Rugby Development Officer - Women's Pathway

Harlequin Football Club Ltd; Guildford; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Harlequin Football Club Ltd seeks a Rugby Development Officer for the Women's Pathway to enhance coaching for players progressing through their program. This full-time role involves leading initiatives at Worthing College and engaging with community programs to promote women's rugby, requiring a strong background in coaching and tactical knowledge. Ideal candidates will hold an RFU Level 3 qualification and possess experience in player development.

Qualifications

• Experience in performance or development rugby environment.
• Experience recruiting players.
• Desirable knowledge of domestic and international women's rugby.

Responsibilities

• Lead coaching provision for the Worthing College ACE Rugby Programme.
• Deliver development plans for players.
• Support in identification and recruitment of U16 players.

Skills

Tactical and technical knowledge of rugby union

Coaching skills

Player development understanding

Organization

Time management

Education

RFU Level 3 Coaching qualification (or working towards)

Job description

Rugby Development Officer - Women's Pathway

Organisation Harlequin Football Club Ltd Salary Circa 27k Location Richard Meyjes Road, Guildford Surrey, GU2 7AD Contract type Permanent (Full time) Closing date 29 June 2025 Interview date 9 July 2025 Job Description The role in brief:

The Rugby Development Officer – Women’s Pathway is a new role which will strengthen the coaching provision for players currently progressing through the Harlequins Women’s Pathway. The successful candidate will be responsible for the Women’s ACE coaching provision at Worthing College, working closely with the Worthing College Head of Rugby to deliver technical and tactical coaching to identified pathway players. In addition, they will be a key member of the Harlequins Community team, developing a network of entry points into the Harlequins pathway at schools, colleges, affiliate clubs and camp environments.

Details:

• The role will be based at The Stoop with frequent travel to our training ground (Surrey Sports Park, Guildford, GU2 7AD) and Worthing College (Worthing College, Sanditon Way, Worthing BN14 9FD).
• Reports to Harlequins Head of Community with direction taken from Harlequins Women’s Pathway Manager.
• Full time role
• A work schedule which will require work on evenings and weekends.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Worthing College Lead Coach (0.5)

• Responsible for the implementation of the game model as directed by the Worthing College Programme Lead and Harlequins Women’s Pathway Manager.
• Lead on the overall coaching provision for the Worthing College ACE Rugby Programme (squad, small group skills, 1-to-1 sessions) including season periodisation and session design with particular focus on Forwards and Defence.
• Plan and deliver team preview and review meetings before and after college fixtures.
• Support with the selection of the team and the feedback process to players, alongside the Worthing College Programme Lead.
• Deliver individual development plans for selected players as agreed with the Worthing College Programme Lead and Harlequins Pathway Coach.
• Support the Worthing College Programme Lead in delivering a high-quality development environment, staying true to our culture of performance, care and enjoyment.
• Support with the delivery of the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) for selected players.


• Work closely with the wider Worthing College staff including but not limited to; medical, strength & conditioning and analysis to best support the programme and players.
• Support with the identification and recruitment of U16 players to Worthing College, attending U16 games to identify players who have the potential to progress to PDG, England U18s, and Premiership Women’s Rugby.
• Support with the organisation and delivery of Worthing College open days and assessment opportunities.
• Provide regular progress reports to the Harlequins Women’s Pathway Manager.
• Assist the Pathway Manager and the Women’s Pathway Coach in the management and transition of U18 players, liaising with the player development group leads, schools, parents and players.

Harlequins Community RDO, Women & Girls (0.5)

• Deliver high quality coaching to a variety of age grade groups from U7s to Adults in schools, colleges, affiliate clubs and camp environments with weighted focus on female players.
• Support the Community Partnership Executive on affiliate club engagement programmes including (but not limited to) match day experiences e.g. Big Game and home fixture block ticket sales with specific reference to PWR games.
• Work as part of the Community match day activation team including coaching clinics, refereeing tournaments, organising on pitch activation.
• Continually explore ways and opportunities to expand the Community Team’s remit within the female side of the sport in both the run up to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 and beyond – from Foundation to Legacy.
• Responsibility for monitoring and evaluation of the above and relevant programmes.
• Engagement of their given list of affiliate clubs with established girls’ minis and youth sections to develop a stronger connection to the club to help drive camp numbers, PWR match attendance / league ticket sales, Big Game / BSKO sales.
• Lead on developing a network of entry points into the Harlequins pathway at partner schools, colleges and other community programmes.


The Skills, Experience and Qualifications needed:
• RFU Level 3 Coaching qualification (or currently working towards one).
• Be able to demonstrate detailed tactical and technical knowledge of rugby union.
• Experience of delivering in a performance OR development rugby environment.
• Have detailed knowledge and understanding of player development and how to best support the development process.
• Excellent organisation and time management skills.
• Forwards Coach specialist. (Desirable)
• Experience of recruiting players to a team or organisation. (Desirable)
• Experience of ACE college rugby. (Desirable)
• Knowledge of pathway, domestic and international women’s rugby. (Desirable)

The Culture and Behaviours we look for:
• Tempo – Manages their time appropriately to deliver high performance outcomes, but not at individual cost. Knows when to go fast, and also when its right to give things time for reflection and consideration.
• Relate – Understands the fundamental role of relationships in driving high performance and keeps this at the heart of everything they do for players, for the team and for themselves.
• Unconventional – Recognises the unconventional in the players they support and the team they work in and understands the benefits this diversity brings to the team and knows how to utilise it to drive great outcomes. Adapts what they offer to meet the needs of the individual player.
• Enjoyment – understands the importance of enjoyment in driving great outcomes for play and creates time for this.

Closing Date for applications: Sunday 29th June
Interview Date: Wednesday 9th July
Role Start Date: Immediate

Harlequins is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably
qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender
reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
How to apply How to Apply: Please provide a CV and covering letter (combined in 1 document) outlining why youshould be considered for the role, to [e-mail]