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 an S&C Coach to work with Girls Player Development Group within the Performance (Pathway) team as a sessional contractor.
Job Title : PDG U18 S&C Coach
Department : Performance Rugby
Reports to : Girls Player Development Group Lead
Direct report(s) : England Women U18's Strength and Conditioning Lead
Salary Banding : Sessional role (£100 per session)
Locations : North East OR East Midlands
Employment Type : Contractor Role
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 8th July 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.
The Role:
We are looking for a Strength & Conditioning coach to join our Girls U18’s Player Development Group team to help us write the next chapter of the Red Roses. The role will be to provide on the ground S&C delivery aligned to the centralised framework focussing on the athletic performance fundamentals of a high potential athletes.
Please note there will be approximately 23 sessions with PDG Development Group which will involve certain sessions taking place in school holidays and weekends. Session length will vary but most training sessions will 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.
The Team:
The PDG centres are made up of a Lead Coach; Assistant Coach; Medic and Strength and Conditioning coach. Our purpose as a team is inspire and equip athletes to further progress their rugby journeys. As a team we are passionate about player development and developing the whole person.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities will include:
- Deliver all activity aligned to both the England Rugby Talent Development Framework and Women’s Rugby Athletic Development Framework
- Delivery of education that is aligned to the RFU PDG S&C curriculum.
- Lead on planning, delivery, and review of all PDG Development Phase strength and conditioning sessions, including both gym and pitch-based sessions.
- Support individual development programmes for all registered PDG Development Phase players, providing the player with regular feedback on progress and development objectives where linked to physical goals.
- Undertake routine fitness testing with all registered players to assess progress and inform individual development plans, as agreed under the PDG S&C curriculum.
- Reporting of testing scores and individual player development as directed by the RFU.
- Prioritise individual development, ensuring activity is appropriate to age, stage, and competency in order to optimise long term athlete development.
- Provide wider education in session times to players, their support networks and the rugby community regarding physical development and best practice.
- Deliver nutritional guidance as directed by the PDG S&C curriculum and act as a point of contact for advice and information when in session.
- Work alongside and provide feedback to the England U18 S&C coach and Physiotherapist on progress, development and RTP as required.
- Regular 1-2-1 meetings with U18’s Lead S&C
- 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
- 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:
- 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.
- Current driving license.
- Current DBS.
- Committed to embodying the ethos our culture by using our three core values – Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other – to guide your day-to-day decisions, actions and interactions.
- Committed to actively contributing and building an inclusive culture in your role and day to day behaviours.
Desirable:
- Undergraduate level degree in Strength & Conditioning, Sport & Exercise Science, or a similar field.
- UKSCA Accreditation (or evidence of working toward).
- Strong organizational skills with a methodical approach with attention to detail.
Additional Information:
- This role will require a DBS check
- All role holders must maintain an appropriate standard of confidentiality. Any disclosures of confidential information (including personal information kept on computer or other media) made unlawfully outside the proper course of duty will be treated as a serious disciplinary offence.
- The role description, person specification, job level and job title may be subject to change at the discretion of the RFU and under business developments. Any changes will be communicated to the role holder as appropriate.
- 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. You can find out more about why we ask these questions here.
- 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.
