Applications are invited for the post of Head Coach for the Army Rugby Union – Women’s Senior 7s Squad.

The successful applicant will be appointed and is expected to commence their role on 1 March 26, in preparation for the season, with trials scheduled to take place from 27 April – 8 May 26. Ideally, the successful candidate will commit to at least two seasons, with a preference for three seasons.

The ideal candidate must hold a minimum qualification: Level 2 Coaching Certificate. Applicants must demonstrate experience in coaching within a high-performance environment and provide evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) that supports their understanding of coaching and player development in the modern game. Applicants must be serving regular or reserve Army personnel with at least two years service remaining from January 2026.

Applicants should send their rugby CV and covering letter to the ARU Chief Operations Officer, Kimberley Fowke via EMAIL by 1700hrs 09 Jan 26.  Applicants who do not pass the CV sift will be notified via email by Tuesday 20 January 2026 by Maj Jeff Howard, Director of 7s Rugby. Those who pass the CV sift will be invited to an interview. The interview date will depend on the availability of the interview panel, and applicants should be prepared to attend at short notice. The interview will take place either at the Army Rugby Stadium Development Suite or via MS Teams. During the interview, candidates will be assessed on their suitability based on evidence of previous coaching experience and their ability to meet the standards set by the ARU.

The selection panel is provisionally planned to consist of Director of Rugby 7s (DOR7s), Director of Rugby Development, and Women’s 7s Assistant Coach.

Candidates called for interview will be notified on completion of all interviews if they have been successful. They must be prepared to commence the role immediately and attend trials on 27 April – 8 May 26. The planned first fixture is 09 May 26.

This is a prestigious, voluntary post working with a very enthusiastic and dedicated elite sports team. The time commitment for this post can be demanding for both work and personal time throughout the year and particularly over weekends during the summer period.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The Head Coach will be responsible for the coaching of the ARU Women’s Senior 7s and must hold a minimum of the England Rugby Coaching Award (ERCA) and be working towards or have aspirations to complete the England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 The Head Coach will have delegated authority from the Management Board, in conjunction with the Director of Rugby 7s (DoR7s), to:

• Choose their coaching and performance support team. Note, Team Managers are appointed, following advertisement, by the DoR and can select their own management support team.
• Develop their performance culture and style of rugby, underpinned by the values and standards of the British Army, ARU and RFU.
• Have final say on player selection.
• The Head Coach will be required to consult with the team manager on management and administration matters.
• The Head coach will be required to liaise effectively with other ARU senior performance coaches regarding player suitability to move between XVs and 7s programmes, supporting the ARU vision and wider team missions.
• The Head coach will provide regular updates on team issues to the DoR7s.
• The Head Coach will be responsible for all aspects of on-field activity for the ARU Women’s Senior 7s and support the team manager in delivering all aspects of off-field activity.

The Head Coach will also be responsible for:

• Creating a high-performance environment for the ARU Women’s 7s.
• Identifying talent and potential for the Women’s Seniors 7s throughout the season through effective links with the Corps and unit rugby network.
• Developing players to exploit their potential in a high-performance environment. This will include provision of regular constructive feedback to players, and Corps/Unit coaches where applicable.
• Producing a coaching report at designated points throughout the season.
• Plan and deliver the coaching, including tactical and game specific skills development programme throughout the season. This is to include detailed training period MELs to accompany calling notices to the CoC.
• Co-ordinating and facilitating a strength and conditioning (S&C) programme for the Women’s Senior 7s in conjunction with the S&C lead and S&C support staff. This should include off, pre and in-season programmes.
• Managing all on-field playing matters, including squad discipline.
• Supporting the Team Manager in the liaison with Corps and Unit teams on the in-season management of Women’s 7’s representative players.
• Advising on the fixtures for Women’s 7s, in conjunction with the DoR7s and Team Manager.
• Providing input to the annual budget submission for the upcoming season.
• Attending such seminars and briefing sessions as may be arranged or organised by ARU from time to time.
• Advising the DoR7s on succession planning for both the Management and Coaching Staff.
• Advising and supporting the DoR7s and players on contract management when applicable.
• Assisting in the promotion of 7s rugby within the wider Army and rugby communities.