Women's Senior Assistant Coach - Forwards in Cardiff

Assessment for this role will be a multi-stage process with interviews expected to take place in the week commencing 25th May.

What you’ll do

• Lead the development and implementation of the forwards philosophy across scrum, lineout and contact.
• Design and deliver clear systems and technical frameworks for set-piece and contact performance.
• 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 expertise in forwards play including set-piece and contact.
• Proven experience coaching in elite rugby environments.
• Strong track record of player and unit 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.

Responsible to Head Coach – Women's Senior National Team

Strategic Alignment

Our ambitions are to take Welsh Rugby back to the top; the Women’s senior team to consistently rank in the Top 5 in the world and compete for honours annually in the Six Nations and the later stages of Rugby World Cups / WXV. We want to develop an aligned Welsh rugby DNA with innovative, effective pathways and processes that provide more and better players for the professional and international game.

Role Purpose

To support the Head Coach in achieving the ambitions for the Women’s senior team by providing technical, tactical and strategic rugby expertise. Furthermore, to assist in the alignment of internal teams and external clubs and pathways through close and influential relationships.

Key Relationships

• Head Coach – Women’s Senior National Team
• Director of Rugby and Elite Performance
• National and Pathway Coaches
• Celtic Challenge / PWR Coaching teams
• Performance Support Teams

Key Responsibilities, Tasks and Activities

The development of a clear and comprehensive scrum, lineout and contact 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.

Specifically:

• Development of a clear scrum and lineout style, principles, systems and game solutions including:

• Technical and tactical development of movement, lifting, jumping and maul build.
• Throwing development (in coordination of throwing coach if used).
• Deliveries in off the top, maul, breakout and in strike plays (in coordination with the Attack coach).
• Strike attack, defence, (linking to overall game model).
• Exits and transition (linking with the attack and defence coaches).
• Development of an attacking lineout options (in coordination with the Attack coach).

• Scrum system and technical requirements.
• Individual positional profiles and technical requirements.
• Technical development and decision-making including collaboration with the wider multi-disciplinary team (including medical, S & C, psychology, match officials) to maximise effectiveness of practice and training design.
• Analysis and incorporation of current referee trends and interpretation as they apply to the scrum.

• Understanding of attack shape and principles in relation to contact.
• Technical and decision making development of ball presentation, carry, close quarter and contact skills (in coordination with attack coach).
• Awareness and development of different breakdown situations including exit, slow, quick, line-break, catching high ball, (in coordination with attack and kicking coaches).
• Goal line attack contact philosophy (coordinating with game model and attack coach).

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Level 3 Rugby coaching licence or recognised equivalent (ongoing annual completion of WRU Coach recognition programme).
• Demonstrable Defence 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

• 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.