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 Forwards’ Coach role will work collaboratively with the Head Coach to lead on the training and development of forwards’ players.

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

In this role, you will:

• Plan and deliver high-quality, engaging, and safe training sessions specifically for the forwards unit and the wider squad.
• Lead on technical and tactical development in key areas, including scrums, lineouts, restarts, and the contact area.
• 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.

The successful candidate will have:

• RFU Level 2 Coaching Award (or equivalent); Level 3 preferred.
• Significant experience in coaching rugby, specifically within a forwards’ role.
• 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.

Desirable attributes:

• RFU Level 3 Coaching Award (or working towards).
• First Aid and Concussion training qualifications.
• An understanding of competitive rugby within Higher Education.
• Experience in performance analysis and use of relevant software.

The University of Portsmouth offer:

• Workshops to support the delivery of sport to students, including injury prevention, concussion, safeguarding, wellbeing, and an opportunity to network with other sport coaches
• Access to strength and conditioning support for your players
• Professional medical support at fixtures
• Coaching kit
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the club’s future.

Please note that while University of Portsmouth are looking for coaches to support the remainder of the 2025/26 season, they are wanting coaches to join who have a desire to work with them long term.

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

To apply, please complete this online application form by Friday 13^th February 2026.