Celtic Challenge - Assistant Coach in Pontyclun

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 both 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.

• 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.
• Specify the development of a clear style, principles, systems and game solutions.
• Develop 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‑create 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.

• 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 requires 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.

• 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.

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.

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.