Men’s Senior Specialist Coach - Attacking Skills

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. This will be underpinned by innovative and effective pathways and processes that consistently produce more and better players for both the professional and international environments.

A key element of this strategy is the opportunity to define and deliver a distinct attacking skills identity for the Welsh Men’s Senior Team, while also influencing and enhancing player development across our elite clubs. To support this, we are making additional targeted investment into the game, strengthening our performance function through the creation of new roles that will play a central part in shaping and delivering this vision.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the attacking skills philosophy
• Deliver elite-level coaching
• Develop players across national and club environments
• Contribute to selection, planning, and performance

What You’ll Bring

• Deep technical knowledge of attacking skills
• Extensive coaching experience in elite rugby environments
• Strong track record in skills coaching and player development
• Ability to influence across teams
• Level 3 Coaching Licence (or equivalent)

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.

Role Purpose

To support the Head Coach in achieving the ambitions for the men’s senior team by providing specialist 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 with Welsh professional clubs.

Key Responsibilities, Tasks And Activities

• The development of a clear and comprehensive skills philosophy for the men’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 and detailed skills framework along with principles, technical details, systems and game solutions including Individual / team development of ball carry, ball movement, ball presentation, catch pass, take off times / running lines, offloads and high ball.
• Ensuring connection and alignment of skills development to game model, sub-units and incorporation into warmups, gym sessions, walkthroughs, team work and units.
• Technical development and decision-making including collaboration with the wider multi-disciplinary team to maximise effectiveness of practice and training design.
• Analysis and incorporation of current referee trends and interpretation as they apply to the attacking skills.
• Development of a comprehensive and detailed skills DNA derived from an evidence-based understanding of what it takes to win in skills terms.
• A clear language and terminology for the skills philosophy which aligns to the overall game model and Welsh Rugby DNA.
• The development of a comprehensive curriculum of development of skills in collaboration with other pathway coaches.
• Development and support of programmes of research and development to create a competitive advantage for Welsh rugby skills.
• Outstanding delivery of on and off-field coaching and learning using a variety of styles to meet the diverse needs of players.
• Support the Head Coach in the development of a clear and compelling vision and what it takes to win model for the men’s senior team in alignment with the wider Welsh rugby DNA.
• Co-creation of an outstanding performance and development environment and culture for players and staff in and out of camp.
• Support the selection of men’s senior team squads in alignment with the Welsh DNA and the organisation’s goals.
• Develop operational plans for cycles, seasons, campaigns and events.
• Deliver session, week, campaign and season review information as part of the Plan-Do-Review-Evolve philosophy.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary support team for the men’s senior team and align with the WRU across the organisation.
• Coach identified players at professional clubs to support development to world-class standards and build relationships with Welsh professional clubs.
• Support creation and maintenance of development plans for Men’s senior international players in alignment with the Welsh DNA and with regional clubs.
• Engage in coaching, selection and development activities for the Welsh international player pathway to align selection and development decisions.
• Support WRU coach development activities.
• Maintain high levels of personal development to support role and team objectives.
• Act as a role model for Welsh age-grade coaches in coaching and leadership.
• Act as an ambassador for the WRU and the game in Wales, representing the team in media and communications.
• Participation in marketing and sponsorship activities as needed.

Person Specification

• Level 3 Rugby coaching licence or recognised equivalent.
• Proven skills coaching experience in club and/or international rugby.
• Excellent on- and off-field delivery using various methods.
• Experience identifying, managing and developing talent.
• Experience contributing to a high-performing, positive team culture.
• Clear understanding of detailed planning for performance.
• Growth mindset and continued professional development.
• Experience using data and measurement to inform coaching.
• Good links or ability to develop relationships with club staff and stakeholders.
• Understanding and belief in a long-term developmental DNA for Welsh Rugby.
• Commitment to live in Wales and be present in a full-time capacity.
• Proficient in basic technology for self-sufficient coaching and analysis.

Desirable

• Sports or business undergraduate degree.
• Elite playing experience.
• Knowledge of the Welsh rugby system.
• Welsh language speaker.

Core behaviours

• Collaborative Teamwork.
• Builds Relationships.
• Influential Communication.
• Excellence and Quality.
• Creating Solutions.
• Inspiring Others to Succeed.
• Performing under pressure.

URC Requirements

URC requires proficiency in IT skills, specifically Microsoft packages. Excellent written and verbal communication, and strong stakeholder relationships are essential. Welsh-language ability and a valid UK driver's license are desirable. The role is subject to a basic/enhanced DBS check.

The Perks

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

• Salary Sacrifice Pension (5% employee contribution, matched by WRU).
• Life assurance.
• URC Group Ticket Allocation.
• One additional paid day off (birthday leave).
• Employee assistance programme.
• Team Tactics – hybrid working.
• Free stadium parking and gym.
• URC Group store and tour discounts.
• URC Group partnership offers.
• Eye Care Voucher Scheme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.

Our Values and Inclusion

WRU Group is committed to a culture where all employees are valued and respected. Our values are Integrity, Excellence, Success, Courage, Family.