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- Tasks: Plan and deliver engaging training sessions for backline players in rugby.
- Company: University of Portsmouth Men’s Rugby Club, part of a vibrant sports community.
- Benefits: Expenses paid now, with potential for a paid role from September 2026.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and develop your coaching skills while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: RFU Level 2 Coaching Award and significant rugby coaching experience required.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities for personal growth and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Role Type: Voluntary (expenses paid, vision for paid role)
Commitment Expected: 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).
Application Deadline: 13/02/2026
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 Backs’ Coach role will work collaboratively with the Head Coach to lead on the training and development of backline players. 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.
Backs’ Coach Key Responsibilities
- Plan and Deliver Coaching: Design, plan, and deliver high-quality, engaging, and purposeful training sessions focused on core backs’ skills, in line with the club’s playing philosophy.
- Individual Player Development: Work with individual players to develop their understanding of their own performance, set targets, and maximise their strengths.
- Tactical Organisation: Lead on the attacking and defensive organisation of the backline, including set plays and backline moves, to exploit opposition weaknesses.
- Performance Analysis: Utilise video analysis tools where available to review team and individual performance and provide constructive feedback.
- Match Day Duties: Attend fixtures and manage the match-day squad, advising on selection in coordination with other coaches.
- 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.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- RFU Level 2 Coaching Award (or equivalent)
- Significant experience in coaching rugby
- Proven ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate coaching sessions.
- Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
- Ability to obtain an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and appropriate coaching insurance.
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.
Backs’ Coach in Portsmouth employer: Hampshire RFU
Contact Detail:
Hampshire RFU Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Backs’ Coach in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current coaches or players in the rugby community. They might have insider info on opportunities or even recommend you for roles. Don’t be shy, get chatting!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got coaching experience, consider running a free training session or workshop. This not only showcases your abilities but also helps you connect with potential players and other coaches.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay active on social media! Follow clubs, engage with their posts, and share your coaching insights. It’s a great way to get noticed and show your passion for the game.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate coaches. Make sure to highlight your qualifications and experience, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for developing players and contributing to the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Backs’ Coach in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Rugby: When 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 helping players develop their skills.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Backs’ Coach role. Highlight your relevant qualifications, like your RFU Level 2 Coaching Award, and any specific coaching experiences that align with our club's philosophy. We appreciate a personal touch!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your coaching style and how you plan to contribute to the team. We’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so show us you can do just that!
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire RFU
✨Know Your Rugby Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your rugby knowledge, especially regarding backline strategies and player development. Familiarise yourself with the club's playing philosophy and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to it during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Experience
Prepare to share specific examples of your previous coaching experiences. Highlight how you've successfully planned and delivered training sessions, and how you've helped players develop their skills. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for coaching.
✨Be Ready for Tactical Discussions
Expect questions about tactical organisation and how you would approach both attacking and defensive strategies. Think about set plays and backline moves you’ve implemented in the past, and be prepared to discuss how you would adapt these to exploit opposition weaknesses.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since this role involves working closely with other coaches and the student committee, be ready to talk about your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated in previous roles, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
