Senior Performance Analyst in London

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 England Men’s Senior Team Performance Analyst to join our Technical Performance team on a permanent basis.

The Senior Performance Analyst is responsible for delivering a broad scope of Performance Analysis services to the Men’s Senior Team programme, with leadership accountabilities. Working as part of a team of three (under the direction of the Lead Performance Analyst), the post holder will be expected to combine exceptional tactical knowledge of the game with outstanding technical and communication skills to provide pertinent information to enhance the coaching process. He / She will work closely with the Men’s coaching team and have responsibility for specific tactical areas of the game (i.e. attack, defence, set piece, breakdown, etc.).

The post-holder must have a proven track record of working successfully with both coaching and wider performance disciplines / practitioners and have the ability and aptitude to work autonomously when required. You will have demonstrable experience of positively impacting performance through your ability to capture, collate, analyse and feedback accurate information in a compelling and confident manner to coaches and, if directed, players.

The post-holder must be able to evidence experience and impact in the following key areas:

• Delivery of data and feedback
• Delivery of pertinent information to players (as directed by coaches)
• Design and evolution of learning environments
• Presentation tools to enhance feedback and learning
• Rugby knowledge and game understanding
• Individual Development Plan construction and monitoring
• Data and Video capture
• Coding and Feedback methodologies
• Report design and dissemination methods
• Collection, Integration, Manipulation and Accurate reporting of large data sets
• Online database platforms and dissemination tools

In addition to this, the post holder will have experience (5 years minimum) in a professional / elite rugby environment and be able to demonstrate how they effectively support coaches. This role is embedded with the Men’s Senior Team programme and as such requires a commitment to attend all training sessions, meetings and all matches throughout the year.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Coach analyst responsibilities for specific areas within the game model framework.
• Responsible for working closely with the Men’s Senior coaching team to answer performance questions (when applicable) through the use of relevant data sets.
• Responsible for supporting the Men’s Senior coaching team with game model design, opposition analysis and meeting preparation and delivery.
• As directed by the Men’s Senior Team Head Coach (or assistant coaches), present and work directly with Players to enhance learning and understanding.
• Leverage technology, systems, processes and theories to support the delivery of an innovative and engaging learning environment.
• Monitor selected EPS (and wider squad, including high potential pathway players) as directed - both in and out of competition periods.
• Design, organize and maintain a variety of local (and if required) online databases.
• Provide systematic and ad-hoc performance reports for coaching and performance teams, to enhance player development and game understanding.
• Work with other sports science disciplines as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Undertake (in consultation with all relevant line managers) any other relevant / reasonable duties across the organization as appropriate.
• Act as a key decision-support partner to the lead analyst to help improve the analysis provision for the men’s senior team.
• 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 our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
• 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. A sound academic record, including an undergraduate degree in Performance Analysis or related subject is required (MSc Desirable). At least 5 years' practical and relevant experience of Performance Analysis support within Rugby and a strong understanding of workings of Professional / Elite Sports. Excellent understanding of the game of rugby with at least 5 years’ experience of working in the game. Highly numerate with strong technical and computer skills. Experience in the use of Performance analysis software(s) and related video production and analysis tools (especially Apple products). Ability to vary feedback methodologies to maximize engagement and understanding of target audience. Experience of report writing and design – translating analysis into literate, concise documentation. Demonstrable database and statistical analysis skills. Highly organised, with the ability to work under pressure and deal with multiple tasks. Problem solver – being able to find new solutions to aid the programme. Ability to appropriately deliver constructive challenge to coaches to enhance decision making and performance outcomes. 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. Previous experience leading a Performance Analysis department.

Personal Attributes:

Enjoys the challenge the role brings and is committed to achieving personal, department and team objectives. Pro-active – understands the needs of the department and the wider team to be successful and is forthcoming with ideas and assistance. Relationship builder, who enjoys interacting with different groups of people. Willingness and ability to work unsociable hours. Comfortable, confident and effective in an elite / professional sporting environment. You have high standards and take pride in your work.

Additional Information:

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.