Vacancy: IRFU National Talent S&C Coach

The IRFU are inviting applications for the position of National Talent S&C Coach. The successful candidate will work with all players in the IRFU National Development Pathway Levels 1-3 (16-20 years old).

The National Talent S&C Coach will:

• Develop and implement a strategy for S&C and Sports Science for the National Talent Squads (NTS) with input from the Provincial Fitness departments;
• Develop and deliver S&C and Sports Science support for identified players in the NTS with support from the existing Provincial structures;
• Develop and deliver an S&C Coach development resource for S&C Coaches in this Pathway;
• Provide S&C and sports science support to the Ireland U20 squad during training camps and competitions and coordinate the annual National Age Grade S&C appointments.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

National Development Pathway:

• Develop and thorough understanding of the S&C support within this pathway to include; structures, staff resource and qualifications, S&C programme content and channels of communication.
• Develop and implement a National strategy to improve quality of S&C support for this pathway.
• Review, revise and implement an S&C and Sports science curriculum for pathway.
• Engage the existing Provincial structures in the development, implementation and management of this strategy and curriculum.
• Implement and coordinate Pathway annual fitness testing, training and game time monitoring according to IRFU protocols and testing schedule.
• Record, collate and report Pathway training and testing data.
• Develop and deliver coaching courses and workshops for identified S&C Coaches working in the pathway with support from Provincial staff.
• Manage and where required deliver through direct coaching identified player’s strength and conditioning programmes.
• Liaise with Nutritionists on implementing individual player plans.

Ireland U20 Fitness Coach:

• Design and deliver of all fitness, recovery and game preparation elements for the Ireland U20 squad in training camps and competitions.
• Contribute to the development of the Ireland U20 annual plan with specific reference to fitness, recovery, rehabilitation and peaking for performance.
• Liaise with Provincial Rugby, medical and strength and conditioning staff with regards to the development and management of Ireland U20 Squad players.
• Record, collate and report fitness test data for the Ireland U20 squad.
• Liaise with the IRFU Performance Nutritionist on the nutritional support for the U20 squad in camp and competition.

National Age Grade Teams:

• In conjunction with the IRFU High Performance Manager and Head of Fitness select and assign S&C Coaches to National Age Grade Teams.
• Brief and induct National Age Grade S&C Coaches on the roles and responsibilities.
• Review the performance of National Age Grade S&C Coaches at the end of the season.
• Conduct an annual review of the National Age Grade S&C Coach Job specification and make necessary revisions in conjunction with the IRFU Head of Fitness.

Data management:

• Assist the IRFU Head of Fitness in the ongoing development of systems for the management of all data relating to the Fitness Dept. function.
• Assist the IRFU Head of Fitness in the day-to-day management of data, including the recording, interpreting, collating and disseminating of data.

KEY QUALITIES

Essential:

• Recognised degree in Physical Education, Human Movement or Sports and Exercise Science.
• A recognised Professional certification strength and conditioning.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a strength and conditioning coach in high performance sport, preferably professional rugby.
• A verifiable record of programme design and delivery of physical development programmes for adolescent and adult rugby players.
• An understanding of training science and data management as these pertain to current strength and conditioning practices in high performance sport.
• Practical coaching experience across all the elements of high performance strength and conditioning.
• A verifiable record of delivering strength and conditioning support for a high performance rugby team including, training camp and match day experience.
• Effective time management and the proven ability to work independently.
• The ability to work within a team and coordinate both full-time and part-time Strength and Conditioning colleagues.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent Computer literacy skills.

Desirable:

• A post graduate degree in a sport or exercise science related area.
• Experience of working as an S&C Coach with adolescent athletes.
• Experience of working with data analytic technology and managing associated data.
• Recognised First Aid and CPR certification.
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and analytical skills.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Maintain effective relationships with various staff within the Provinces and the IRFU.
• Carry out duties and responsibilities to an effective and efficient standard.
• Establish excellent work practices.
• Make effective and informed decisions in relation to the role and the department.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
NB: The following KPI’s are general. Specific targets will be set for your role. The meetings will also include an appraisal and review of the attainment of the KPI’s set at previous meetings. An end of year review will also take place where the duties and responsibilities will be fully appraised.

• Delivery of Strength and Conditioning Programme to identified Strength and Conditioning Coaches in the pathway.
• Establish a strong working relationship with Academies and National age grade coaches.
• Assist Provinces in Player monitoring and assessment to ensure programmes, staff and assessment criteria are fit for purpose and that are aligned to the strategic plan.
• Ensuring the individual player pan targets are met.
• Co-operate with National and Provincial Elite Player systems in ensuring IRFU strategic plan is being achieved.
• Manage S&C support for the National U20 squad by liaising with the provinces and players. Deliver a high level of S&C support directly during Camp and competition phases.

TO APPLY:
This position is being offered on a 2 year fixed term contract basis. The position is based in our Ballsbridge, Dublin office (however there will be travel involved with the role). To apply for the above position, please email your CV to Eoin Ward, HR Generalist at recruitment@irfu.ie The closing date for applications is strictly Thursday, 5th November 2015 at 13:00.

IMPORTANT:
Interviews for this position will take place on the week commencing Monday, 9th November 2015.

The IRFU is an equal opportunities employer.