Assistant coach

Exeter Rugby Chiefs; Exeter; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to high-quality facilities

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Exeter Rugby Chiefs are looking for an ambitious assistant coach to join the women's high-performance rugby programme. The successful applicant will lead the forwards unit, driving team performance through effective training and strategic planning. Candidates need proven coaching experience, RFU qualifications, and strong leadership skills. This role offers a chance to work in a professional environment dedicated to growing women’s rugby. The position starts in July 2026 and comes with a salary of £40,000.

Qualifications

• Proven coaching experience within rugby union at elite or high-performance levels.
• Strong technical understanding of forward play, especially in scrum and lineout.
• Commitment to player welfare and team culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and delivery of forwards-specific training sessions.
• Design and implement effective set-piece strategies.
• Support individual player development.

Skills

Coaching experience in rugby union

Excellent communication skills

Leadership skills

Technical understanding of forward play

Ability to work collaboratively

Education

RFU coaching qualifications

England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award or equivalent

Tools

Performance analysis tools

Job description

Working hours: Times and days are dependent on the weekly fixture

Salary: £40,000

Start: July 2026

About the role:

Exeter Chiefs Women are seeking an ambitious, knowledgeable, and passionate assistant coach to join our high-performance rugby programme. This is an exciting opportunity to work within one of the leading environments in women’s rugby, contributing to the continued growth and success of the team at the elite level.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the forwards unit, developing a technically proficient, tactically astute, and physically dominant pack that reflects the Exeter Chiefs identity.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and delivery of all forwards-specific training sessions (scrum, lineout, maul, breakdown)
• Design and implement effective set-piece strategies in collaboration with the head coach and wider coaching team
• To lead on team defence in collaboration with the head coach and wider coaching team
• Analyse performance data and opposition trends to inform tactical decisions
• Work closely with strength & conditioning, medical, and analysis staff to optimise player performance
• Support individual player development through regular feedback and review processes
• Contribute to overall team strategy, culture, and standards both on and off the pitch
• Assist on match days with tactical input, analysis, and in-game adjustments

Person specification:

• Proven coaching experience within rugby union (elite, semi-professional, or high-performance pathway)
• RFU coaching qualifications, England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award (formerly Level 3) or equivalent
• Strong technical understanding of forward play specialising in scrum and lineout elements
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Commitment to player welfare, development, and team culture
• Experience in women’s rugby or high-performance sport environments
• Background in performance analysis tools and data-driven coaching
• Understanding of long-term athlete development principles
• Strong technical and tactical knowledge of team defence

What we offer:

• Opportunity to work within a professional, ambitious, and supportive environment
• Access to high-quality facilities and performance staff
• Continued professional development opportunities
• The chance to contribute to the growth of women’s rugby at an elite level

How to apply:

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your coaching philosophy and relevant experience to: [e-mail] . Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Exeter Chiefs Women are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.