At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and elevate the Rugby Union programme at Northumbria University for all skill levels.
- Company: Join Northumbria University, a top-ranked institution with a vibrant sports culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous holiday entitlement, and excellent pension schemes.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, inclusive environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student athletes' lives while shaping the future of Rugby Union.
- Qualifications: Experience in coaching high-level players and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is an exciting opportunity within Northumbria University Sport as we look for our next Head of Rugby Union to drive our programme forward. The role holder will report directly to the Performance Sport Manager and will take overall responsibility for shaping, growing and elevating the Rugby Union programme across the university, for both men's and women's teams.
The core mission of the role is to ensure that every student, regardless of ability, has a meaningful pathway into Rugby Union during their time at Northumbria. Whether that's a first-year student picking up a rugby ball for the first time or an elite athlete competing at the highest level of university sport, the post-holder will be expected to create and sustain an environment where all players can thrive.
The Head of Rugby Union will be expected to develop both long-term strategic plans and shorter annual plans that drive growth and development across all levels of the programme. This means thinking beyond the training pitch - identifying opportunities to expand participation, improve performance standards, and embed rugby union more deeply into the fabric of student life at Northumbria.
A significant part of this will involve creating and implementing a dedicated recruitment strategy to attract talented student athletes to the university, including attending recruitment events both on and off campus. Building a strong pipeline of players is essential to the long-term success of the programme.
On a day-to-day basis, the post-holder will act as Head Coach for the Northumbria University Men's BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) first team. The role demands a high level of rugby knowledge and the ability to coach at a competitive university level where standards are consistently high.
Alongside leading the men's programme, the Head of Rugby Union will line manage and support the appointment (where applicable) of a Lead Coach for the Women's first team. This reflects the university's commitment to providing equal and high-quality opportunities across both programmes. The post-holder will need to ensure that the women's programme benefits from the same strategic thinking, resources and support as the men's, even if the day-to-day coaching is delivered through a dedicated lead coach.
You will oversee a team of casual Rugby Union coaches, providing regular mentoring and development support to help them grow in their roles. This requires not just rugby knowledge but genuine leadership and people management skills — the ability to identify individual development needs, offer constructive feedback, and create a coaching culture that reflects the values of the programme.
Every talented student athlete within the programme will have an individualised development plan, and the Head of Rugby Union will be responsible for ensuring these are in place and regularly reviewed. These plans are designed to support players holistically — not just their performance on the pitch, but their wider welfare and personal development as student athletes. The post-holder will play a lead role in driving a student-centred, inter-disciplinary approach, ensuring that key support services from across the university are properly integrated into the programme.
The role requires strong relationship-building skills. The Head of Rugby Union will act as the primary point of contact for all Rugby Union enquiries, meaning they will regularly communicate with a wide range of people — from players and parents to university colleagues and external organisations. Fostering productive working relationships across Northumbria Sport and with key external stakeholders, including partner organisations and governing bodies, will be central to success in the role. Regular updates on progress against agreed targets will be provided to the Performance Sport Manager, so clear and professional communication upward within the organisation is equally important.
A commitment to continuing professional development is also expected — the university wants someone who is proactive about staying current with best practice in coaching, player welfare, and sport science.
This is a full-time post of 37 hours per week, though the nature of rugby means flexibility is essential. The post-holder will be expected to work some evenings and weekends to accommodate training, fixtures and events. The role also involves travel and working across multiple sites, so a willingness to be mobile is important.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The successful candidate will work within Northumbria University Sport in a high-performance sporting environment that is ambitious, inclusive, and student-focused. They will work closely with student-athletes, coaching staff, athlete support services, and wider university colleagues to support the development and success of the Rugby Union programme. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to one of Northumbria Sport’s Focus Sports, helping to deliver an excellent student experience while driving performance and participation.
ABOUT YOU
To be successful in the role you will have:
- Experience of coaching high level players and/or talented young players with the aim of recruiting the top talent to play for the university alongside studying for their degree.
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team of support staff.
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to communicate with a wide range of individuals including students and parents alongside a host of stakeholders that play a key role in the success of the programme.
- Ability to enthuse and inspire student athletes to achieve.
- Hold the England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award or be willing to work towards within 12 months of appointment.
- Undergraduate degree, preferably in a discipline relevant to the role, and/or substantial professional experience.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Thomas Robinson, Performance Sport Manager, at thomas.robinson@northumbria.ac.uk.
To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 24th June.
ABOUT US
Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us. With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.
Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.
Apply now and join a community committed to transforming society and the economy.
Head of Rugby Union employer: University of Northumbria
Northumbria University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the development of both staff and students. As the Head of Rugby Union, you will have the opportunity to shape a dynamic programme while benefiting from excellent professional development resources, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive environment that values collaboration and innovation. Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, you will be part of a diverse community dedicated to fostering talent and enhancing the student experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Rugby Union
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the rugby community. Attend events, join forums, and engage on social media. The more you put yourself out there, the better your chances of landing that Head of Rugby Union role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your coaching skills! If you can, organise a coaching session or workshop to demonstrate your expertise. This not only showcases your abilities but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in reaching out! Don’t wait for job postings to appear. Contact universities directly, express your interest, and ask about upcoming opportunities. A little initiative can go a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website for applications! When you find a role that excites you, apply through our platform. It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Rugby Union
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for rugby and how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm show!
Tailor Your CV:When applying, tailor your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Head of Rugby Union position. Use keywords from the job description to make it clear that you’re the perfect fit for us!
Showcase Your Coaching Philosophy:In your application, share your coaching philosophy and how you plan to create an inclusive environment for all players. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop talent at every level, so let us know how you’ll do that!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Northumbria University Sport!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Northumbria
✨Know Your Rugby Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your rugby knowledge, especially regarding coaching strategies and player development. Be prepared to discuss how you would elevate both men's and women's teams at Northumbria University, showcasing your understanding of the game and its nuances.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Coach, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership and people management skills. Think about examples from your past where you've successfully mentored coaches or developed players. Be ready to share how you would create a positive coaching culture that aligns with the university's values.
✨Communicate Effectively
You'll be the main point of contact for various stakeholders, so practice clear and professional communication. Prepare to discuss how you would build relationships with students, parents, and external organisations, ensuring everyone feels included in the rugby programme.
✨Have a Vision for Growth
The role requires strategic thinking, so come equipped with ideas on how to expand participation and improve performance standards. Think about your long-term plans for the rugby programme and how you would implement a recruitment strategy to attract top talent to Northumbria.
