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Women’s National Squad Assistant Coach Defence
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- 11 Dec 2025
Status- Full Time
Location- Wales
Closing date- 22 Dec 2025
To support the Head Coach in achieving the ambitions for the women’s senior team by providing 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.
Strategic Alignment
Our ambitions are to take Welsh Rugby back to the top; the Women’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 / WXV.
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.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
Level 3 Rugby coaching licence or recognised equivalent (ongoing annual completion of WRU Coach recognition programme).
Demonstrable Defence 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.
Highly resilient and comfortable in a high-profile role with intense 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.
Desirable
Sports related or business undergraduate degree
Elite playing experience
Connection to or knowledge of the Welsh rugby system
Welsh language speaker
The Role
The development of a clear and comprehensive Defence philosophy for the women’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 Defence style, principles, systems and game solutions including:-
Transition, folds, goal line defence, kick chase, backfield coverage (in coordination with attack and kicking coaches).
Set piece start points and insurance roles (in coordination with lineout and contact coach).
Kick offs (in coordination with attack and kicking coaches).
Technical and tactical development of the contact area and specifically cues, close quarter skills, tackle, post tackle and adjacent roles (assistant tackler).
Kicking game elements such as exists, transitions and attacking (in coordination with attack coach).
Development of a clear language and terminology for the Defence philosophy which aligns to the overall game model and Welsh Rugby DNA.
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 women’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 women’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 women’s senior team, ensuring alignment and collaboration with the wider support team across the WRU.
Develop and maintain strong, positive relationships with Welsh professional clubs and others who employ Welsh qualified players to ensure an aligned approach to selection and development of talent.
Support the creation and maintenance of exceptional individual development plans for Women’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.
Key Relationships
- Head Coach – Women’s Senior National Team
- Director of Rugby and Elite Performance
- National and Pathway Coaches
- Celtic Challenge / PWR Coaching teams
- Performance Support Teams
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.
A valid UK Driver's License is desirable. This role is subject to a 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)
- 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
How to Apply
Please click “Apply Now” to begin your application.