At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Men’s Rugby Performance Programme, focusing on training and player recruitment.
- Company: University of Surrey in partnership with Harlequins FC, fostering a high-performance culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to shape future rugby talent.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to excellence and integrity in sports.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in men's rugby while working with top athletes and coaches.
- Qualifications: Experience in coaching rugby and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Closing date: 27 August 2026
Location: Guildford
Region: South East
Employment type: Contract
Salary: 17000
Description
Job Purpose To lead the delivery and development of the Men’s Rugby Performance Programme aligned to Team Surrey’s vision and strategic plan.
To lead on all first team training, player development and recruitment activities to ensure high-performing sustainable programme.
This role will play a key role as the University of Surrey and Harlequins have extended our partnership to now cover the Men’s game, with an ambition to replicate the current success in the Women’s game having been promoted to WBSR.
- To lead, coach and train the Men’s Rugby Performance Squad training, ideally with focus on Backs as a specialism.
- To deliver small group technical/tactical development sessions where needed.
- To lead on team selection and game‑day logistics.
- To be an active member of the multi-disciplinary team (incl. S&C, Physio, Nutrition etc.)
- To take ownership of players’ individual development plans to ensure they develop an understanding of their own performance and to maximise strengths and mitigate weaknesses.
- To lead on the recruitment of players, supported by the Performance Sport Team, including open days and outreach as necessary.
- To lead on talent ID and player movement across the programme / between squads.
- To facilitate exit routes and playing opportunities to support our partnership with Harlequins FC.
- To support with the Dual Career Programme element of the programme.
- To be a champion for the setting of a strong, high-integrity culture within the squad aligned to the wider Team Surrey vision and expectation.
- To promote adherence to ethical guidelines and regulations regarding drugs and doping in sport, in line with UK Anti‑Doping (UKAD) guidelines and the Team Surrey / SSU codes of conduct.
- To carry out any other duties that may be reasonably requested to support this role / function.
- Description
Job Purpose To lead the delivery and development of the Men’s Rugby Performance Programme aligned to Team Surrey’s vision and strategic plan.
To lead on all first team training, player development and recruitment activities to ensure high-performing sustainable programme.
This role will play a key role as the University of Surrey and Harlequins have extended our partnership to now cover the Men’s game, with an ambition to replicate the current success in the Women’s game having been promoted to WBSR.
- To lead, coach and train the Men’s Rugby Performance Squad training, ideally with focus on Backs as a specialism.
- To deliver small group technical/tactical development sessions where needed.
- To lead on team selection and game‑day logistics.
- To be an active member of the multi-disciplinary team (incl. S&C, Physio, Nutrition etc.)
- To take ownership of players’ individual development plans to ensure they develop an understanding of their own performance and to maximise strengths and mitigate weaknesses.
- To lead on the recruitment of players, supported by the Performance Sport Team, including open days and outreach as necessary.
- To lead on talent ID and player movement across the programme / between squads.
- To facilitate exit routes and playing opportunities to support our partnership with Harlequins FC.
- To support with the Dual Career Programme element of the programme.
- To be a champion for the setting of a strong, high-integrity culture within the squad aligned to the wider Team Surrey vision and expectation.
- To promote adherence to ethical guidelines and regulations regarding drugs and doping in sport, in line with UK Anti‑Doping (UKAD) guidelines and the Team Surrey / SSU codes of conduct.
- To carry out any other duties that may be reasonably requested to support this role / function.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Men's Rugby Head Coach in Guildford employer: British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
British Dressage is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Meriden, West Midlands. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values diversity, the Training & Education Coordinator will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful educational initiatives while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working. The organisation fosters a supportive atmosphere where employees can thrive, making it an ideal place for those passionate about advancing their careers in sports education.
Contact Details:
British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Men's Rugby Head Coach in Guildford
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs). Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
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We think you need these skills to ace Men's Rugby Head Coach in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs) aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs), make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
