Head of Men’s High-Performance Pathways & U20s Head Coach

Rugby Australia (Rugby AU), the governing body of Rugby Union in Australia, is looking for a Head of Men’s High-Performance Pathways & U20s Head Coach to be responsible for providing overall leadership and implementation of the men’s national pathways system including the Super Rugby Academies and national age grade team programs – U20s, U18s and U16s. The role oversees the system and programs to identify, attract, retain, develop and graduate potential and emerging player talent into our professional rugby (Super Rugby) and senior national team programs (Wallabies, Men’s 7s) and is an active high level coaching position.

The role will also fulfill the position of Australia U20s Head Coach providing overall leadership, selection and coaching for this important national team program. This role carries ultimate accountability for the Australia U20s team’s performance, both on and off the field, and includes leading the team at all international competitions and tournaments, particularly the TRC U20s and Junior World Cup.

It is expected that the role will also have the capability to offer coaching expertise and services to other national programs including the Men’s and Women’s Sevens programs, Wallaroos and Wallabies and national coach development programs.

The Head of Men’s High-Performance Pathways & U20s Head Coach will be responsible for establishing the high-performance systems, culture, standards, and behaviours required to develop and graduate players and staff to higher levels of Australian high-performance rugby. Beyond leading the players, coaches, performance support, management and operational staff involved across the national pathways system, the Head of Men’s High-Performance Pathways & U20s Head Coach plays an important ambassadorial role for the Australian U20s team, the Super Rugby Academies, Rugby AU and the game, both domestically and internationally.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

National Pathway System

• Build and manage the national pathway system and structure (workforce) to impactfully identify, attract, recruit/retain, develop and graduate Australia’s best potential and emerging player talent to Super Rugby and national team levels.
• Lead the ongoing development and management of the national men’s depth chart for players aged 14-20+Academy contracted players and connecting to the Super Rugby and Wallabies depth chart.
• Manage the development and implementation of national skill (technical/tactical), physical and mental skills curriculums to support the holistic development of players in pathways programs including Super Rugby Academies and national age grade teams.
• Manage Rugby AU’s formal ‘partnership’ with the Super Rugby Academy programs including structures and staffing appointments, implementation of national curriculums, individual player development plans (IDPs) and the development and assessment of national Academy funding structures.
• Lead the national pathways input into the selection of players for National Elite Development Squad contracts (NEDS) working closely with the National Contract Manager and in consultation with the Super Rugby Talent Development Managers.
• Lead the strategic planning for Super Rugby pathway competitions (U14, U15, U16, U18, U19) and oversee competition implementation and management.
• Lead the strategic planning for national age grade teams (Australia U20*, U18, U16) and oversee team program implementation and management.
• Build effective relationships with key personnel throughout the system including clubs to influence and support the identification and development of emerging players nationally.
• As a key member of the Rugby AU High Performance department contribute to the overall performance of the high-performance strategy, system and structures, including the prioritisation of financial resources and budgeting as required.
• Represent Rugby AU at domestic and international forums and provide service and support to our valued commercial sponsors and partners when required.

Australia U20s

• Oversee, lead, and deliver all planning, scheduling, coaching, selection and review of the Australia U20s squad/team, in consultation with the General Manager Men’s High-Performance & Competitions.
• Establish a clear game model and style of play for the Australia U20s team that aligns to the strategic game model of the Wallabies and the profile and skills of available players.
• Establish a detailed Australia U20s player depth chart, oversee the holistic development of the players and team during and outside of squad assembly periods, and systematically monitor progress of players within the pathway and outside that are eligible for selection.
• Establish and deliver an effective senior player leadership group and regular engagement and development for these leaders.
• Attract, manage and develop a quality group of coaches, support staff, and team management with expertise and capability to maximize team performance.
• Integrate the specific technical expertise of all practitioners and staff within the performance science, medical, and analysis teams.
• Lead and model high performance behaviours and standards.

National Program Coaching & Presentations

• Provide expert specific coaching within other national teams as applicable, required and available for.
• Support the national High-Performance and Level 4 coach development program by delivering presentations and/or workshops in areas of expertise and responsibility.

Leadership, People and Coaching

• Provide impactful leadership, planning and coaching of the national pathway system and Australia U20 team.
  • Skill, physical and mental skills curriculums in place and implemented across national teams and Super Rugby Academies.
  • All players in the national pathway (Super Rugby Academies and national age grade teams) have IDPs in place and tracked via the player management system.
  • National depth chart for players 14-20+ years in place and consistently updated and accessed.
  • National age grade team campaign plans in place, implemented and reviewed.
  • National pathway system budgets and funding structures in place and managed.
• Establish a clear game model and style of play for the Australia U20, U18 and U16 teams, with defined, measurable metrics to track on-field progression and effective player graduation over time.
• Drive a high-performance culture across the national pathways system engrained around trust, collaboration, elite standards, and discipline both on and off the field.
• Ensure all staff have individual performance and development plans and engage in regular professional development and upskilling.

Stakeholders

• Establish and maintain productive relationships and ensure effective reporting to the General Manager Men’s High-Performance & Competitions.
• Effectively influence and manage key external relationships, with particular focus on Super Rugby clubs, SANZAAR and World Rugby.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Rugby AU coach accreditation (or equivalent).
• Tertiary qualifications in sports coaching, teaching, management, business, or a related field (desirable but not essential).

Experience

• Proven experience as a Head Coach (or minimum Senior Coach) at the international level and/or in professional club rugby (e.g., Super Rugby Pacific, Premiership).
• Demonstrated success in developing systems, programs, teams and individual players.
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in the trends of the professional and international game.
• Direct experience in pathway and age grade program development necessary to accelerate the skills and competencies of players, coaches, and staff.

Competencies

• Deep understanding of high-performance systems and culture and the requirements to maximize the development and impactful graduation of emerging talent into higher levels of the sport.
• Able to identify potential and emerging rugby talent.
• Assertive and informed decision making.
• High emotional intelligence and application to support and influence others and build partnerships.
• Strong planning and execution skills, with a high level of organisation and proven communication abilities.
• Proven experience in leading, coaching and managing teams to deliver winning performances at major events – attracts talent to build high performing teams (players and staff).
• Demonstrated learning capacity and ability to adapt and resolve complex problems in a timely and effective manner.

To apply please send your CV and cover letter supporting your application.