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- Tasks: Lead and develop the Men's Rugby team, creating innovative training plans and fostering player growth.
- Company: University of Portsmouth, a vibrant community with a passion for sports.
- Benefits: Gain coaching experience, networking opportunities, and access to professional support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student athletes and shape the future of the rugby club.
- Qualifications: RFU Level 2 Coaching Award or equivalent; strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Voluntary role with potential for a paid position from September 2026.
Closing date: 13 February 2026
Location: University of Portsmouth
Region: South East
Employment type: Volunteer
Salary: Voluntary
Description
The University of Portsmouth Sport and Recreation department manage 34 sports clubs, that offer recreational and competitive opportunities for our students. Our competitive teams take part in a range of leagues and events against other Universities, and are led by a student committee, with support from a team of 8 staff members who help with training facilities, fixture coordination, travel, coaching, health and safety, welfare, events, support services, and club development.
The University of Portsmouth Men’s Rugby club are looking for qualified and experienced coaches to join their coaching team for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, and beyond. The successful candidate for this Head Coach role will demonstrate strong and effective leadership, creating a positive team culture and performance environment. The teams compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) weekly leagues, with the Men’s 1st team in the South Eastern Tier 1 league, the 2nd team in Tier 2, and the 3rd team in Tier 4. The club also has a development team who train and play friendly fixtures. Training sessions take place on Mondays, 6pm - 9pm and Fridays, 5pm - 8pm at HMS Temeraire, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth. Fixtures are scheduled for Wednesday afternoons (times & locations vary).
Responsibilities
- Strategic Planning & Delivery: Design, implement, deliver and evaluate innovative, season-long coaching plans, including effective training sessions, tactical game plans, and the trials process.
- Player Development: Foster individual player skill enhancement, fitness, and decision-making, working with the forwards’ and backs’ coaches, and wider support staff.
- Leadership: Set high standards, motivate players and coaching staff, and make difficult selection decisions for match day squads and team captains.
- Match Day duties: Attend fixtures and manage the match-day squad, advising on selection in coordination with other coaches.
- Team Environment: Build a cohesive, respectful, and inclusive culture, promoting sportsmanship.
- Performance Analysis: Utilise video analysis tools where available to review team and individual performance and provide constructive feedback.
- Collaboration & Communication: Work effectively with other coaching staff to implement training plans, and maintain excellent communication with the student committee, players, coaches, and Sport and Recreation staff. Support the student committee with the planning and delivery of annual events, where required.
- Safeguarding & Conduct: Adhere to all safeguarding, health and safety, and code of conduct policies and reporting processes, including the Team UOP Charter, acting as a positive role model for all players.
Qualifications
- RFU Level 2 Coaching Award (or equivalent); Level 3 preferred.
- Level 3 First Aid qualification (or ability to obtain ASAP).
- Proven track record of developing and coaching competitive teams.
- Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
- Commitment to training and fixture schedule.
- Ability to obtain an enhanced DBS check, and appropriate coaching insurance.
- RFU Level 3 Coaching Award (or working towards).
- First Aid & Concussion Awareness Certifications.
- An understanding of competitive rugby within Higher Education.
- Experience in performance analysis and use of relevant software.
What We Offer
- Workshops to support the delivery of sport to students, including injury prevention, concussion, safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusivity, and diversity.
- Networking opportunities with other University of Portsmouth sport coaches.
- Access to strength and conditioning support for your players.
- Professional medical support at fixtures.
- Opportunity to make a significant impact on the club's future.
Please note that while we are looking for coaches to support the remainder of the 2025/26 season, we are wanting coaches to join who have a desire to work with us long term. This will be a voluntary position to support our current coaches for the remainder of 25/26 (finish date 10th May 2026), with a paid position available from September 2026.
Men\'s Rugby Head Coach in Portsmouth employer: British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs)
Contact Detail:
British Universities & Colleges Sport (Bucs) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Men\'s Rugby Head Coach in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the club and its culture before applying. Attend a few matches or training sessions to see how things run and meet the players and coaching staff. This will help you tailor your approach when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to share examples of how you've built team culture and motivated players in the past. We want to see how you can bring that energy to our Men’s Rugby team!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your coaching strategies and how you plan to develop players. Think about innovative training methods and how you can implement them effectively. We love fresh ideas that can elevate our game!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your commitment to inclusivity and sportsmanship. Share how you’ve fostered a positive environment in previous roles. This aligns perfectly with our values at the University of Portsmouth!
We think you need these skills to ace Men\'s Rugby Head Coach in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Rugby: When you're writing your application, let your love for rugby shine through! Share your experiences and what coaching means to you. We want to see that you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about being part of our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role. Highlight your relevant coaching experience and how it aligns with our club's goals. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's specific to rugby. We want to understand your qualifications and vision without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of all applications.
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 rugby knowledge, especially regarding the competitive landscape in higher education. Familiarise yourself with the BUCS leagues and the specific challenges faced by university teams. This will show that you're not just passionate about the sport but also understand the unique environment of coaching at this level.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully motivated teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you've set high standards or made tough decisions that benefited the team. This role requires strong leadership, so showcasing your experience in building a positive team culture will be key.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Strategy
Be ready to outline your approach to designing and delivering training sessions. Discuss how you would implement innovative coaching plans and player development strategies. Having a clear vision for how you would enhance individual skills and foster teamwork will impress the interviewers.
✨Engage with Performance Analysis
Since performance analysis is part of the role, come prepared to talk about any tools or methods you've used in the past. If you have experience with video analysis, share how it has helped improve team performance. This shows that you’re proactive about using technology to enhance coaching effectiveness.
