At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach U18 rugby players in strength and conditioning, creating tailored fitness programmes.
- Company: Join England Rugby, a leading organisation dedicated to developing women's rugby talent.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of women's rugby and empowering young athletes.
- Qualifications: Experience in elite sports coaching, especially with adolescent athletes, is essential.
- Other info: This is a 2-year fixed-term contract with a salary around £35,000 based on experience.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Women’s Pathway and PDG Strength and Conditioning Coach – U18
Join to apply for the Women’s Pathway and PDG Strength and Conditioning Coach – U18 role at England Rugby.
Overview
This fixed-term opportunity is to join the Pathway team on a 2-year contract. Salary is c. £35,000 depending on experience; your actual pay will be based on skills and experience—talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Job Details
- Job Title: Women’s Pathway and PDG Strength & Conditioning Coach (U18s)
- Department: Professional Rugby Department
- Reports to: Athletic Performance Manager – Women’s Game
- Salary: £35,000 depending on experience
- Job Level: Guide
- Location: Hybrid
- Employment Type: 2-year Fixed Term Contract
- Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Application Information
- Please submit an anonymised CV and cover letter (exclude personal details).
- The closing date for applications: Sunday 14 September 2025 at 9pm.
Please note: we are experiencing issues with applications from certain email providers. Please apply using a different email address if you typically use Live, MSN, Hotmail, or Outlook to ensure communications.
The Role
The U18 & PDG Strength & Conditioning Coach will carry out all S&C delivery for the U18 England team, operating within a multidisciplinary performance support team to create world-class environments and build bespoke individual development plans for the development of young English players. This role will work in partnership with the nine PDG Centres to deliver the physical attributes required for individual players to maximise rugby potential and requires close collaboration with key PDG staff to ensure players are able to transition between regional and national environments. The role may also provide coaching support at England U20 camps as required and provide advice and educational materials on athletic development for the benefit of the game of rugby.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver world-class conditioning programs to developing rugby players and monitor the efficacy of the program design for individual players.
- Communicate effectively with international, PDG and other relevant performance teams on individual player development.
- Attend all required England U18 training camps, matches and tours and work full-time out of camps.
- Aid in the strategic planning to meet current and future development requirements.
- Effectively collate a broad range of sport science data and evidence to drive athletic performance development in our best young players.
- Plan, implement, monitor and coach individualised fitness programs for England players during camp and competition periods.
- Deliver nutritional advice and good nutritional behaviours in U18 players and coordinate the activities of consultants including pathway nutritionists.
- Support the PDG S&C Coaches to embed and deliver the Athletic Development Framework to all U18 PDG players.
- Support the administration of S&C provision within the U18 Girls PDG programme.
- Build and maintain excellent relationships with the PDGs and other key stakeholders to ensure effective communication on individual player development.
- Assist in the planning and coordination of team camps and tours to ensure optimal player preparation.
- To work with the women’s U20 S&C coach and the wider RFU performance teams to further develop best practice for fitness development, profiling and recovery.
- Participate in specified research projects as required.
- Maintain a commitment to self-development; continue to research and develop current practice to ensure delivery is maintained at the highest possible standards.
- 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; we welcome candidates who can bring different relevant experiences to the role.
- Credible experience of planning, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring individual fitness programmes within an elite sport environment.
- Significant experience leading an athletic development programme, ideally with experience of working in an academy setting.
- Experience working with, and thus understanding, the unique working context of adolescent athletes is favourable.
- Proven technical capability to a UKSCA or similar formal or applied professional standard.
- Be comfortable using and interpreting information from player monitoring systems (such as GPS and heart rate) and physical testing systems (such as force plates). The candidate must be capable of processing and reporting such performance data for use by the coaches and the performance team.
- Strong motivational, leadership, communication and listening skills.
- Demonstrate an understanding of high professional standards combined with passion, confidence, and a proven track record of fitness coaching.
- Commitment to education and continuing professional development.
- 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.
Additional Information
- We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills; if you need support during the application or adjustments, please reach out to recruitment@rfu.com.
- During your application, we will ask questions about 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.
- This role will require a DBS check.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Contract
Job function
- Management
Industries
- Spectator Sports and Sports Teams and Clubs
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Women’s Pathway and PDG Strength and Conditioning Coach - U18 employer: England Rugby
Contact Detail:
England Rugby Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Women’s Pathway and PDG Strength and Conditioning Coach - U18
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the rugby community, especially those involved with youth development and strength and conditioning. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in athletic development.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role by researching the England Rugby pathway and PDG programmes. Understanding their philosophy and approach will help you tailor your discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with adolescent athletes and how you've successfully implemented fitness programmes in the past. Be ready to provide examples that demonstrate your ability to adapt to the unique needs of young players.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to continuous professional development by mentioning any recent courses or certifications related to strength and conditioning. This demonstrates your dedication to staying current in the field and improving your coaching skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Women’s Pathway and PDG Strength and Conditioning Coach - U18
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Women’s Pathway and PDG Strength and Conditioning Coach role. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only introduce yourself but also explain why you are passionate about this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to deliver world-class conditioning programmes and your understanding of adolescent athletes.
Anonymise Your CV: As per the application instructions, ensure your CV is anonymised. Remove any personal details such as your name, address, and contact information. Focus on showcasing your skills, experience, and achievements relevant to the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter. Look for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at England Rugby
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Women’s Pathway and PDG Strength and Conditioning Coach role. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks, such as delivering conditioning programmes and collaborating with performance teams. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in planning and implementing fitness programmes, especially within an elite sport environment. Highlight any specific achievements or challenges you've faced, particularly those related to working with adolescent athletes, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role requires effective communication with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to discuss how you would build relationships with PDG staff and other key players, ensuring smooth collaboration on player development.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Development
Express your commitment to self-development and continuous learning in the field of strength and conditioning. Share any recent courses, certifications, or research projects you've undertaken that relate to athletic performance, as this shows your dedication to maintaining high professional standards.