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Celtic Challenge - Assistant Coach
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU)
Governing body for the national sport of Wales. Leading Welsh rugby to the forefront of the global game in performance and reputation. Developing grass-roots rugby, increasing participation, supporting clubs and bringing communities together.
Job Posted- 25 Jun 2026
Status- Full Time
Location- Wales
Closing date- 1 Jul 2026
As part of our ambition to return Welsh Rugby to the top of the international game, player welfare and clinical excellence sit at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to building a women's performance pathway that supports every athlete to develop, stay available, and perform — and that starts with outstanding technical and tactical coaching at every level of the programme.
The Celtic Challenge is a critical part of our women's performance pathway, and this role is central to it. As Celtic Challenge Assistant Coach, you will support the both the Head Coach of one of our two Celtic Challenge teams and Wales WU21 Head Coach in achieving the ambitions for both teams by providing technical, tactical and strategic rugby expertise. You will also assist in the alignment of internal teams and external clubs and pathways through close and influential relationships.
What you'll do
Develop a clear and comprehensive philosophy for Attack, Defence, or Forwards for one of our two Celtic Challenge teams and the Wales WU21 teams which aligns to the overall game model defined by the head coach(es) and supports winning performance.
Specifically:
- The development of a clear style, principles, systems and game solutions
- Development of a clear language and terminology which aligns to the overall game model and Welsh Rugby DNA
Deliver outstanding on and off-field coaching and learning using a variety of styles to meet the diverse needs of players and maximise player engagement, understanding and ownership of the attacking game model
Support the Head Coach(es) in the development of a clear and compelling vision and ‘what it takes to win’ model for the Celtic Challenge team and Wales WU21 teams in alignment with the wider Welsh rugby DNA
Co-creation of an outstanding performance, and development environment and culture for players and staff both in and out of season/ ‘camp’ to maximise the probability of success
Support the selection of the Celtic Challenge and Wales WU21 squads in alignment with the Welsh DNA and the overall goals of the organisation
Participate in the development of excellent and detailed operational plans for cycles, seasons, campaigns and events (training camps, matches, and tournaments)
Create and deliver comprehensive session, week, campaign, and season review information and material as part of the wider ‘Plan-Do-Review-Evolve’ philosophy of progressive development
Support the creation and maintenance of exceptional individual development plans for one of our two Celtic Challenge teams and Wales WU21 players in alignment with the Welsh DNA and in collaboration with National team coaches
Provide support to WRU coach development activities on an agreed number of occasions per year
What you'll bring
- Level 3 Rugby coaching licence or recognised equivalent (ongoing annual completion of WRU Coach recognition programme)
- Demonstrable coaching experience in club and or international rugby, with a strong track record of success – We’re open to applications from coaches with experience of all technical and tactical facets of the game
- Excellent on and off field delivery using a variety of methods and approaches
- Demonstrable experience of working in a high performing, positive team culture, and environment
- An understanding of the value of detailed planning for performance to achieve short, medium and long-term objectives
- A growth mindset and strong evidence of continued professional development
- Experience in the use of data and measurement processes to inform and accelerate the coaching process
- Understanding and belief in the concept of a long-term developmental DNA for Welsh Rugby
- Resilient and comfortable in a high-profile role with public scrutiny
- A commitment to live in Wales and be present and engaged in all aspects of the role in a full-time capacity
- Proficient in basic technology to enable self-sufficient coaching and analysis
If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you
WRU Requirements
The WRU require that individuals are proficient in IT skills, specifically Microsoft packages. Excellent written and verbal communications are essential, along with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh and a Valid UK Driver's License is desirable. This role is subject to a basic/enhanced DBS check.
The Perks
As a permanent member of the WRU Group, you will have access to our full range of employee benefits, including:
- Salary Sacrifice Pension (5% employee contribution, matched by WRU)
- Life assurance scheme
- WRU Group Ticket Allocation (in line with ticketing policy)
- One additional paid day off (birthday leave)
- Employee assistance programme
- Team Tactics – hybrid working arrangements
- Free stadium parking and gym
- WRU Group store and tour discounts
- WRU Group partnership offers
- Eye Care Voucher Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Our Values
The WRU Group are committed to developing a culture whereby all employees are equal.
How to Apply
Please click “Apply Now” to begin your application.