Girls PDG Lead Coach in Home

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 Lead Coach to work with Girls' Player Development Group within the Performance (Pathway) team as a sessional contractor.

Location: Yorkshire

Application Information: Please submit a CV and cover letter. Due to the nature of this role and the environment in which the team operates, it's important for us to know your work history so please do not anonymise your application documents. The closing date for applications is Wednesday June 17th at 5pm. The RFU reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Applications may be considered whilst this vacancy is advertised.

To help us get to know your unique experience and voice, we kindly ask that you complete your application without the use of AI‑generated content. This ensures we can fairly and accurately understand your skills, perspective, and suitability for the role.

Nature and Scope: The introduction of the girls Player Development Group (PDG) U18 development phase centres is an exciting time for the girls’ performance pathway. We are looking for a PDG Lead Coach, who will oversee the planning and delivery of sessions and ensure the centre runs in line with the agreed aims of England Rugby. Please note that sessions with PDG Development Group could involve certain sessions taking place in school holidays, evenings, and weekends. Session length will vary but we would expect them to last up to 4 hours. This role will suit someone who is passionate about the growth of women’s rugby and developing players for the future.

What will you be doing? Some key responsibilities include:

• Plan and lead all Rugby sessions at the PDG Development Phase Group and work with other staff members to ensure all sessions are delivered to the desired standard.
• Delivering sessions that focus on the core skill fundamentals of the game.
• Work with individuals to enhance their technical and tactical knowledge.
• Ensure athletic performance development is embedded as part of session delivery.
• Ensure all administrative work, and reporting to RFU is complete.
• Be a point of contact for parents, players and PDG Foundation Phase Leads.
• Work with players to develop individual development plans.
• Support local PDG Foundation coaches and have regular communication about future players.
• 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 the RFU core values and culture.
• Undertake such 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.

Your approach to Life (your behaviours): You're able to work collaboratively. You are process driven and able to work well under pressure. You're able to inspire confidence and create trust. You possess sound judgement and the ability to think creatively to reach desired goals.

What you Know:

Essential:

• England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award (ERACA) or equivalent.
• Current driving license.
• Current DBS.
• Experience working within a talent development programme, ideally within the women and girls’ game.
• Good understanding of talent development and the age-grade girls’ game within England.
• Effective communication skills with a variety of stakeholders.
• Committed to driving forward inclusion in your role and day-to-day behaviours.

Desired:

• England Rugby mentoring qualification or similar.
• Strong organizational skills with a methodical approach with attention to detail.

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 recruitment@rfu.com.

During your application, we will ask questions about your identity. This information is considered highly confidential and will not be seen by hiring managers. If you are a trans candidate applying for a job that requires a DBS check, please reach out to recruitment@rfu.com or directly to our safeguarding team (safeguarding@rfu.com) to use the confidential sensitive application route. This will provide applicants with the choice not to have any gender or name information disclosed on their DBS certificate. This role will require a DBS check.