Job Description

Working at the RFU means being part of the ‘bigger picture’ at England Rugby: to be rooted in our purpose, which is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union & develop the sport for future generations. If our purpose resonates with you, and you recognise the value that sport can bring to people’s lives, we’d love to work with you.

An opportunity has arisen for U20 Strength and Conditioning Coach (Men’s Pathway) to join the Pathway team on a permanent basis.

Job Title: U20 Strength and Conditioning Coach (Men’s Pathway)
Department: Professional Rugby
Reports to: Head of Strength and Conditioning
Job Level: Guide
Location: National
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Salary Banding: c.£45,000-£55,000 per annum

Application Information:

• Please submit a CV and cover letter. Due to the nature of this role and the environment in which the team operates, it's important for us to know your work history so please do not anonymise your application documents
• The closing date for applications is 3rd July 17:00PM
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person interview at Allianz Stadium on 28th of July
• The RFU reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.
• Applications may be considered whilst this vacancy is advertised

Nature and Scope:

The U20 Strength & Conditioning Coach will carry out all S&C and sport science delivery for the U20 Men’s England team, building individual plans for young English players and operating within a multidisciplinary performance support team (MDT) to help create a world-class development environment. This role will lead England’s side of the partnership with PREM Club Academies to optimise the athletic development of our best young players and to ensure these players are able to transition effectively between club and country. This role will also deliver coaching support at all England U20 camps and provide advice and educational materials on athletic development for the benefit of the game of rugby. Finally, this role will work hand in hand with our U18 S&C Coach to ensure aligned support services within the pathway and also connect where appropriate with relevant staff within the Senior Men’s team.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Delivering world class conditioning programs to our best developing rugby players and monitoring the efficacy of the program design for individual players.
• Communicate effectively with both international and club performance teams on individual player development.
• Attend all required England U20 training camps, matches and tours and work full-time out of camps.
• Effectively collate athletic performance data to produce individual player reports for a range of stakeholders.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of team camps and tours to ensure optimal player preparation.
• Lead on the content of the game-wide Standardised Athletic Assessment battery that will be delivered across all academies as part of the Professional Game Partnership (PGP)
• To work with the Men’s U18 S&C coach and the wider RFU performance teams to further develop best practice for fitness development, testing and recovery.
• Participate in specified research projects as required.
• Maintain a commitment to self-development; continue to research and develop current practice to ensure delivery is maintained at the highest possible standards.
• Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the current strategic, business and operational plans
• Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
• Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.

Qualifications, skills & experience:

• Proven experience of working with professional rugby players is desirable.
• Outstanding coaching and motivational skills, especially with young players.
• Demonstrate credible experience of planning, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring individual fitness programmes within an elite sport environment.
• Demonstrate significant experience working within and leading an athletic development programme, ideally with experience of working in an academy or pathway setting.
• Previous experience working with and understanding the unique working context of adolescent athletes.
• Outstanding scientific knowledge in the physical development of young people including adolescents.
• Proven technical capability to a UKSCA, CASES, or ‘similar’ formal or applied professional standard.
• Be comfortable using and interpreting information from player monitoring systems (such as GPS and heart rate) and physical testing systems (such as force plates). The candidate must be capable of processing and reporting such performance data for use by the coaches and the performance team.
• Strong motivational, leadership, relationship, communication and listening skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding of high professional standards combined with passion, confidence, and a proven track record of fitness coaching.
• Committed to actively contributing and building an inclusive culture in your role and day to day behaviours.

The skills and attributes outlined in this description are not exhaustive and we welcome candidates who can bring different relevant experiences to the role.

Additional Information:

• All role holders must maintain an appropriate standard of confidentiality. Any disclosures of confidential information (including personal information kept on computer or other media) made unlawfully outside the proper course of duty will be treated as a serious disciplinary offence
• The role description, person specification, job level and job title may be subject to change at the discretion of the RFU and under business developments. Any changes will be communicated to the role holder as appropriate
• Personal circumstances must allow the candidate to work extended hours on occasion during times of peak activity including evenings and weekends
• We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If there is anything we could do to support you through your application or to provide the best environment for your interviews, including assistance or adjustment, please reach out to recruitment@rfu.com
• If you are a trans candidate applying for a job that requires a DBS check, please reach out to recruitment@rfu.com or directly to our safeguarding team (safeguarding@rfu.com) to use the confidential sensitive application route. This will provide applicants with the choice not to have any gender or name information disclosed on their DBS certificate.
• If you would like to find out more about our diversity and inclusion work or the culture at the RFU, please visit: https://www.englandrugby.com/about-rfu/rfu-policies/diversity-and-inclusion/our-approach
• This role will require a DBS check.