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Women's and Girls Performance Pathway Manager and 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- 8 Oct 2026
Status- Full Time
Location- Wales
Closing date- 21 Oct 2026
We are looking for an ambitious and inspiring Women’s & Girls Performance Pathway Manager & Coach to lead the development and delivery of the 14–18 phase of the Women’s Performance Pathway.
This role will play a key part in creating an aligned, progressive and high-quality player journey, ensuring programmes, environments and coaching consistently reflect the Welsh Rugby DNA.
Working across Player Development Centres, Emerging Player Programmes, Talent Development Groups and the Wales Women’s U18 programme, you will lead and support coaches to deliver excellent player development experiences and drive continuous improvement across the pathway.
The Person
- Degree-level education in sports coaching, sport science, sport management or a related discipline, with a WRU Level 3 Coaching award or equivalent.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in performance sport and/or talent development, including work with pre-elite, regional, age-grade or junior international athletes and coaches.
- Significant experience of coaching, developing and supporting players within elite, pre-elite or high-performance environments.
- Strong understanding of talent identification, player development systems, long-term player development and the developmental needs of high-potential female athletes aged 14-18.
- Proven ability to design, deliver, evaluate and improve development programmes across multiple teams, coaches or environments
- Experience of leading coaches, staff and multidisciplinary contributors in performance or development settings.
- Strong knowledge of contemporary coaching practice, rugby’s technical, tactical and performance demands, and how to create high-quality learning environments.
- Experience of implementing coaching frameworks, philosophies or development principles across multiple teams or programmes.
- Experience of leading or significantly contributing to representative, age-grade or high-performance rugby programmes.
- Excellent leadership, planning, organisation, communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, programmes and stakeholders.
- Ability to analyse information, make evidence-informed decisions and support continuous improvement.
- Growth mindset and commitment to continuous professional and personal development.
- Knowledge and understanding of the structures and operations of Welsh Rugby from club to national level and a proven working knowledge of the educational systems both inside and outside of Wales.
The Role
- The Women’s & Girls Performance Pathway Manager & Coach will lead the implementation and delivery of an aligned, progressive and high-quality player development system across the 14-18 phase of the women’s performance pathway.
- Working within the wider Women’s Performance Pathway, the role will be responsible for ensuring that programmes, environments and coaching practice across the 14-18 phase consistently reflect the Welsh Rugby DNA and provide a clear, progressive player journey.
- The role will lead and support coaches and staff operating across the phase, ensuring high-quality coaching, alignment of approach and continuous improvement across Player Development Centres, Emerging Player Programmes, Talent Development Groups and the Wales Women’s U18 programme.
- Working closely with the Head of Women’s Coaching & Development, this role will translate the principles of “How We Coach”, “How We Play” and “The Future Welsh Player” into effective day-to-day coaching practice and player development experiences.
- The role will combine strategic leadership of the 14-18 phase with practical coaching delivery, including leading the Wales Women’s U18 programme and supporting the long-term development and transition of high-potential players through the wider performance pathway.
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 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.
How to Apply
Please click APPLY NOW to begin the application process.