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Provincial Talent Coach, WNTS
Ulster Rugby
A Professional Rugby Club which is based at Kingspan Stadium, Belfast and plays in the United Rugby Championship and European Rugby Champions Cup. The IRFU (Ulster Branch) is responsible for the administration and development of rugby at all levels throughout the Province.
Job Posted- 18 Jul 2026
Status- Full Time
Location- Northern Ireland
Closing date- 28 Jul 2026
ROLE AND PURPOSE OF THE POSITION : Responsible for the delivery of the Women’s National Talent Identification and National Talent Development programmes within the province for female (U16 – U23) players. Ensuring vibrant programmes exist through which elite players are identified and developed in addition to providing a support service to Universities, Province & Clubs.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
OPERATIONAL MANAGER: Women’s National WNTS and Talent Identification Manager IRFU & Provinicial Academy Manager
FUNCTIONAL MANAGER: Women’s Head of Performance & Pathways, IRFU
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
- DOR’s/Heads of Sport, Coaches and affiliated personnel (Provinces, Universities &Clubs)
- Head of Rugby Development, Ulster
- Academy Manager, Ulster
- Provincial Pathway Manager
- Domestic Rugby Staff, Ulster
- All other Provincial Talent Coaches
- Head of Coach Development, IRFU
- High Performance Staff, IRFU
- Head of International Talent ID and Development
- Officers and administrators of the IRFU
- National and Provincial Age Grade Representative Teams
- Talent ID Volunteer Network
KEY COMPETENCES
- Communication; Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message. This is particularly important when communicating with young players, parents and rugby coaches/masters.
- Relationship Management; The ability to develop and maintain relationships by taking a sincere interest in each person and what is important to them, treating them with respect and demonstrating integrity.
- Foster Teamwork; the ability to create an environment that is conducive to teamwork and to actively participate as part of a team.
- Leverage Networks; Build and nurture networks of people who will provide information, support and practical assistance in accomplishing desired goals.
- Work Efficiently; Have the ability to determine priorities, prepare and plan effectively and manage time.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Experience in coaching and developing athletes within a talent pathway or high-performance environment, particularly age-grade players.
- Proven ability to identify, assess and develop talent, including creating and managing individual player development plans.
- Strong understanding of player development across technical, tactical, physical, nutritional and mental performance domains.
- Experience working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary performance support team.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with clubs, schools, universities, coaches, players and parents.
- Experience delivering coach education, player clinics, workshops or development programmes.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills, including maintaining player databases, reporting and monitoring systems.
- Ability to work independently, make informed decisions and manage multiple priorities with limited supervision.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and coordinate the Women’s National Talent Identification and National Development Programmes in the province as directed by the Women’s National WNTS and Talent Identification Manager.
- Profile, develop and manage key performance plans for identified female players within the pathway (U16-U23).
- Work within an integrated service team to deliver key; Technical, Tactical, Strategic, Physical, Nutritional and Mental skills to identified female players where and when applicable and if required.
- Work within an integrated service team to provide information, training and support to affiliated Universities, schools and clubs within the province.
- To assist in maintaining an accurate and up to date database of identified WNTS and PTS players (depth charts, IPP’s etc.) across all IRFU platforms.
- Identification and nomination of National and Provincial Age Grade Representative female squads. Oversight of Provinicial Talent Squads & Regional programs.
- Attendance at schools, universities and club matches to identify, track and monitor identified players to ensure quality is of a requisite standard.
- Oversight and alignment of (PTS) squads with the Provincial Pathway Manager, Academy Manager and Head of Domestic Rugby.
- Responsible for the design and coordination of a High Performance University Competition Model.
- Assist and deliver coaching courses, seminars and player clinics, specifically within the performance pathway.
- Complete all administrative duties required by the Women’s National Talent ID & Development Manager.
- Attend seminars and coaching courses as directed in order to assist self-development.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
- Lead and delivery of the National Talent Identification and Development Programmes.
- In cooperation with the Women’s Head of Performance & Pathways, Women’s National WNTS and Talent Identification Manager, deliver quarterly succession plans (depth charts) for female players (U16 – U23).
- Delivery of the individual player plans of all WNTS players within the IRFU and Elite player pathway programmes.
- Work in tandem with the Provinvial Pathway Manager and Provincial Talent Coaches to ensure the Elite Player Pathways are aligned to achieve IRFU strategic goals.
- Improved proficiency of performance of elite identified players on National and provincial programmes. This can be measured against historical data.
- Carry out duties and responsibilities with limited supervision.
- Establish efficient and effective working relationships with key stakeholders to ensure engagement with the National Talent programmes.
- Make effective and informed decisions in relation to the role of Provincial Talent Coach.
- Portray a competent and professional image of the IRFU.
- Track and monitor player development to ensure programmes, delivery and assessment criteria are fit for purpose therefore aligned to achieving the strategic plan.
- To submit monthly reports of activities to the Women’s National WNTS and Talent Identification Manager & Women’s Head of Performance & Pathways.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- The ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues, players and schools’ staff.
- Good personal development skills
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Effective Leader
- Ability to work on own initiative and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Proficient Microsoft Office
- Access to a form of transport insured for business use that will permit the post holder to meet the requirements of the post in full
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required from this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities/activities and may be required to undertake additional duties
Additional KPI’s will be set on an annual basis.
The IRFU & Ulster Rugby are currently inviting applications for the post of Provincial Talent Coach, WNTS. The post holder will be responsible for the delivery of the Women’s National Talent Identification and National Talent Development programmes within the province for female (U16 – U23) players. Ensuring vibrant programmes exist through which elite players are identified and developed in addition to providing a support service to Universities, Province & Clubs.
Ulster Rugby is an equal opportunities employer and as such welcomes applications from all persons regardless of race, creed, gender, disability, family status or sexual orientation.
If your role involves working with children and young people you may be subject to vetting through Access NI/Garda Vetting Bureau. Please note that we are committed to equal opportunities for all and will not preclude applicants with criminal convictions.
How to Apply
Please click APPLY NOW to begin the application process.