Sport, a vibrant community-focused university in Wales.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, family-friendly policies, and access to top sports facilities.
- Other info: Join a values-driven community that prioritises inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on student athletes while developing your coaching career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in forwards play and experience in competitive rugby coaching.
The predicted salary is between 35608 - 38784 € per year.
Closing date: 28 May 2026
Location: Cyncoed Campus, Cardiff
Region: Wales
Employment type: Full Time
Salary: £35,608 to £38,784 per annum
Cardiff Met Sport is at the heart of sport, physical activity, health & wellbeing in Wales’ Capital City. Our mission is clear – ‘to profoundly enhance the lives of our communities, making them healthier and stronger as an outcome of engaging with us’. We work in partnership with a range of local, regional and national partners to develop and manage high quality sport facilities including, the National Indoor Athletics Centre, Tennis Centre and Archers Arena on our Cyncoed Campus along with a number of 21st Century Schools across the City.
To continue to achieve all of this, we need ‘game changers’, people with drive, passion, creativity and flair who see hurdles rather than problems, and can think differently and want to make a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives, in Wales and beyond.
We’re now seeking an experienced Forwards Coach to act as a Lead Coach in the BUCS Super Rugby Programme. The role will provide specialist coaching expertise to the Men’s Rugby Performance programme with a primary focus on supporting the development of the forward pack, enhancing set-piece performance, and contributing to the competitive success of the Men’s 1st XV in BUCS Super Rugby and associated competitions. The coach will also support the coaching team of the WRU Premiership to provide specialist knowledge and contributions as well as working with players across both teams. The role will also carry broader responsibilities within the environment, providing support and continuity in the absence of the Head of Performance Rugby.
You’ll play a key role in:
- Ensuring that all core aspects of the Men’s Performance Rugby programme including; rugby preparation, player development, talent identification, recruitment, staffing, performance standards, cultural expectations and athlete welfare - are planned, aligned and agreed in collaboration with the Head of Performance Rugby.
- Leading the technical and tactical development of the forwards unit, including set piece (scrum, lineout), maul, breakdown, and contact areas; integrating these technical components within the team’s overall game model to ensure shared understanding of roles, thoughtful decision-making, and contribution to team strategy.
- Supporting the day-to-day planning and delivery of the Men’s Performance Rugby performance programme, ensuring training, competition and player preparation align with BUCS demands, Cardiff Met performance standards and contemporary coaching practice.
What you’ll bring:
- Expert technical understanding of forwards play including scrum, lineout, maul, breakdown and contact phases.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare teams for competitive performance at a BUCS Super Rugby, Academy or professional level.
- Demonstrable track record of coaching and developing rugby players within a performance environment appropriate to university, academy or senior competitive rugby.
We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.
We offer excellent benefits:
- Annual leave of 25 days, rising to 30 days after 1 years’ service, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
- Excellent family friendly policies.
- Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
- Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
- Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.
Contact us:
For more information about the role please contact Dai Young, Head of Performance Rugby on dyoung@cardiffmet.ac.uk, or feel free to contact Cerys Purdon supporting this vacancy on cpurdon@cardiffmet.ac.uk. All applications must be submitted online.
Men's Rugby BUCS Lead Coach in Cardiff employer: British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
Cardiff Met Sport is an exceptional employer, dedicated to enhancing the lives of communities through sport and wellbeing in the vibrant city of Cardiff. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and excellent benefits including generous annual leave and pension contributions, we foster an inclusive environment where passionate individuals can thrive. Join us at Cyncoed Campus, where you will have access to top-notch facilities and resources, empowering you to make a meaningful impact in the world of rugby coaching.
Contact Detail:
British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Men's Rugby BUCS Lead Coach in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the rugby community. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got coaching videos or testimonials from players, share them. Create a portfolio that highlights your achievements and coaching philosophy. This can really set you apart when you’re in front of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the club’s culture and values. Understand their approach to player development and performance. Tailor your responses to show how your coaching style aligns with their mission – it’ll make a big difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get those applications in and let’s make some waves in the rugby world together!
We think you need these skills to ace Men's Rugby BUCS Lead Coach in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for rugby and coaching shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for developing players and contributing to the team’s success!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in coaching forwards and any successes you've had in similar roles. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at Cardiff Met Sport.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
✨Know Your Rugby Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your technical understanding of forwards play, especially the scrum, lineout, maul, and breakdown. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance set-piece performance and contribute to the overall game model.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Experience
Prepare specific examples from your coaching history that demonstrate your ability to develop players in a competitive environment. Highlight any successes you've had in preparing teams for BUCS Super Rugby or similar levels.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Cardiff Met's mission and values. During the interview, express how your coaching philosophy aligns with their commitment to community spirit, inclusion, and athlete welfare.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Men’s Performance Rugby programme and the coaching team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can make a positive impact.
