Head of Rugby

Having celebrated the recent success of creating a new pathway to the professional game where a Dual career in academic and sporting excellence for Rugby, The University of Bristol is now looking for a Head of Rugby to join us on a permanent basis.

Reporting to the Performance Sports Manager, one of the key duties for you will be to taking charge in develop, deliver and manage our “One Club” approach, covering all elements from Performance to Participation in both the Men’s and Women’s clubs. Working with our professional partners to maintain a pathway for our players to play professionally during and after their study with us, as well as creating internship and job opportunities with these partners in various capacities.

In addition, you will be leading on key negotiations with different stakeholders (such as governing bodies, professional and local rugby clubs, alumni) to continue to raise the profile of both the club, the sport and University of Bristol for its academic and sporting excellence, both in the community and on a global level.

What will you be doing?

• Provide strategic leadership for the development of women’s and men’s rugby at the University.
• Creating a style of Rugby and work ethic that can be implemented across the clubs and coaching teams.
• Create and implement a new vision and strategy across Men’s and Women’s rugby creating a one club approach, and building a ‘Can Do’ culture across all areas of the clubs.
• Working closely with both clubs committees and assisting in the day to day running of the clubs in all its areas, offering support and guidance where appropriate.
• Maintain and develop key partner and professional club relationships.
• Develop and maintain a positive relationship with the RFU & Bristol Bears, and build opportunities in a close partnership for rugby to grow at the University of Bristol.
• Working with the Performance Pathway Manager on a strategy for recruitment and implement a year round calendar of key dates and events.

You should apply if

You have:

• Proven experience of working in rugby and coaching/leading in programmes. Extensive knowledge of the sport at national, and regional levels in England and wider.
• Experience of successfully line managing teams, coaches and working with range of staff.
• Experience of fundraising, sponsorship, and partnership building and a local, regional and wider level.
• Knowledge and understanding of recruiting talented athletes into a Pathway/or University/professional environment.
• The ability to produce development plans and present a clear consistent message effectively to create an engaging learning environment.

Additional information

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 14th July.

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.