At a Glance
- Tasks: Support coaching for Celtic Challenge teams and Wales WU21, enhancing player performance.
- Company: Welsh Rugby Union, dedicated to excellence in women's rugby.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, hybrid working, and additional leave.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape the future of women's rugby in Wales.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Rugby coaching licence and proven coaching experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
As part of our ambition to return Welsh Rugby to the top of the international game, player welfare and clinical excellence sit at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to building a women's performance pathway that supports every athlete to develop, stay available, and perform — and that starts with outstanding technical and tactical coaching at every level of the programme. The Celtic Challenge is a critical part of our women's performance pathway, and this role is central to it. As Celtic Challenge Assistant Coach, you will support the Head Coach of one of our two Celtic Challenge teams and Wales WU21 Head Coach in achieving the ambitions for both teams by providing technical, tactical and strategic rugby expertise. You will also assist in the alignment of internal teams and external clubs and pathways through close and influential relationships.
What you'll do
- Develop a clear and comprehensive philosophy for Attack, Defence, or Forwards for one of our two Celtic Challenge teams and the Wales WU21 teams which aligns to the overall game model defined by the head coach(es) and supports winning performance.
- Specifically: The development of a clear style, principles, systems and game solutions.
- Development of a clear language and terminology which aligns to the overall game model and Welsh Rugby DNA.
- Deliver outstanding on and off-field coaching and learning using a variety of styles to meet the diverse needs of players and maximise player engagement, understanding and ownership of the attacking game model.
- Support the Head Coach(es) in the development of a clear and compelling vision and 'what it takes to win' model for the Celtic Challenge team and Wales WU21 teams in alignment with the wider Welsh rugby DNA.
- Co‐creation of an outstanding performance, and development environment and culture for players and staff both in and out of season/ 'camp' to maximise the probability of success.
- Support the selection of the Celtic Challenge and Wales WU21 squads in alignment with the Welsh DNA and the overall goals of the organisation.
- Participate in the development of excellent and detailed operational plans for cycles, seasons, campaigns and events (training camps, matches, and tournaments).
- Create and deliver comprehensive session, week, campaign, and season review information and material as part of the wider 'Plan‐Do‐Review‐Evolve' philosophy of progressive development.
- Support the creation and maintenance of exceptional individual development plans for one of our two Celtic Challenge teams and Wales WU21 players in alignment with the Welsh DNA and in collaboration with National team coaches.
- Provide support to WRU coach development activities on an agreed number of occasions per year.
What you'll bring
- Level 3 Rugby coaching licence or recognised equivalent (ongoing annual completion of WRU Coach recognition programme).
- Demonstrable coaching experience in club and or international rugby, with a strong track record of success.
- Excellent on and off field delivery using a variety of methods and approaches.
- Demonstrable experience of working in a high performing, positive team culture, and environment.
- An understanding of the value of detailed planning for performance to achieve short, medium and long‐term objectives.
- A growth mindset and strong evidence of continued professional development.
- Experience in the use of data and measurement processes to inform and accelerate the coaching process.
- Understanding and belief in the concept of a long‐term developmental DNA for Welsh Rugby.
- Resilient and comfortable in a high-profile role with public scrutiny.
- A commitment to live in Wales and be present and engaged in all aspects of the role in a full-time capacity.
- Proficient in basic technology to enable self‐sufficient coaching and analysis.
WRU Requirements
- The WRU require that individuals are proficient in IT skills, specifically Microsoft packages.
- Excellent written and verbal communications are essential, along with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh and a Valid UK Driver's Licence is desirable.
- This role is subject to a basic/enhanced DBS check.
The Perks
- Salary Sacrifice Pension (5% employee contribution, matched by WRU).
- Life assurance scheme.
- WRU Group Ticket Allocation (in line with ticketing policy).
- One additional paid day off (birthday leave).
- Employee assistance programme.
- Team Tactics – hybrid working arrangements.
- Free stadium parking and gym.
- WRU Group store and tour discounts.
- WRU Group partnership offers.
- Eye Care Voucher Scheme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
Our Values
The WRU Group are committed to developing a culture whereby all employees are equally valued and respected. Our aims, together with our vision and mission, are underpinned by our core values and beliefs which embrace: Integrity, Excellence, Success, Courage, Family & Humour.
Inclusion At The WRU
The WRU Group are committed to building diverse, high-performing and engaged teams across Welsh Rugby. We are ambitious about providing a people first culture where everyone can belong, be heard and respected.
Celtic Challenge - Assistant Coach employer: Welsh Rugby Union Group
The WRU Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of integrity, excellence, and inclusivity within Welsh Rugby. Located at the National Centre of Excellence in Hensol, employees benefit from a supportive work environment that prioritises player welfare and professional development, alongside competitive perks such as a salary sacrifice pension scheme, additional leave for birthdays, and hybrid working arrangements. With a strong commitment to diversity and employee growth, the WRU Group offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of women's rugby while being part of a passionate and high-performing team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Celtic Challenge - Assistant Coach
✨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
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Welsh Rugby Union Group. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Welsh Rugby Union Group. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Celtic Challenge - Assistant Coach
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 Welsh Rugby Union Group 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 Welsh Rugby Union Group
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Welsh Rugby Union Group, 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.
