Gloucester Hartpury Assistant Coach (Forwards)

Organisation: Gloucester Rugby
Salary: Competitive
Location: Gloucester
Contract type: (Full time)
Closing date: 1 April 2026
Job Description: Main Purpose of the Job

The Assistant Coach will support the Gloucester Hartpury Head of Rugby. The Assistant Coach will be responsible for developing and delivering the team’s forwards play and training programmes. The role primarily covers Gloucester Hartpury but will also include work within the Hartpury pathway (BUCS and ACE 1st XV). Responsible to the Head of Rugby to ensure the development of the players through the pathway to Gloucester Hartpury.

Key Accountabilities
• To develop and deliver the team’s forwards play training programmes. Working on a strategy for maintaining our position at the top of rugby at all levels.
• To work with all Gloucester Hartpury players, to include but not limited to delivering regular unit, team and individual skills sessions.
• To deliver innovative coaching sessions in group and individual settings.
• Review and monitor training sessions and match performance through analysis and performance metrics.
• Work closely with other departments as part of a multi-disciplinary team to ensure a joined-up approach to player development and pathway progression ensuring a culture of continual improvement.
• Provide 1-2-1 feedback on players performances in both training sessions and games.
• Management, support and review of players Individual Development Plans (IDPs), where relevant, in collaboration with their pathway or loan club and national age group coaches if applicable.
• Monitor and manage the performances of all forwards players within the whole of the pathway (BUCS and ACE).
• As directed by the Head of Rugby, provide coaching support to the Hartpury pathway, ensuring alignment. Assist managing the transition of pathway players between Hartpury University & College and Gloucester Hartpury programmes.
• Assist in the identification, recruitment and retention of players and student athletes for Gloucester Hartpury and Hartpury University & College.
• Attend trials, matches and events where needed to include the Hartpury University & College pathway games in order to identify and develop talent.
• To participate in community, media, and commercial appearances upon request.
• To take responsibility for their own professional development and attend relevant training as required in agreement with the Gloucester Hartpury.

Health and Safety at Work

To comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated legislation, you must adhere to the company’s safety rules and procedures and take all reasonable care to protect the safety of yourself and others.

Safeguarding and child protection is crucial within our Company and all employees are expected to share this commitment at all times.

This job description is intended only as a guide to the main responsibilities and is in no way intended to restrict any individual in the performance of other duties as required by the Company.

Essential

• To hold or be registered on and undertaking, the England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award, or overseas equivalent (Level 3)
• Demonstrable experience coaching at an elite level (club, regional, or international), preferably within the women’s or professional game
• Be able to demonstrate detailed tactical and technical knowledge of Rugby Union, particularly attacking and back play.
• Strong analytical skills to support performance.
• Excellent communication and people development skills to explain and present information clearly for a variety of learning styles.
• Suitable experience of working and coaching in a professional/dual career environment.
• To hold a UK driving licence and access to own vehicle.
• To hold an RFU DBS clearance or be willing to apply for one. DBS to satisfy Gloucester Hartpury requirements.
• Commitment to deliver high quality of work.
• To be a forward-thinking rugby coach, with growth mindset, who is committed to developing their own knowledge and experience.
How to apply: To apply, please submit an up to date CV and covering letter to recruitment@gloucesterrugby.co.uk.