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 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:

• 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.

The successful candidate will have:

• 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.

Desirable attributes

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

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.