Head of Physical and Nutrition

The role

To lead the strategic and operational delivery of Physical Performance and Nutrition (PPN) across the men’s and women’s game.

The role is accountable for defining, creating and embedding a clear Welsh DNA for PPN — establishing the principles, standards, language and practices that underpin world-class preparation, recovery and performance across all national teams and pathways

We are utilising the support of Elite Performance Partners  to manage this recruitment process.

• Define and embed a clear Welsh DNA for Physical Performance and Nutrition across all teams and pathways
• Lead the development of a world‑class PPN strategy across both the men’s and women’s game
• Establish system‑wide standards, frameworks and language aligned to ‘what it takes to win’ in international rugby
• Lead and manage delivery of PPN services across all national teams and pathways
• Ensure alignment and integration with coaching, medical and wider performance services
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with professional clubs to ensure player alignment and optimisation
• Lead, manage and develop a high‑performing team of PPN practitioners
• Drive innovation and research in PPN to create competitive advantage for Welsh Rugby
• Lead the development of appropriate performance monitoring, data and technology projects in PPN to inform decision‑making
• Manage departmental resources and ensure compliance with all regulatory standards
• Act as a leader and role model for high performance culture within WRU
• Deliver outstanding on and off‑field coaching and learning for the Men’s senior team, and other teams as required using a variety of styles to meet the diverse needs of players
• Collaborate and provide support to the multidisciplinary support team for the men’s senior team, ensuring alignment and collaboration with the wider support team across the WRU
• Support the creation and maintenance of exceptional individual development plans for international players in alignment with the Welsh DNA and in collaboration with regional professional clubs
• Lead the development of an integrated nutrition strategy that is integrated across the different teams that energises staff and players to take ownership of the programme and be energised in their involvement
• Provide appropriate and visible engagement in coaching, selection and development activities for the Welsh international player pathway to ensure alignment of selection and development decisions
• Provide support to WRU coach development activities on an agreed number of occasions per year
• Maintain excellent levels of personal development to ensure knowledge and practice remains at the highest possible level to support role and team objectives
• Act as an exemplary role model for Welsh age grade coaches in coaching and leadership practice and behaviours
• Act as an outstanding ambassador for the WRU and the game in Wales, representing the team in media and communications and work with intelligence and strategic awareness
• Participation in marketing and sponsorship activities according to the needs of the WRU and partners

• Degree in Sports Science, Nutrition or related discipline
• Relevant professional accreditation (UKSCA, BASES, NSCA or equivalent)
• Extensive experience in elite sport
• Proven track record of leading high‑performance teams
• Deep expertise in physical performance and applied sports nutrition
• Experience in international or elite team sport environments
• Strong leadership, communication and relationship skills
• Strong experience and skills using data and technology to inform performance
• Exceptional on and off field delivery using a variety of methods and approaches
• A…