ARMY RUGBY UNION MENS SENIOR XV HEAD COACH

Applications are invited for the voluntary post of Head Coach (HC) to the Army Men’s Senior XV, within the Army Rugby Union (ARU).

The Head Coach is responsible for leading the performance, coaching, preparation, and on-field delivery of the Men’s Senior XV. This role plays a central part in developing a high-performance environment that enables players and staff to achieve excellence and represent the Army to the highest standard.

The Head Coach works under the direction of, and is professionally accountable to, the Director of Men’s Rugby (DoMR), who holds responsibility for the overall Men’s representative rugby programme.

The HC works closely with the DoMR and the Chair of Representative Rugby (CoRR) to ensure all coaching activity aligns with ARU ethos, performance objectives, and strategic direction.

While the HC retains delegated authority over squad selection and on-field delivery, this authority is exercised within the strategic framework and governance set by the DoMR and CoRR.

The intended start date for the appointment is Summer 2026. The role is expected to last for a period of three seasons, subject to review.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should submit a rugby CV and a short covering email outlining relevant experience and motivation for the role to Kimberley Fowke, ARU Chief Operating Officer (COO) via EMAIL kfowke@britisharmysport.com

The recruitment process will involve:

• Closing date for applications:Midday Friday 27^thFebruary
• CV sift:By Friday 13^thMarch
• Interviews and practical assessment elements:Dates to be confirmed

The interview and practical assessment panel is anticipated to include:

• Chair of Representative Rugby (CoRR)
• Director of Men’s Rugby (DoMR)
• Independent panel member (coaching subject matter expert)

All applicants will be contacted following the CV sift. Candidates selected for interview and practical assessment will be notified directly. Following assessment, the successful candidate will be informed once all unsuccessful applicants have been contacted.

QUALIFICATION, RANK AND EXPERIENCE CRITERIA

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• England Rugby Coaching Award (ERCA) and actively working towards:
• • Developing Advanced Coaching Practice (Part 1)
  • England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award (ERACA, Part 2)
• Significant experience coaching at a high-performance or representative level
• Proven experience developing high-performance environments and managing multidisciplinary staff teams
• Evidence of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in coaching practice, high-performance management, or related areas
• Ability to operate professionally with senior Army personnel, ARU officials, coaches, and players

Applicants must be serving within the British Army (Regular or Reserve) with at least three years’ service remaining from May 2026.

COMMITMENT

This is a prestigious voluntary appointment requiring a sustained time commitment throughout the year.

The role involves:

• Strategic leadership and on-field delivery of the Men’s Senior XV programme
• Planning, coordinating, and delivering full-season coaching programmes
• Squad Management, selection, and talent identification across the Army rugby pathway
• Regular engagement with the DoMR to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and priorities
• Liaison with the Team Manager, Corps and Unit teams, and other stakeholders
• Attendance at representative fixtures, camps, and ARU events
• Participation in ARU and external coaching seminars and development sessions
• Some weekend and evening availability

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Head Coach reports to the Director of Men’s Rugby (DoMR), who provides day-to-day professional oversight of the Men’s Senior XV programme.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the coaching and performance programme for the Men’s Senior XV, creating a high-performance environment
• Develop and communicate the team’s playing philosophy, tactical approach, and performance principles in alignment with the wider Men’s representative programme
• Manage all on-field playing matters, including training design, match preparation, in-game decision-making, and post-match review
• Coordinate strength and conditioning programmes in conjunction with the Conditioning Coach
• Identify talent and potential across the Army and wider rugby environment, liaising with development coaches, U23 coaches, and Corps and Community coaches
• Select the Men’s Senior XV squad and retain final authority on selection with DoMR oversight
• Ensure players maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline, and conduct
• Advise the DoMR and Team Manager on fixtures, coaching resources, and budgetary input
• Produce structured coaching reports for squad members at designated points during the season
• Support the Team Manager in liaising with Corps and Unit teams regarding player management
• Advise on professional or semi-professional player contract management where applicable
• Participate in the selection and appointment of coaching staff in conjunction with, and subject to endorsement by, the DoMR
• Contribute to succession planning for coaching and management roles
• Represent the ARU professionally at matches, events, and external engagements
• Attend ARU and external coaching seminars to maintain up-to-date knowledge and best practice

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This is a voluntary appointment. Further details regarding time commitment, tenure, practical assessment process, and handover arrangements will be provided to the successful applicant.

The ARU Management Board reserves the right to amend the Terms of Reference associated with this role as required.