Men's Rugby Head Coach

Organisation: Cardiff Metropolitan University
Salary: £35,608 to £38,784 per annum
Location: Cyncoed Road, Cardiff, CF23 6XD
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 6 April 2026
Interview date: 22 April 2026
Job Description: As Men’s Rugby Head Coach you will lead, prepare and develop the Cardiff Met Men’s Performance Rugby programme in alignment with the University’s performance sport strategy; delivering performance while identifying, recruiting and developing talented student-athletes, through a clearly defined player pathway that integrates personal development, academic success and rugby performance. The Head Coach will work closely with the Head of Performance Rugby to ensure alignment and make contribution to the long term performance planning and strategy. The performance programmes consists of teams competing in BUCS Super Rugby and WRU Premiership.

You’ll play a key role in:

Strategic Alignment and Reporting
Ensure that all core aspects of the Men’s Performance Rugby programme including; rugby preparation, player development, talent identification, recruitment, staffing, performance standards, cultural expectations and athlete welfare - are planned, aligned and agreed in collaboration with the Head of Performance Rugby. With progress, outcomes and key issues reported through rugby department line management and performance review systems.
Performance Programme Leadership

Lead the day-to-day planning and delivery of the Men’s Performance Rugby performance programme, ensuring training, competition and player preparation align with BUCS demands, Cardiff Met performance standards and contemporary coaching practice.
Player Recruitment

Lead the recruitment of student-athletes capable of contributing to the performance programme, while meeting academic entry requirements, working closely with admissions, marketing and performance staff. Work with a variety of staff to plan and deliver a coordinated programme of rugby recruitment activity, including experience days, reviewing footage, attending recruitment events and visiting clubs/academies, individual player meetings and supporting general university recruitment approaches.

What you’ll bring
Strong understanding of rugby union performance principles, game models and tactical frameworks.
Proven ability to prepare teams for competitive performance at a BUCS Super Rugby, Academy or professional level.
Demonstrable track record of coaching and developing rugby players within a performance environment appropriate to university, academy or senior competitive rugby.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?
We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.

We offer excellent benefits such as:
Annual leave of 25 days, rising to 30 days after 1 years’ service, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days.
Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

Contact us
For more information about the role please contact Dai Young, Head of Performance Rugby on dyoung@cardiffmet.ac.uk , or feel free to contact Cerys Purdon, Recruitment Manager supporting this vacancy on cpurdon@cardiffmet.ac.uk.
How to apply: All applications must be submitted online. https://jobs.cardiffmet.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=2526318