England Students Men – Strength and Conditioning Lead (volunteer)

Organisation: England Students' RFU / SRFU
Salary: Volunteer position
Location: Remote until pre-match camp and match NE England 26th April - 3rd May 2026
Contract type: Volunteer
Closing date: 23 February 2026
Interview date: 3 March 2026
Job Description: The Strength & Conditioning (S&C) Lead volunteer role will play a key role in preparing the England Students Men’s squad for training camps and test match competition. Working alongside the head coach, team manager, and wider support staff, you will help ensure players are physically prepared, supported, and able to perform at their best in a high performance representative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and support individualised physical preparation plans for players in the lead‑up to training camps and test matches.
• Plan and lead all gym‑based training sessions, ensuring individual player needs are met.
• Plan and deliver all training and match‑day warm‑ups.
• Collaborate with the rugby coaches to design the weekly training schedule and ensure the programme supports test‑match readiness.
• Plan and implement appropriate recovery strategies throughout camp and competition.
• Liaise with the team manager and head coach on travel planning and logistics.
• Coordinate and support nutritional planning in collaboration with the team manager and relevant staff.
• Support off‑field player bonding and team‑cohesion activities.
• Assist all staff members with additional duties as required.

Person Specification

Essential
• UKSCA Accreditation (ASCC) (or the ability to achieve it within 6 months)
• A genuine interest in athlete development and supporting high‑performance environments.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with coaches, staff, and players.
• The ability to plan, organise, and confidently lead physical preparation sessions.
• A solid understanding of the principles of strength and conditioning, including warm‑ups, gym‑based training, and recovery methods.
• The ability to adjust training approaches to suit different player needs, positions, and physical profiles.
• Reliability, professionalism, and a willingness to contribute across all aspects of the programme.
• The ability to manage time effectively and work independently within a small support‑team structure.
Desirable
• Experience working with student‑athletes or within university sport.
• A background or academic foundation in Strength and Conditioning, Sports Science, or a related field.
• Experience working in a rugby or team‑sport environment.
• Experience delivering gym‑based coaching sessions or supporting athletic development programmes.
• An understanding of basic nutritional principles for athlete preparation and recovery.
• Familiarity with simple monitoring approaches, such as wellness reporting or basic physical testing.
How to apply: Commitment: The role requires full availability to attend and work at an England‑based residential training camp during the final week of April through to 3 May 2026. Travel will be reimbursed, accommodation, meals, and team kit will be provided, and other reasonable expenses will be covered. The term for the position is 2 years subject to annual review, with a further two years by mutual consent. How to Apply Please submit your CV along with a brief cover note outlining: • Why you’re interested in the position • How your experience and approach make you a good fit for the role Email to e.blackborough@studentsrfu.com The SRFU welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We encourage applications from a diverse range of individuals who will be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of England Student players.