At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse performance data and support the women's rugby programme with evidence-based insights.
- Company: Join the WRU, a leader in sports science and women's rugby.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and great employee perks.
- Other info: Flexible hours, supportive team culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on elite athletes' performance and well-being.
- Qualifications: Degree in sports science and experience in elite sports environments required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Responsible for delivering performance monitoring, data analysis, and evidence-based support to the senior women’s rugby program. This role optimizes training load, manages recovery, and supports decision-making processes with objective insights. Operate within an interdisciplinary performance support team providing industry leading sport science services, bringing innovative ideas into our operations and programmes to enhance our ongoing practices and improve performance.
Closing Date: 3 October 2025
Salary: £30,000.00
Location: WRU National Centre of Excellence, Hensol
Hours of work: 35 per week. Monday to Friday. The working hours are generally 9am – 5pm; hybrid working - ‘Team Tactics’ allows flexible hours and attendance to support work-life balance.
Responsible to: Women’s National Physical Performance Lead
Contractual status: 6 month fixed term. Subject to 6-month probationary period
The Person
Knowledge, Skills And Experience
- A degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in sports science or related area specializing in physical preparation of elite athletes
- Experience working within an elite sporting environment
- Experience collecting, analysing and reporting sport science data in Power BI, Tableau or similar platforms
- Experience working with a female population is desirable
- Experience working in rugby is desirable
- Excellent IT skills, specifically Microsoft package
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Familiarity with Catapult, Openfield & TeamBuildr data platforms is an advantage but not essential
- Ability to communicate and work through the medium of Welsh is desirable
The Role
Key Responsibilities, Tasks And Activities
- Collect, analyse and report sport science data for the Women’s National Team (GPS, RPE, wellness, HR, force profiling)
- Develop a sport science framework to provide consistency across Women’s Performance and Pathway Programmes in line with WRU Physical Performance Department methodologies
- Ensure routine player monitoring processes are adhered to in and out of camp; lead on reporting to inform decision-making regarding player management and prescription
- Occasional support with Sports Science services (including matches or training) for WRU campaigns and programmes, as directed by the Women’s Physical Performance Lead
- Maintain awareness of latest sport science and technological developments to embed best practice in the programme
- Collaborate with club practitioners to support smooth player transitions between environments; gather and share physical data before and after camp activity
- Day-to-day maintenance and use of Catapult GPS software and hardware
- Work with the physical performance team to create a high performance, elite sports environment
- Gather diagnostic information to support insight into player physical capacity for performance or rehabilitation prescription, using tools such as Vald Performance ForceDecks
- Lead individual or small group strength and conditioning sessions as directed by the Women’s Physical Performance Lead
- Carry out duties in support of the WRU Group Strategic Mission, Purpose and Values
Key Relationships
- WRU Women’s Head Coach
- WRU Women’s Physical Performance Lead
- WRU Men’s National Sports Scientist
- WRU Women’s Coaches, Team Manager & Medical Staff
- WRU Physical Performance and Development Staff
- WRU Performance Pathways Staff
- Club Physical Performance Staff (External)
Other
- Valid UK driving licence is required
- Enhanced DBS disclosure required and reviewed regularly
- Commitment to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practices in employment and sport
- Work in accordance with group policies and procedures, including GDPR and sustainable development
- Understand personal responsibility in complying with health and safety policies
WRU Requirements
The WRU requires proficiency in IT skills (Microsoft packages) and excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships. Ability to communicate through Welsh and a valid UK Driving Licence is desirable. Role is subject to a basic/enhanced DBS check.
The Perks
As a permanent member of the WRU Group, you will have access to a full range of employee benefits including:
- Salary Sacrifice Pension (5% employee contribution, matched by WRU)
- Life assurance scheme
- WRU Group Ticket Allocation
- 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 & Inclusion
URC Group is committed to developing a culture where all employees are valued and respected. Our aims, vision and mission are underpinned by core values: Integrity, Excellence, Success, Courage, Family & Humour. We are dedicated to inclusion and diversity; we can discuss our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy and strategy as part of the recruitment process.
Diversity Monitoring
We collect diversity data to ensure our workforce reflects the society we serve. Any information you provide is used anonymously to monitor the inclusivity of our selection processes and is not visible to your application. You may choose \'prefer not to say\'.
Welsh version included above
Women’s Sports Scientist in Pontyclun employer: WRU - Welsh Rugby Union
The WRU National Centre of Excellence in Hensol offers an exceptional work environment for a Women’s Sports Scientist, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within an elite sports setting. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive employee perks including a salary sacrifice pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth while contributing to the success of women's rugby. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the WRU ensures that all team members are valued and supported in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Women’s Sports Scientist in Pontyclun
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We think you need these skills to ace Women’s Sports Scientist in Pontyclun
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 WRU - Welsh Rugby Union 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 WRU - Welsh Rugby Union
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with WRU - Welsh Rugby Union, 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.
