At a Glance
- Tasks: Coach and develop young rugby players, leading training sessions and managing teams.
- Company: Join RBAI, a prestigious institution dedicated to nurturing rugby talent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive coaching environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration within the rugby community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the next generation of rugby stars while developing your coaching skills.
- Qualifications: IRFU Coaching Award and proven experience in rugby coaching required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Board of Governors is seeking to appoint a Rugby Development Pathway Coach to support and complement the work of the Director of Rugby in delivering high-quality coaching and development opportunities. The successful applicant will contribute to the delivery of RBAI’s Rugby Curriculum, with a particular focus on players within the Development stage of our pathway.
Required for: 3 years
Responsible to: Director of Rugby; Principal
Contractual Hours: Full-time equivalent and as required to meet the needs of the post, including Saturdays.
MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan and deliver quality coaching across the rugby pathway.
- Lead, coach, and manage the development stage of the pathway, under the direction of the DoR, including players and staff. Lead selection for Development teams. Coach a designated team as determined by the Principal.
- As associate referee manager, co-ordinate associate referee provision in line with fixture list, under the direction of DoR and in conjunction with Head of Rugby Admin. Develop an associate referee pathway to recruit and educate associate referees.
- Contribute to RBAI skill development programme, under the direction of DoR, including skills sessions before school, lunch-times etc.
- Assist with primary school outreach events and Festivals, communicating with stakeholders.
- Assist with co-ordination of sponsorship.
- Contribute to the launch and delivery of the RBAI Individual Player Development Programme (IDP’s), including player-led reviews, performance analysis, and weekly goal setting.
- Support the DoR in provision for regular CPD for coaches. Share best practice to raise the quality of coaching across all stages, with a particular focus on Foundation.
- Develop a performance analysis team within RBAI (can include pupils) to facilitate filming training sessions and matches. Co-ordination of filming for training sessions and matches across pathway. Assist in preparing clips and reports for players and coaches.
- In co-ordination with Ulster Rugby and RBAI S&C, develop and introduce RBAI nutrition resources for players and parents.
- In conjunction with DoR and RBAI mental skills coach, develop and introduce RBAI mental skills programme across the player pathway.
- Contribute to the delivery of RBAI’s Rugby Development pillars: Quality Coaching, Rugby Curriculum, Integrated Performance, Resources & Facilities, Fixture Provision, PR & Communication.
- Ensure best practice in player welfare, injury prevention and return-to-play protocols.
- Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and respect for the game.
- Tours, training camps and fundraising.
- Assist in administrative tasks and any reasonable requests from DoR and Principal.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- IRFU (or equivalent) Coaching Award (Youth or above).
- Proven coaching experience within school or club rugby.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- Commitment to player-centred development.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
- IRFU (or equivalent) Senior/Performance Coaching Course.
- Experience and ability to develop specialist unit skills.
- Experience in performance analysis (e.g. Sportscode, Hudl).
- Experience in developing and delivering CPD to coaches.
- Experience working in education.
REMUNERATION
£27,000 - £32,000 per annum. Commensurate with experience and to be discussed at interview.
APPLICATION
Please send a letter of application, including a CV and the names and addresses of two referees (one to address rugby experience), along with the completed Monitoring Form and Pre-Employment Vetting Declaration. The Application Pack is available to download from the school website. Please return your application to the Principal’s PA at The Royal Belfast Academical Institution, College Square East, Belfast, BT1 6DL or by email. The closing date for applications is 4pm on Tuesday 18 August 2026. Interviews will be held on Thursday 3 September 2026. The School is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Rugby Development Pathway Coach in Belfast employer: The Royal Belfast Academical Institution
RBAI is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where passion for rugby and education converge. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a supportive culture that prioritises player-centred coaching. Located in Belfast, RBAI provides a unique chance to contribute to the growth of young athletes while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere among dedicated staff and stakeholders.
Contact Details:
The Royal Belfast Academical Institution Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rugby Development Pathway Coach in Belfast
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We think you need these skills to ace Rugby Development Pathway Coach in Belfast
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 The Royal Belfast Academical Institution 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 The Royal Belfast Academical Institution
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with The Royal Belfast Academical Institution, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
