Provincial Pathway Coach (Forwards) in Belfast

Ulster Rugby are currently inviting applications for the post of Provincial Pathway Coach (Forwards). The post holder will work with players and coaches in order to identify and develop a pool of players who are eligible for selection into the appropriate Ulster Rugby pathway development programme.

The successful candidate must, by the closing date for receipt of applications, be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom. Applications from candidates who are not eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom by the closing date for applications will not be considered.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Provincial Pathway Coach (Forwards)

Affidea Stadium, 134 Mount Merrion Avenue, BELFAST, BT6 0FT

Role Purpose: To work with players and coaches in order to identify and develop a pool of players who are eligible for selection into the appropriate Ulster Rugby pathway development programme. This role will specifically focus on the 16-19 age group to ensure that the right players are training in the right environment, with the right coaching support. The role involves driving player development through the provision of excellent support to players, coaches and key staff across Ulster Rugby programmes and network of clubs and schools.

Accountable to: Provincial Talent Coach

Key Relationships: Ulster Rugby Staff

Academy Staff

Rugby Clubs within Ulster

Key Club Volunteers

Schools within Ulster

Key IRFU (Ulster Branch) Volunteers

Location: Affidea Stadium, however, the post-holder will be required to travel to support the development of players across the Province.

Contract Type: Full time, Permanent (subject to a 6-month probationary period)

Salary: £40,000 gross per annum plus £4,000 car allowance gross per annum

Key Responsibilities:

• In conjunction with other Academy and Pathway staff, develop and deliver a provincial player pathway plan which addresses the strategic requirements of Ulster Rugby, the IRFU and the identified needs of clubs and schools within Ulster that focus on player (Forwards) development at the U16-U19 age group.
• Maintain close working relationships with clubs and schools within the province to ensure delivery of the provincial player pathway plan and provide effective feedback and communication with players (forwards), coaches, support staff and anyone else involved in the player development/pathway programme.
• To provide a high level of coaching support to individual players (in particular forwards), clubs, schools, and provincial/regional squads within the province.
• Maintain and monitor provincial forwards depth chart to track player pool at each age bracket and highlight positional changes and positional gaps.
• Lead a Provincial Squad during the summer programme.

Player Development

• In conjunction with other Ulster Rugby staff contribute to the development of an agreed curriculum to support the development of players (forwards) within our pathway programme.
• Provide technical support to key staff and stakeholders to ensure the delivery of an agreed curriculum to support the development of players (forwards) within our pathway programme.
• Ensure there is a flow of rugby knowledge and expertise up and down our pathway to provide a coherent approach to player development.
• In conjunction with Ulster Rugby Staff align and integrate the Ulster Rugby curriculum within Age grade rugby through practical delivery at targeted age groups in our schools and clubs.
• In conjunction with Ulster Rugby Academy Staff and Flagging Network ensure club and school players (forwards) are regularly observed and those players with potential are recorded and monitored as part of entry into future development programmes.
• Deliver individual development sessions and monitor Player Development Plans (PDP) to identified pathway players with a strong focus on supporting forwards. Both within Ulster Rugby sessions and within the players club/school.

Coach Development

• Support the delivery of provincial initiatives to increase Club and School understanding of the Ulster Rugby Pathway Curriculum.
• Support coaches who are working within the player pathway (Regional Development Squads to Age Grade Teams/Talent Coaches) through the development and delivery of appropriate coach CPD workshops etc.
• Assist in supporting the upskill of a pool of coaches to enhance our talent ID processes ensuring processes are in place to enable players with potential to be flagged and monitored.

General

• Help develop and maintain a successful image and profile for the Ulster Rugby Pathway programme.
• Contribute, where appropriate, to the overall Ulster Rugby objectives and targets as laid out in the strategic plan.
• Contribute to the development, evaluation and monitoring of the Ulster Academy and Rugby Development programmes as required.

Essential Criteria:

Applicants should, at the closing date for applications, be able to display and provide evidence of the following qualifications/training, experience, specialist knowledge, skills/abilities and personal qualities outlined below in this person specification.

Qualifications with experience	Either: Primary degree or equivalent qualification in sports or PE related discipline coupled with a minimum of 2 years’ work experience in at least two of the following areas: - Sports development Coach development PE related discipline Teaching School 1st XV/AIL Club (Forwards specialist) Or: 3 years’ work experience (FTE) in at least two of the above disciplines. IRFU Senior (stage 3) coaching qualification (or equivalent)
Additional Experience	A minimum of 2 years of coaching experience at Schools 1st XV, AIL club or equivalent with evidence of delivering individual, unit and collective practices to develop forwards play. Experience of delivering development programmes to a high standard Experience and evidence of consistently & regularly developing players suitable for entry and progression within a pathway programme Practical experience of analysing, developing and co-ordinating support services to identified players in clubs and schools Experience of dealing with volunteers in a support capacity
Knowledge	Knowledge and understanding of Irish Rugby Knowledge and understanding of the Player Pathway A clear understanding of the needs of club and school coaches/volunteers
Skills & Abilities	Excellent organisational ability Ability to critically review performance processes and deliver a quality outcome Ability to influence others positively Excellent written and oral presentation skills Clarity in decision making Well-developed time management skills including the ability to set and meet deadlines and to prioritise work. Ability to work alone and as part of a team Computer literate
Circumstances	Must be eligible to live and work in the UK Access to a form of transport that will permit the jobholder to meet the requirements of the post in full Ability to work unsociable hours, including frequent evenings & weekends Must be available to work throughout the Academy summer programme (late June – early September)

Desirable Criteria:

Qualifications	IRFU Performance Coach (Stage 4) accredited
Experience	A minimum of 2 years coaching experience (FTE) at Provincial/Regional or Academy level of coaching forwards at both International and Provincial Age grade level A minimum of one years’ coaching experience in a lead coach role of a team Experience of creating and monitoring Player Development Plans (PDPs) Experience of working within a sports organisation Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary service team
Knowledge	Knowledge of Ulster Rugby, in particular the club and school structures

Initial short listing will take place against the criteria outlined in Qualifications, Experience and Circumstances. It is the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate clearly in their application how they meet the criteria as advertised for this post.

Please note that applications containing numerous errors will be disregarded.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Behaviours will be assessed during the selection process.

The IRFU Ulster Branch reserves the right to enhance the essential criteria to facilitate shortlisting. Should this be required, some or all of the desirable criteria listed may be applied.

The post is being offered on a full-time, permanent contract. To apply, please upload a copy of your CV and complete the online application form. The closing date for completed application forms is no later than 9:00am on Wednesday 25th November 2026.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 2nd December 2026.

CVs or emails expressing an interest in the position without completing the online application form will be disregarded.

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 https://www.irishrugby.ie/playing-the-game/spirit-of-rugby/safeguarding/recruitment/