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- Tasks: Lead and develop the University of Portsmouth Men's Rugby team with innovative coaching strategies.
- Company: Join a vibrant sports community at the University of Portsmouth.
- Benefits: Expenses covered, potential for a paid role from September 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student athletes and foster a positive team culture.
- Qualifications: RFU Level 2 Coaching Award required; Level 3 preferred.
- Other info: Voluntary role with excellent leadership experience and career development opportunities.
Club Location: Portsmouth
Club Name: University of Portsmouth
Team Level: University - Men's section
Role Type: Voluntary (expenses covered, vision for a 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 Head Coach role will demonstrate strong and effective leadership, creating a positive team culture and performance environment. 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.
Head Coach Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Planning & Delivery: Design, implement, deliver and evaluate innovative, season-long coaching plans, including effective training sessions, tactical game plans, and the trials process.
- Player Development: Foster individual player skill enhancement, fitness, and decision-making, working with the forwards’ and backs’ coaches, and wider support staff.
- Leadership: Set high standards, motivate players and coaching staff, and make difficult selection decisions for match day squads, and team captains.
- Match Day Duties: Attend fixtures and manage the match-day squad, liaising with other coaches to select teams.
- Team Environment: Build a cohesive, respectful, and inclusive culture, promoting sportsmanship.
- Performance Analysis: Utilise video analysis tools where available to review team and individual performance and provide constructive feedback.
- 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 Criteria:
- RFU Level 2 Coaching Award (or equivalent); Level 3 preferred.
- Level 3 First Aid qualification (or ability to obtain ASAP).
- Proven track record of developing and coaching competitive teams.
- Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
- Commitment to training and fixture schedule.
- 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.
Head Coach in Portsmouth employer: Hampshire RFU
Contact Detail:
Hampshire RFU Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Coach in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current coaches, players, and even alumni from the University of Portsmouth. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights into the club culture and what they're really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your coaching skills! If you can, organise a training session or a workshop to demonstrate your coaching style. This hands-on approach can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for the application deadline. Follow up with the club after applying to express your enthusiasm and commitment. It shows you're serious about the role and keen to get involved.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website for resources! We’ve got loads of tips and tools that can help you prepare for interviews and showcase your coaching philosophy. Let’s make sure you’re ready to impress!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Coach in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for coaching and rugby shine through. We want to see how much you care about developing players and creating a positive team culture.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant coaching experience and qualifications, especially your RFU Level 2 Coaching Award or higher. We’re looking for someone who can bring their expertise to our team, so be specific about your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the Head Coach role.
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 this exciting opportunity. 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 the specific leagues and teams you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with the University of Portsmouth Men’s Rugby club's recent performances and their coaching strategies. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you motivated players or made tough decisions. Highlighting your leadership style and how it aligns with creating a positive team culture will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Player Development
Come prepared to talk about your approach to player development. Share specific strategies you've used to enhance individual skills and fitness. Discuss how you would implement innovative training sessions and tactical game plans tailored to the team's needs.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since this role involves working closely with other coaches and the student committee, be ready to discuss your communication style. Provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated in previous roles, ensuring everyone is on the same page for training and match days.
