Description
The University of Portsmouth Sport and Recreation department manage 34 sports clubs, that offer recreational and competitive opportunities for our students.
Our competitive teams take part in a range of leagues and events against other Universities, and are led by a student committee, with support from a team of 8 staff members who help with training facilities, fixture coordination, travel, coaching, health and safety, welfare, events, support services, and club development.
The University of Portsmouth Men’s Rugby club are looking for qualified and experienced coaches to join their coaching team for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, and beyond.
The successful candidate for this Head Coach role will demonstrate strong and effective leadership, creating a positive team culture and performance environment.
The teams compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) weekly leagues, with the Men’s 1st team in the South Easter Tier 1 league, the 2nd team in Tier 2, and the 3rd team in Tier 4.
The club also has a development team who train and play friendly fixtures.
Training sessions take place on Mondays, 6pm - 9pm and Fridays, 5pm - 8pm at HMS Temeraire, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth.
Fixtures are scheduled for Wednesday afternoons (times & locations vary).
Head Coach Key Responsibilities:
• Strategic Planning & Delivery: Design, implement, deliver and evaluate innovative, season-long coaching plans, including effective training sessions, tactical game plans, and the trials process.
• Player Development: Foster individual player skill enhancement, fitness, and decision-making, working with the forwards’ and backs’ coaches, and wider support staff
• Leadership: Set high standards, motivate players and coaching staff, and make difficult selection decisions for match day squads, and team captains.
• Match Day Duties: Attend fixtures and manage the match-day squad, liaising with other coaches to select teams.
• Team Environment: Build a cohesive, respectful, and inclusive culture, promoting sportsmanship.
• Performance Analysis: Utilise video analysis tools where available to review team and individual performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Match Day Duties: Attend fixtures and manage the match-day squad, advising on selection in coordination with other coaches.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work effectively with other coaching staff to implement training plans, and maintain excellent communication with the student committee, players, coaches, and Sport and Recreation staff. Support the student committee with the planning and delivery of annual events, where required.
• Safeguarding & Conduct: Adhere to all safeguarding, health and safety, and code of conduct policies and reporting processes, including the Team UOP Charter, acting as a positive role model for all players.
Essential Criteria:
• RFU Level 2 Coaching Award (or equivalent); Level 3 preferred.
• Level 3 First Aid qualification (or ability to obtain ASAP)
• Proven track record of developing and coaching competitive teams.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
• Commitment to training and fixture schedule.
• Ability to obtain an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and appropriate coaching insurance.
Desirable:
• RFU Level 3 Coaching Award (or working towards).
• First Aid & Concussion Awareness Certifications
• An understanding of competitive rugby within Higher Education.
• Experience in performance analysis and use of relevant software.
What We Offer:
• Workshops to support the delivery of sport to students, including injury prevention, concussion, safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusivity, and diversity
• Networking opportunities with other University of Portsmouth sport coaches
• Access to strength and conditioning support for your players
• Professional medical support at fixtures
• Coaching kit
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the club's future.
Please note that while we are looking for coaches to support the remainder of the 2025/26 season, we are wanting coaches to join who have a desire to work with us long term. This will be a voluntary position to support our current coaches for the remainder of 25/26 (finish date 10th May 2026), with a paid position available from September 2026.
