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Men’s Senior Specialist Coach - Scrum
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- 23 Apr 2026
Status- Full Time
Location- Wales
Closing date- 5 May 2026
Men’s Senior Specialist Coach: Scrum
WRU National Centre of Excellence/ Full-time/Fixed-term
Salary: Competitive
Closing Date: 5th May 2026
Assessment for this role will be a multi-stage process with interviews currently expected to be in the week commencing 25th May 2026.
As part of our ambition to return Welsh Rugby to the top of the international game, we are committed to building a clear, aligned Welsh rugby DNA. This will be underpinned by innovative and effective pathways and processes that consistently produce more and better players for both the professional and international environments.
A key element of this strategy is the opportunity to define and deliver distinct scrum skills identity for the Welsh Men’s Senior Team, while also influencing and enhancing player development across our elite clubs. To support this, we are making additional targeted investment into the game, strengthening our performance function through the creation of new roles that will play a central part in shaping and delivering this vision.
What you’ll do
Lead the national scrum philosophy
Deliver elite-level scrum coaching
Develop players across national and club environments
Contribute to selection, planning, and performance
What you’ll bring
Deep technical knowledge of the scrum and individual positions within it
Extensive coaching experience in elite rugby environments
Strong track record in developing elite scrum performance and performers
Ability to influence across teams
Level 3 Coaching Licence (or equivalent)
If this sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you.
For the full job description please see below
Job Description
Men’s Senior Specialist Coach: Scrum
Hours of work
This role is a full time role (35 hours per week) on a fixed term contract
The role will be required to travel both in the UK and abroad and work weekends and evenings to support the elite performance programme of events
Responsible to
Men's Senior Team Assistant Coach (Forwards & Contact)
Strategic Alignment
Our ambitions are to take Welsh Rugby back to the top; the Men’s senior team to consistently rank in the Top 5 in the world and compete for honours annually in the Six Nations and the later stages of Rugby World Cups. To support this, we want consistently competitive clubs that challenge in the play-offs of their competitions. To support both goals, we want to develop an aligned Welsh rugby DNA with innovative, effective pathways and processes that provide more and better players for the professional and international game.
Role Purpose
To support the Head Coach in achieving the ambitions for the men’s senior team by providing specialist technical, tactical and strategic rugby expertise. Furthermore, to assist in the alignment of internal teams and external clubs and pathways through close and influential relationships with Welsh professional clubs.
Key Relationships
Head Coach – Men’s Senior National Team
Director of Rugby and Elite Performance
Technical Director
National and Pathway Coaches
Professional Club Coaching teams
Performance Support Teams
Key Responsibilities, Tasks and Activities
The development of a clear and comprehensive scrum philosophy for the men’s senior team and the wider pathways which aligns to the overall game model defined by the head coach and supports winning performance
Specifically:
The development of a clear and detailed scrum style along with principles, technical details, systems and game solutions including
Scrum system and technical requirements
Individual positional profiles and technical requirements
Technical development and decision-making including collaboration with the wider multi-disciplinary team (including medical, S&C, psychology, match officials) to maximise effectiveness of practice and training design
Analysis and incorporation of current referee trends and interpretation as they apply to the scrum
Development of a comprehensive and detailed scrum DNA which is derived from a clear, evidenced based understanding of ‘What it takes to win’ in scrummaging terms
A clear language and terminology for the scrum philosophy which aligns to the overall game model and Welsh Rugby DNA
The development of a comprehensive curriculum of development of scrummaging in collaboration with other pathway coaches
Development and support of programmes of research and development which seek to create more detailed understanding of scrum technical and tactical details to create a competitive advantage for Welsh scrummaging
Outstanding delivery of 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 in the development of a clear and compelling vision and ‘what it takes to win’ model for the men’s senior team 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 ‘camp’ to maximise the probability of success.
Support the selection of men’s senior team 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
Collaborate and provide support to the multidisciplinary support team for the men’s senior team, ensuring alignment and collaboration with the wider support team across the WRU
Actively coach identified players at professional clubs both inside and outside Wales and inside and outside campaign windows to ensure their development and progression to world class standards through the development of strong, positive relationships with Welsh professional clubs and others who employ Welsh qualified players
Support the creation and maintenance of exceptional individual development plans for Men’s senior international players in alignment with the Welsh DNA and in collaboration with regional professional clubs
Provide appropriate and visible engagement in coaching, selection and development activities for the Welsh international player pathway to ensure alignment of selection and development decisions
Provide support to WRU coach development activities on an agreed number of occasions per year
Maintain excellent levels of personal development to ensure knowledge and practice remains at the highest possible level to support role and team objectives
Act as an exemplary role model for Welsh age grade coaches in coaching and leadership practice and behaviours
Act as an outstanding ambassador for the WRU and the game in Wales, representing the team in media and communications and work with intelligence and strategic awareness
Participation in marketing and sponsorship activities according to the needs of the WRU and partners
Person Specification
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
Level 3 Rugby coaching licence or recognised equivalent (ongoing annual completion of WRU Coach recognition programme)
Demonstrable scrum coaching experience in club and or international rugby, with a strong track record of success.
Exceptional on and off field delivery using a variety of methods and approaches
Experience of identifying, managing and developing talent with a strong affinity for the development of young players
Demonstrable experience of contributing to 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
Evidence of good links and/or the ability to develop good relationships with club staff and key stakeholders
Understanding and belief in the concept of a long-term developmental DNA for Welsh Rugby
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
Desirable
Sports related or business undergraduate degree
Elite playing experience
Connection to or knowledge of the Welsh rugby system
Welsh language speaker
Core behaviours
Collaborative Teamwork – Works cooperatively and inclusively with others ensuring participation within teams and across different divisions to support the achievement of the team and WRU objectives
Builds Relationships - Initiates, develops, maintains and leverages outstanding relationships with a wide network of players, colleagues and external stakeholders for the benefit of all parties
Influential Communication – Persuasively engages with and motivates others to gain support and ‘buy in’ for ideas and behave in a way which benefits the performance of the WRU and Team
Excellence and Quality – Seeks excellence in every area, sets and completes work to high standards and continually looks for ways of improving performance and references for elevating standards
Creating Solutions – Curious and outward facing, constantly researching challenges and identifies various options and looks at issues from a variety of perspectives before determining the best solution and making a decision
Inspiring Others to Succeed – Has a clear understanding and belief of own and others’ capability to succeed and coaches self and others to accelerate and improve their capability and confidence for the benefit of team
Performing under pressure - Maintains performance under pressure, copes with adversity and adapts to the environment
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 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 equally valued and respected. Our aims, together with our vision and mission, are underpinned by our core values and beliefs which embrace: Integrity, Excellence, Success, Courage, Family & Humour.
Inclusion At The WRU
The WRU Group are committed to building diverse, high-performing and engaged teams across Welsh Rugby. We are ambitious about providing a people first culture where everyone can belong, be heard and respected. We are happy to talk to you about our Crys I Bawb EDI Strategy (2024-2029) and you can also read more about our commitment in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
Diversity monitoring
We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve.
To continue to do this we need your help in filling out a short monitoring form.
None of the information you provide will be visible as part of your application. It will only be used anonymously to monitor the inclusivity of our selection processes.
You can select 'prefer not to say’ if you would rather not answer any question.
How to Apply
Please click APPLY NOW to begin the application process.