At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead training sessions, develop strategies, and analyse performance for the forwards unit.
- Company: Join Exeter Chiefs Women, a top team in women's rugby.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and access to high-quality facilities.
- Other info: Supportive environment committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in women's rugby and help shape future stars.
- Qualifications: Proven coaching experience and RFU qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Working hours: Times and days are dependent on the weekly fixture
Salary: £40,000
Start: July 2026
About the role
Exeter Chiefs Women are seeking an ambitious, knowledgeable, and passionate assistant coach to join our high‑performance rugby programme. This is an exciting opportunity to work within one of the leading environments in women's rugby, contributing to the continued growth and success of the team at the elite level. The successful candidate will take ownership of the forwards unit, developing a technically proficient, tactically astute, and physically dominant pack that reflects the Exeter Chiefs identity.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the planning and delivery of all forwards‑specific training sessions (scrum, lineout, maul, breakdown)
- Design and implement effective set‑piece strategies in collaboration with the head coach and wider coaching team
- To lead on team defence in collaboration with the head coach and wider coaching team
- Analyse performance data and opposition trends to inform tactical decisions
- Work closely with strength & conditioning, medical, and analysis staff to optimise player performance
- Support individual player development through regular feedback and review processes
- Contribute to overall team strategy, culture, and standards both on and off the pitch
- Assist on match days with tactical input, analysis, and in‑game adjustments
Person specification
- Proven coaching experience within rugby union (elite, semi‑professional, or high‑performance pathway)
- RFU coaching qualifications, England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award (formerly Level 3) or equivalent
- Strong technical understanding of forward play specialising in scrum and lineout elements
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
- Commitment to player welfare, development, and team culture
- Experience in women's rugby or high‑performance sport environments
- Background in performance analysis tools and data‑driven coaching
- Understanding of long‑term athlete development principles
- Strong technical and tactical knowledge of team defence
What we offer
- Opportunity to work within a professional, ambitious, and supportive environment
- Access to high‑quality facilities and performance staff
- Continued professional development opportunities
- The chance to contribute to the growth of women's rugby at an elite level
Exeter Chiefs Women are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.
Assistant coach in Exeter employer: Job Search Place Limited
Exeter Chiefs Women is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive environment for those passionate about women's rugby. With access to top-notch facilities and a commitment to professional development, employees can thrive while contributing to the growth of the sport at an elite level. The culture here prioritises collaboration, inclusivity, and player welfare, making it a rewarding place to build a coaching career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant coach in Exeter
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
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✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant coach in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Job Search Place Limited aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Job Search Place Limited, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
