Athletic Performance Intern

Leinster Rugby are inviting applications for an Athletic Performance Intern for the 2023/2024 season.

This is a unique opportunity for a highly motivated individual looking to start or progress a career in the area of athletic performance, to join our team next season.

Reporting to the Head of Athletic Performance the successful person will gain excellent experience through providing support and assistance in the areas of athletic performance and sports science to the first team squad, academy squad and rugby staff while working in a fast-paced environment. Over the course of the season there will be exposure to all parts of the Professional Rugby Department.

The successful candidate must have a degree or higher diploma in at least one of the following areas – Physical Education, Human Movement or Sports Science. The successful candidate will also have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be driven and self-motivated.

For full details of the role please see the full job description below.

This paid position is being offered on a part-time (30 hours), seasonal contract basis and will be based in Leinster Rugby Branch, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4.

Proposed start date early July 2023 with induction period circa May 2023.

To apply click on the ‘Apply now’ button below.

The requirements for applying are to attach a 1-page Cover Letter and CV no longer than 2 pages.

The closing date for applications is strictly 12pm, 3rd March 2023

Leinster Rugby is an equal opportunities employer.

JOB DESCRIPTION & RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

POSITION TITLE: Athletic Performance Intern, Leinster Rugby

ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION:

To provide assistance and support in the areas of athletic performance and sports science to the first team squad, academy squad, and rugby staff at Leinster Rugby.

This position will be 30 hours per week. Specific hours and days to be confirmed weekly by the Head of Athletic Performance.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Operational:     Head of Athletic Performance, Leinster Rugby, Senior Athletic Performance Coach, Leinster Rugby

Functional:       CEO, Leinster Rugby, Head of Rugby Operations Leinster Rugby

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Head of Athletic Performance, Leinster Rugby
• Senior Athletic Performance Coach, Leinster Rugby
• Sports Scientist, Leinster Rugby
• Performance Nutritionist, Leinster Rugby
• All Leinster Rugby Staff & Playing Group

KEY QUALITIES:

Essential:

• A recognised Degree in one of the following:
  • Physical Education
  • Human Movement
  • Sports Science
• Excellent communication skills
• Working knowledge of all gym and sports science equipment.
• Excellent computer literacy skills
• Excellent coaching and interpersonal skills
• Drive and be self-motivated

Desirable:

• Experience in design and delivery of strength programs
• Experience designing and maintaining athlete data sets around workload and performance

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the guidance of the Athletic Performance department, ensure the accuracy and upkeep of training and game data on the athletic performance & load management systems, specifically strength data training minutes and RPEs for all sessions.
• Maintain up-to-date data on the player and training loads and monitor performance in the athletic development program where appropriate and required. Assist in the delivery and monitoring of the athletic development program.
• Work with our nutritionist to ensure the highest standard of nutritional support is delivered to the team. Key responsibilities include hydration testing and management of recovery drinks post pitch based sessions.
• Ensure the upkeep of sports science & gym equipment and technology and arrange for repair/replacement where necessary.
• Assist in the delivery of specific strength and conditioning sessions to the senior and academy squad with the overall goal of improving fitness and robustness and developing key athletic qualities such as speed and agility.
• Assist in the running of rugby field sessions, including running water on field and assisting with GPS duties.
• Ensure the collection of relevant data in morning monitoring (MSR) and gym-based athletic performance sessions; for example, velocity-based training data, plyometric data, conditioning data.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work required from this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required.  The holder of this position is required to respond with a flexible approach when tasks arise which are not specifically covered in this job description.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

• Achieve set KPIs
• Maintain effective working relationships
• Complete duties and responsibilities to an effective and efficient standard

NB Specific targets will be set for your roles on a daily/weekly/monthly/bi-monthly/seasonal basis.