Leinster Rugby is seeking applications for the position of Pre-Academy Athletic Development Coach.
The successful candidate will provide athletic development and sport science support to the Centre of Excellence (COE) at Leinster Rugby. The Pre-Academy Athletic Development Coach will liaise and work with athletic development and coaching staff on all fitness-related issues within NTS1 and PTS1 player development groups.
This position is being offered on a two-year fixed-term contract.
For a full job description please see below:
Please note: The closing date for applications is strictly 5pm Tuesday, 11th March 2025.
Leinster Rugby is an equal opportunities employer.
JOB DESCRIPTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
POSITION TITLE: Pre-Academy Athletic Development Coach, Leinster Rugby
ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION:
To provide athletic development and sport science support to the Centre of Excellence (COE) at Leinster Rugby. The Pre-Academy Athletic Development Coach will liaise and work with athletic development and coaching staff on all fitness-related issues within NTS1 and PTS1 player development groups.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
Operational & Functional: Head of Pathway Athletic Development and Academy Manager, Leinster Rugby
Functional: Head of Athletic Performance, Leinster Rugby
KEY QUALITIES:
Essential:
Recognised degree or Higher National Diploma in physical education, human movement or exercise and sports science;
A minimum of 2 years’ experience in an athletic development (strength & conditioning) position within a competitive Rugby environment (Candidates without rugby experience may be considered based on experience);
Knowledgeable around the physical and technical demands associated with Rugby;
Knowledgeable around the profiling of athletic qualities in terms of long-term athletic development;
Established coaching and programming skills around the development of plyometric ability, linear speed (sprinting), and multidirectional speed (COD/Reactive Agility);
Established coaching and programming skills around the development of Rugby specific conditioning;
Established coaching and programming skills around the development of general & specific strength/power;
Established knowledge and skills relating to sport science and the assessment and management of the developing player across a diversity of athletic dimensions using standard technologies and information sources (e.g., GPS, Accelerometers, Strength Tracking, etc.);
Established knowledge and skills around systems for data collection, analysis, and visualisation (e.g., Tableau, PowerBI, Excel);
Up-to-date knowledge of relevant research and demonstrate ability to review objective information to design an evidence-based programme;
Access to own transport and full clean driver’s licence;
Excellent ability to work independently and within a multi-disciplinary team;
Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills;
High level of self-awareness and a strong self-starter.
Desirable:
A recognised postgraduate qualification (MSc, MRes, or MPhil) in the area of strength and conditioning, sport science, physical education, or human movement;
Recognised certification in S&C related competence (e.g., NSCA, UKSCA, ASCA, etc.);
Recognised First Aid and CPR certification;
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead the design, delivery, and coordination of the athletic development programme to COE NTS1 and PTS1 players.
Work with professional staff (e.g., Elite Player Development Officers (EPDOs), Physiotherapists, Performance Analysts, and Nutritionist) to drive individual performance outcomes.
Meet KPIs for player development in accordance with Individual Performance Plans.
Systematically review and report performance profiles for all COE players.
Manage training load information and daily monitoring process to communicate any issues relating to player welfare to the relevant rugby, physiotherapy, medical, nutrition and/or athletic development staff.
Lead the design and delivery of all athletic development, recovery, and game preparation elements for the Leinster COE.
Coordinate programming for selected players with the National Talent Athletic Development Lead for national U20’s training camps and competitions.
Effectively collaborate with the Head of Athletic Performance and work alongside colleagues in the Performance Department to design and implement systems and methodologies to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the department and its core aims.
Capture, store and manage all athletic development testing and training data and ensure that it is reviewed and informs the athletic development programme for all COE players.
Play a role in the delivery of the summer programme.
Lead the COE Mentorship programme with partner third-level institutions and their students.
Be active in on-going professional development, including staying up-to-date with sports science research.
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:
KPI’s to be agreed with the Head of Pathway Athletic Development upon commencement.