Lead Academy Athletic Development Coach in Belfast

The IRFU & Ulster Rugby are currently inviting applications for the post of Lead Academy Athletic Development Coach at Ulster Rugby. The post holder is responsible for the design, delivery, and coordination of the individual athletic performance programmes for all Ulster Academy Players. They will provide the required leadership and management of systems and personnel to ensure that players develop the physical competencies required to thrive within the professional game.

The post is being offered on a two-year fixed contract from the date of commencement. To apply, please upload a copy of your CV and complete the short online application form. The closing date for completed application forms is no later than 9:00am on Monday 10th August 2026.

Ulster Rugby is an equal opportunities employer and as such welcomes applications from all persons regardless of race, creed, gender, disability, family status or sexual orientation. If your role involves working with children and young people you may be subject to vetting through Access NI/Garda Vetting Bureau. Please note that we are committed to equal opportunities for all and will not preclude applicants with criminal convictions.

For more information please refer to the IRFU Vetting Policy here.

ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Lead Academy Athletic Development Coach (ADC) for ULSTER Rugby is responsible for the design, delivery, and coordination of the individual athletic performance programmes for all ULSTER Academy Players. The ADC will provide the required leadership and management of systems and personnel to ensure that players develop the physical competencies required to thrive within the professional game. In collaboration with the Head of Athletic Performance, ULSTER and the Academy Manager, ULSTER, the ADC will continually seek to drive innovation and develop a world-leading academy program that seamlessly integrates across pathway and senior programmes.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Operational & Functional: Head of Athletic Performance, ULSTER & Academy Manager, ULSTER
• Functional: Head of Athletic Performance & Science, IRFU & High-Performance Manager, IRFU

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The ADC will report functionally to the Head of Athletic Performance & Science, IRFU and the High-Performance Manager, IRFU on matters relating to the attainment of key performance indicators (KPI’s) and IRFU National Standards; The ADC will report operationally and functionally to the Head of Athletic Performance, ULSTER and the Academy Manager, ULSTER to ensure that the design, delivery and coordination of ULSTER Academy Player’s individual athletic performance programs align with ULSTER and IRFU standards, and ensures continuity with Pathway and Senior programs.

KEY QUALITIES | ESSENTIAL:

• Recognised degree or Higher National Diploma in physical education, human movement or exercise and sports science;
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in an athletic performance (strength & conditioning) position within an elite/professional Rugby environment;
• Knowledgeable around the physical, psychological, technical (position specific), and tactical (style of play) demands associated with Rugby;
• Established coaching and programming skills around injury prevention and return to play/perform criteria;
• Excellent ability to work within an inter-disciplinary team and share responsibility for player development and programme management;
• Excellent people management and leadership skills;
• High level of self-awareness and a strong self-starter.

KEY QUALITIES | DESIRABLE:

• Post-Graduate degree (MSc or PhD) in physical education, human movement or exercise and sports science;
• Sports science experience around the collection and management of GPS data;
• Recognised certification in S&C related competence (e.g., NSCA, UKSCA, ASCA, etc.);
• Excellent computer literacy skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

General responsibilities:

• Design, deliver and coordinate all ULSTER Academy individual athletic performance programmes;
• Work with other professional staff including Academy Manager, Academy Physiotherapist and Performance Nutritionist to drive individual performance outcomes;
• Ensure the ULSTER Academy athletic performance programme aligns with the ULSTER Pathway and Senior programmes;
• Coordinate the ULSTER Academy annual athletic performance testing according to IRFU National Standards and testing schedule;
• Capture, store and manage all athletic performance testing and training data;
• Responsible for the design and delivery of all athletic performance, recovery and game preparation elements for the ULSTER Academy;
• Develop alignment and coordination of athletic performance programmes between the ULSTER Academy, Pathway and National Talent Programme through effective communication and relationship building.

Specific responsibilities:

• Manage the implementation of the ULSTER Academy athletic performance programmes as described in each Player’s Development Plan;
• Systematically review and report performance profiles for all Academy players;
• Devise effective periodised plans for each Academy player specific to their development needs;
• Manage and communicate the Academy training schedule to all players and related staff;
• Liaise regularly with the Pathway athletic performance staff to ensure appropriate programme alignment and prescription to the needs of the Academy and senior programme;
• Attend and contribute to workshops, in-service meetings and professional development courses/workshops.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The following KPI’s are general. Specific targets will be set for your role. Annual meetings will also include an appraisal and review of the attainment of the KPI’s set at previous meetings.