Forwards’ Coach

Club Location: Portsmouth

Club Name: University of Portsmouth

Team Level: Senior - Men's section

Role Type: Voluntary (expenses covered, vision for paid role)

Commitment Expected: Training sessions take place on Mondays, 6pm - 9pm and Fridays, 5pm - 8pm at HMS Temeraire, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth. Fixtures are scheduled for Wednesday afternoons (times & locations vary)

Final date to receive applications: 13/02/2026

The University of Portsmouth Sport and Recreation department manage 34 sports clubs, that offer recreational and competitive opportunities for our students. Our competitive teams take part in a range of leagues and events against other Universities, and are led by a student committee, with support from a team of 8 staff members who help with training facilities, fixture coordination, travel, coaching, health and safety, welfare, events, support services, and club development.

The University of Portsmouth Men’s Rugby club are looking for qualified and experienced coaches to join their coaching team for the remainder of the 2025/26 season, and beyond. The successful candidate for this Forwards’ Coach role will work collaboratively with the Head Coach to lead on the training and development of forwards’ players.

The teams compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) weekly leagues, with the Men’s 1st team in the South East Tier 1 league, the 2nd team in Tier 2, and the 3rd team in Tier 4. The club also has a development team who train and play friendly fixtures.

• Plan and deliver high-quality, engaging, and safe training sessions specifically for the forwards unit and the wider squad.
• Lead on technical and tactical development in key areas, including scrums, lineouts, restarts, and the contact area.
• Performance Analysis:
  Utilise video analysis tools where available to review team and individual performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Match Day Duties:
  Attend fixtures and manage the match-day squad, advising on selection in coordination with other coaches.
• Collaboration & Communication:
  Work effectively with other coaching staff to implement training plans, and maintain excellent communication with the student committee, players, coaches, and Sport and Recreation staff. Support the student committee with the planning and delivery of annual events, where required.
• Safeguarding & Conduct:
  Adhere to all safeguarding, health and safety, and code of conduct policies and reporting processes, including the Team UOP Charter, acting as a positive role model for all players.

• RFU Level 2 Coaching Award (or equivalent);
  Level 3 preferred.
• Significant experience in coaching rugby, specifically within a forwards’ role.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.
• Commitment to training and fixture schedule.
• Ability to obtain an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and appropriate coaching insurance.

This will be a voluntary position to support our current coaches for the remainder of 25/26 (finish date 10th May 2026), with a paid position available from September 2026.