Head Coach

The University of Portsmouth Sport and Recreation department manage 34 sports
clubs, that offer recreational and competitive opportunities for our students. Our
competitive teams take part in a range of leagues and events against other Universities,
and are led by a student committee, with support from a team of 8 staff members who
help with training facilities, fixture coordination, travel, coaching, health and safety,
welfare, events, support services, and club development.

The University of Portsmouth Men’s Rugby club are looking for qualified and
experienced coaches to join their coaching team for the remainder of the 2025/26
season, and beyond. The successful candidate for this Head Coach role will
demonstrate strong and effective leadership, creating a positive team culture and
performance environment.

The teams compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) weekly
leagues, with the Men’s 1st team in the South Easter Tier 1 league, the 2nd team in Tier 2,
and the 3rd team in Tier 4. The club also has a development team who train and play
friendly fixtures.

Head Coach Key Responsibilities:
• Strategic Planning & Delivery: Design, implement, deliver and evaluate
innovative, season-long coaching plans, including effective training sessions,
tactical game plans, and the trials process.
• Player Development: Foster individual player skill enhancement, fitness, and
decision-making, working with the forwards’ and backs’ coaches, and wider
support staff
• Leadership: Set high standards, motivate players and coaching staff, and make
difficult selection decisions for match day squads, and team captains.
• Match Day Duties: Attend fixtures and manage the match-day squad, liaising
with other coaches to select teams.
• Team Environment: Build a cohesive, respectful, and inclusive culture,
promoting sportsmanship.
• Performance Analysis: Utilise video analysis tools where available to review
team and individual performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Match Day Duties: Attend fixtures and manage the match-day squad, advising
on selection in coordination with other coaches.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work effectively with other coaching staff to
implement training plans, and maintain excellent communication with the
student committee, players, coaches, and Sport and Recreation staff. Support
the student committee with the planning and delivery of annual events, where
required.
• Safeguarding & Conduct: Adhere to all safeguarding, health and safety, and
code of conduct policies and reporting processes, including the Team UOP
Charter, acting as a positive role model for all players.

Essential Criteria:
• RFU Level 2 Coaching Award (or equivalent); Level 3 preferred.
• Level 3 First Aid qualification (or ability to obtain ASAP)
• Proven track record of developing and coaching competitive teams.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
• Commitment to training and fixture schedule.
• Ability to obtain an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and
appropriate coaching insurance.

This will be a voluntary position to support our current coaches for the remainder
of 25/26 (finish date 10th May 2026), with a paid position available from September
2026.