Rugby Development Officer- Dorset

Organisation: Bath Rugby Club
Salary: Up to £27,000 dependent on experience
Location: Dorset, United Kingdom
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 31 May 2026
Job Description: Job Title: Rugby Development Officer –Dorset
Department: Next Generation
Reports To: Next Generation Manager
Location: Bath Rugby’s community territory includes BANES and Mendip, Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. This role is primarily focused on delivering rugby programmes within schools and community clubs across Dorset. Weekly travel to Bath (The Rec) on matchdays and to Farleigh House for team meetings will be required.
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
CORE PURPOSE
• Leverage the strength and reach of the Bath Rugby brand to inspire the next generation of rugby players and fans through the delivery of high-quality rugby programmes and memorable rugby experiences.
• Support the development of aspiring players and grassroots coaches.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in schools and community rugby clubs to grow rugby participation and support the sustainability of community rugby.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
• Deliver Bath Rugby’s TAG Academy (tag rugby) programme in primary schools.
• Deliver Bath Rugby’s participation and player development programmes in member community rugby clubs.
• Deliver residential camps and NextGen rugby camps at member clubs, ensuring inclusive experiences for all participants.
• Support the planning and execution of Bath Rugby NextGen events and experiences within your primary region, ensuring alignment with club values and objectives.
• Assist the NextGen Manager in promoting, scheduling, and delivery of Bath Rugby’s Skill Development Hubs and residentials rugby camps.
• Support with the recruitment and development of the pool of casual sessional coaches.
• Identify and act on opportunities unique to your region to drive rugby participation.
• Collaborate with the RDO team and NextGen Manager to complete all necessary Health & Safety Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS), ensuring compliance with Bath Rugby, RFU, and PRL standards.
• Represent and uphold Bath Rugby’s brand integrity and reputation in every aspect of programme delivery and stakeholder engagement.
• The successful candidate will champion/lead on one of the NextGen rugby products/focuses, for example TAG Academy (primary school delivery), rugby camps or girl’s and women’s participation.
• Promote the growth of girl’s and women’s rugby within Bath Rugby’s territory.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
Essential
• RFU Level 2 coaching qualification or ERCA with a minimum of 2 years’ experience coaching rugby to children
• Desire to grow the next generation of players and rugby supporters.
• Ability to think proactively, creatively and analytically.
• An understanding of and compliance with safeguarding procedures within school and club settings.
• A friendly, positive solution focused attitude with the ability to develop strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities effectively and to meet deadlines across multiple projects.
• An enthusiastic and committed individual who will demonstrate initiative to deliver results.
• A valid UK driving license will be required. Due to the rural locations and limited public transport, applicants must be able to travel regularly across the region and have access to their own transport.

Desired
• RFU Level 3 coaching qualification
• Higher education degree or qualification in relevant subject
• A current first-aid qualification and a current safeguarding qualification

Personal Characteristics
We need someone who is energetic, motivated to achieve outcomes and committed to quality and accountability in their work. In addition to being a thorough professional, it will be key that you over-index in the following areas:
• Manage projects, activities, and resources effectively, assuming personal ownership and accountability for results.
• Define ambitious goals and establish priorities with clear responsibilities to ensure results y.
• Focus on our long-term development whilst achieving short-term goals.
• Approach tasks and challenges with positivity, a solution-focused mindset and go above and beyond the expected.
• Instil a continuous improvement attitude and champion best practices.
• Commit to the process of self-development.
• Resonate with the Bath Rugby culture – ‘force for good’, ‘tough to beat’, in, ‘all in, all the time’, ‘champions mindset’ to deliver results.

What We Offer
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (FTE)
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
o Complimentary matchday tickets and Bath Rugby branded kit
o Local discounts and wellness initiatives
o Onsite gym usage and Cycle to Work scheme
o Enhanced maternity and paternity

Safeguarding

Due to the nature of our business, child adjacent roles, and the requirement to upkeep the reputation of our club, any offer of employment for this role will be conditional upon the declaration of any unspent convictions and other relevant safeguarding or protection orders, in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any information disclosed will be considered fairly and will not automatically disqualify an applicant.

Due to the nature of the role, if you are successful, we will require you to undertake an enhanced DBS and submit two references as part of our safer recruitment practices.

Hours
The role will involve regular weekend and evening hours to meet the needs of our community rugby clubs and to support matchdays. We value wellbeing alongside high performance so Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) and overtime arrangements in place of additional hours worked
Location:

This is a hybrid working model. Working is split between Bath Rugby HQ, Farleigh House, The Rec in Bath City Centre, and work from home. Travel to NextGen clubs, schools and events in the Dorset and wider Bath Rugby regions where necessary, is a core part of the role.
How to apply: To Apply Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to opportunities@bathrugby.com. Bath Rugby is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.