Women's Senior Assistant Coach - Attack in Cardiff

Assessment for this role will be a multi-stage process with interviews expected to take place in the week commencing 25th May. As part of our ambition to return Welsh Rugby to the top of the international game, we are committed to building a clear, aligned Welsh Rugby DNA across the women’s game. This will be underpinned by innovative and effective pathways and processes that consistently produce more and better players for the professional and international environments.

A key element of this strategy is the development of a world-class attacking identity for the Women’s Senior Team — one that aligns with our overall game model and influences the way the game is played across the pathway. To support this, we are investing in high-quality coaching roles that will play a central part in shaping and delivering this vision.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Women’s Senior Team attacking philosophy.
• Design and deliver a clear attacking game model including phase play, transitions, set-piece attack and finishing strategies.
• Deliver outstanding on and off-field coaching to maximise player understanding, engagement and performance.
• Support squad selection, planning and campaign delivery aligned to the Welsh Rugby DNA.
• Contribute to a high-performance environment and culture that drives sustained success.
• Build strong relationships with clubs and pathway programmes to ensure alignment and player development.

What you’ll bring:

• Deep technical and tactical expertise in attacking rugby.
• Proven experience coaching in elite rugby environments.
• Strong track record of player and team development.
• Ability to collaborate and influence across multidisciplinary teams.
• Level 3 Coaching Licence (or equivalent).
• A growth mindset and commitment to continuous professional development.

Job Description

Location: WRU National Centre of Excellence
Hours of work: This role is a full time role (35 hours per week) on a fixed term contract. The role will be required to travel both in the UK and abroad and work weekends and evenings to support the elite performance programme of events.

Key Responsibilities, Tasks and Activities:

• The development of a clear and comprehensive attacking philosophy for the Women’s senior team and the wider pathways which aligns to the overall game model defined by the head coach and supports winning performance.
• The development of a clear attacking style, principles, systems and game solutions including:

• Attacking phase shape and counter attack.
• Set piece strikes (in coordination with Forwards and Scrum coaches).
• Exits and transitions.
• Attacking kicking game (in coordination with Defence and Kicking coaches).
• Finishing zone strategies.
• Technical development and decision making in catch, pass, offload, carry (in coordination with Forwards coach).

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

Essential:

• Level 3 Rugby coaching licence or recognised equivalent (ongoing annual completion of WRU Coach recognition programme).
• Demonstrable Attack coaching experience in club and or international rugby, with a strong track record of success.
• Exceptional on and off field delivery using a variety of methods and approaches.
• Experience of identifying, managing and developing talent with a strong affinity for the development of young players.
• Demonstrable experience of contributing to 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.
• Evidence of good links and/or the ability to develop good relationships with club staff and key stakeholders.
• Understanding and belief in the concept of a long-term developmental DNA for Welsh Rugby.
• Highly resilient and comfortable in a high-profile role with intense 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.

Desirable:

• Sports related or business undergraduate degree.
• Elite playing experience.
• Connection to or knowledge of the Welsh rugby system.
• Welsh language speaker.

Core Behaviours:

• Collaborative Teamwork – Works cooperatively and inclusively with others ensuring participation within teams and across different divisions to support the achievement of the team and WRU objectives.
• Builds Relationships - Initiates, develops, maintains and leverages outstanding relationships with a wide network of players, colleagues and external stakeholders for the benefit of all parties.
• Influential Communication – Persuasively engages with and motivates others to gain support and ‘buy in’ for ideas and behave in a way which benefits the performance of the WRU and Team.
• Excellence and Quality – Seeks excellence in every area, sets and completes work to high standards and continually looks for ways of improving performance and references for elevating standards.
• Creating Solutions – Curious and outward facing, constantly researching challenges and identifies various options and looks at issues from a variety of perspectives before determining the best solution and making a decision.
• Inspiring Others to Succeed – Has a clear understanding and belief of own and others’ capability to succeed and coaches self and others to accelerate and improve their capability and confidence for the benefit of team.
• Performing under pressure - Maintains performance under pressure, copes with adversity and adapts to the environment.

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 License is desirable. This role is subject to a basic/enhanced DBS check.

The Perks:

As a member of the WRU Group, you will have access to our full range of employee benefits, including:

• 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.

How to Apply:

Please click “Apply Now” to begin your application.