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.
Applications are invited for the post of Team Manager (TM) to the Army Men’s 7s Team.
The successful applicant will be expected to start on 1 Mar 26. It is desirable that the successful applicant completes at least 3 seasons.
Applicants should e-mail their rugby CV to the Army Rugby Union (ARU) Chief Operations Officer – Kimberley Fowke via EMAIL
The closing date for applications is Fri 9 Jan 26. The Director of 7s Rugby (DoR) Maj Jeff Howard will contact all applicants directly by Tue 20 Jan 26. Applicants that have passed the CV sift will be called forward for interviews in Feb 26, date TBC.
Following interview, the successful candidate will be notified once the DoR has made contact with all those that were unsuccessful.
QUALIFICATION, RANK AND EXPERIENCE CRITERIA
There are no essential qualifications, rank or experience required for this post. However a working knowledge of JSPs 660, 752 and 800 would be highly desirable. In addition, the successful applicant must be able to comfortably operate with players, support staff and senior officers, have knowledge and enthusiasm and a passion for the development of the game. In addition, the individual must be serving within the British Army, Regular or Reserve.
COMMITMENT
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 entire year, particularly over weekends during the summer period.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Men’s 7s Team Manager (TM) is accountable to the Director of Rugby (DoR). Their key output will be the execution of managerial tasks which enable the team to take the field in a professional manner. Fundamental to carrying out their tasks is effective stakeholder management, good organisational skills, and an understanding of what the Head Coach (HC) needs to deliver an elite rugby 7s team. Team managers from across all teams within the ARU are expected to share best practice and resources where appropriate.
Team Managers are responsible for:
- Support a successful team environment on and off the pitch, ensuring the teams full potential can be achieved.
- Maintain a strong working relationship with the ARU COO, Asst Ops Mgr and Director of Finance (DoF). This will ensure all logistical, safety and financial matters can be resolved.
- Assist the DoR and HC forecast a structured season. Acting as the lead point of contact for the organisers with regards to submitting entries and paying fees.
- On request from the ARU COO/Asst COO, provide kit orders for the season. This must include playing, training and off field clothing. And is then responsible for stock management during the season.
- Arrange for team accommodation in the lead up to a tournament, this must include sleeping arrangements, access to gym and training facilities. It must be in agreeable travel time to tournament locations.
- Manage the teams kit and equipment to ensure it is available when needed. This includes, but not limited to, all training resources, medical equipment, and team gazebo.
- At the end of the season provide the DoF with evidence of justified use of available finances.
- Where appropriate, comply with Army Sport and ARU overseas tour policies, conducting early planning and it is built into the ARU structured season.