Job Description/WRU Assistant S&C Coach/January 2014

JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title

Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach – National Squad

Salary

Commensurate with experience (Highly competitive)

Location National Centre of Excellence, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan

Hours of work This role will require the candidate to work extended hours, evenings and weekends as required, including time overseas

Responsible to WRU Head of Physical Performance – (National Discipline Head)

Responsible for N/A

Contractual Status • Fixed term contract until 31st July 2016 Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK

Role Summary Primary: • To help produce National Squad players who are durable, injury

free and possess a level of physicality that enables them to execute technical and tactical skills better then anyone else in the world of rugby

• To effectively provide specialist skills to support all aspects of strength & conditioning practices to players in the National Squad with reference to the WRU Elite Player Physical Development Model (EPPD) as directed by the Head of Physical Performance

• Assist all National Squad players identified by the National Coaches and Head of Physical Performance with the overall objective of preparing these players to train/play with the WRU National Squad at international level

• Assist the National Squad programs in all aspects of strength &

conditioning at international campaigns, implementation of all physical performance protocols as per National PPD Protocols and reference to the Head of Physical Performance

Secondary: • To effectively assist in delivering all aspects of Physical

Performance support to players along the WRU Elite Player Physical Development Model (EPPD) from National Squad, National Seven’s, National Under 20’s and associated Elite age groups

Key Relationships • National Head of Physical Performance - WRU • National & National Academy Physical Performance team - WRU • National Coaches and Team Manager - WRU • National Medical Team - WRU • National Analysis team - WRU • Regional and abroad club Strength & Conditioning teams

Job Description

Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach National Squad

Job Description/WRU Assistant S&C Coach/January 2014

JOB DESCRIPTION

• National Squad players Key Responsibilities, Tasks and Activities

Inside National campaigns: Effectively coach National Squad players in all areas of strength

and conditioning at National Squad sessions

• Assist all aspects of strength and conditioning practices and programs including setting performance standards, testing, and monitoring

• Assist the Strength and Conditioning section with interaction and accountability within the Physical Performance Department

In conjunction with the National Squad support staff design and

implement individualised training programs both in camp and out of camp that will ultimately systematically improve National Squad players and reduce their chances of injury

Duties & tasks as directed by the Head of Physical Performance

Outside National campaigns:

• Effectively complete specialist and ad hoc projects to a world class level as directed by the Head of Physical Performance

• Assist and at times coordinate and run the National squad testing

battery of strength and conditioning tests agreed by all regions from National to the Academy level

• Achieve harmony between the National Squad and Regional Strength and Conditioning Teams via effective communication as directed by the Head of Physical Performance

• Assist the Head of Physical Performance to establish agreed

performance standards for all National squad players in conjunction with the Regions

• Assist the Head of Physical Performance establish an ongoing

battery of strength and conditioning tests agreed by all regions In conjunction with the Head of Physical Performance liaise with

National Squad support staff and the Regions to formulate a long term plan up-to and beyond the World Cup 2015

Other Duties

• Maintain the National Squad gym & indoor facility. Assist on maintaining other Physical Performance facilities

• Take inventories of the S&C equipment and submit to the

Head of Physical Performance on a monthly basis

• Assist other members of the National squad staff with ad hoc duties as required (i.e. Setting up of equipment with the logistics officer, etc)

Job Description/WRU Assistant S&C Coach/January 2014

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Outcomes Demonstrate a high level of physical development in all WRU

National squad players in all the key areas of athletic, functional & technical development (as measured against EPDP Physical Development Model benchmarks of testing/assessment)

Assist in establishing a positive professional culture within the

National squad in adherence with the WRU standards & values

Implement and reinforce the relevant WRU code of behaviour/ conduct expected of WRU staff and players

• Demonstrate administrative ability in the performance

enhancement area by keeping accurate and up to date records and providing punctual information as requested by the Head of Physical Performance

Continued Professional Development

• The WRU are committed to providing CPD for the successful candidate. We expect the successful candidate to undertake available training courses and research to enhance personal knowledge, skills and experience.

• Attend relevant training courses/seminars/workshops as required to assist with CPD as directed by the Head of Rugby Performance and Development

PERSON SPECIFICATION Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK Experience Essential

• Minimum of 5 years (paid) full-time experience as a high level Strength & Conditioning Coach (International Rugby or contact sport playing experience will however be taken into account)

• Experience (paid fulltime) in assisting strength & conditioning services for National / International programs

Desirable • Experience as a Strength & Conditioning Coach in high level sport

at International level •

• Specialist skills that will contribute and ultimately enhance the environment in practical nature (i.e. Rugby specific conditioning, combat conditioning, expertise in coordination training)

Advantage • High level expertise in a specialisation of athletic development

(Examples: rugby specific conditioning, combat conditioning or wrestling skills, strength diagnostics, advanced applied physiology, motor control / learning in strength training)

• Due to the nature of the role and the high level position an

enthusiastic and highly extroverted personality along with a physical presence could be an advantage for the specificity of the role in the weight-room and field environments

•

Job Description/WRU Assistant S&C Coach/January 2014

Acknowledgement Employee Signature: Name: Date:

Line Manager Signature: Name:

Date:

The job description is subject to change pending review by the role holder and their line

manager.

Skills & Qualifications Essential • A qualification at degree level (or equivalent) in sports science or

related area specialising in the area of physical preparation of elite athletes (International Rugby or contact sport playing experience will however be taken into account for the right applicant if working towards a degree/specialist S&C qualifications)

And

• UK Strength and Conditioning Association Accreditation, or ability to obtain it within 12 months or;

• National Strength & Conditioning Association - Certified Strength &

Conditioning Specialist or; • ASCA level 2

Other • Candidates must be able to evidence proof of eligibility to work in

the UK • Valid UK driving licence or ability to obtain a UK licence

Key Competencies • Team working & personal impact

• Loyalty & reliability • Planning & control • Attention to detail • Helping others to learn • Communication & influencing • Emotional intelligence Please refer to the WRU Group Competency Framework for full details regarding these competencies, available on request from the HR Department