Director of Rugby Academy & High-Performance Coach

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary with performance bonu

Health insurance

Retirement fund contributions

Generous annual leave

Ongoing professional development

State-of-the-art rugby facility

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Director of Rugby Academy & High-Performance Coach in Bloemfontein to shape elite rugby talent and lead development across academy and senior squads. You will drive coaching strategy, oversee staff, manage budgets, and ensure injury prevention and performance excellence within the club.

You will build partnerships with schools and unions, champion player welfare, and lead pre-season training and tours while upholding a culture of discipline and success in the Free State.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of coaching experience in rugby, with 5+ years in leadership.
• Advanced coaching accreditation from World Rugby or a recognized body.
• Proven track record developing players for pro and international levels.
• Strong knowledge of rugby coaching methodologies and sports science.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a world-class rugby academy curriculum.
• Lead and manage a team of specialist coaches.
• Oversee recruitment and progression of talented players.
• Design high-performance training for senior and academy squads.
• Coordinate with S&C, sports science and medical staff to optimize development.
• Manage the academy budget and resource allocation.
• Build relationships with schools, unions, and rugby bodies.
• Oversee player welfare and pre-season schedules.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Strategic planning

Communication

Budget management

Staff supervision

Sports science

Player development

Recruitment

Education

Degree in Sports Science

Advanced coaching accreditation (World Rugby)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading sports institution in Bloemfontein , is seeking an experienced Director of Rugby Academy & High-Performance Coach. This pivotal role is responsible for shaping the future of elite rugby talent, overseeing the comprehensive development of academy players, and leading the high-performance coaching strategy. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of rugby at all levels, exceptional coaching expertise, and strong leadership capabilities. You will be instrumental in nurturing young athletes, driving performance excellence, and fostering a culture of discipline and success within the academy and the broader club in Bloemfontein , Free State . Join our dynamic team in the Leisure & Sports sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a world-class rugby academy curriculum focusing on technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, and mental resilience.
• Lead and manage a team of specialist coaches, providing mentorship and ensuring high coaching standards.
• Oversee the identification, recruitment, and development of talented young rugby players.
• Design and execute high-performance training programs for senior and academy squads.
• Collaborate with strength and conditioning coaches, sports scientists, and medical staff to optimize player development and injury prevention.
• Manage the academy budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial accountability.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with schools, provincial unions, and national rugby bodies.
• Oversee player welfare programs, ensuring holistic development and support for academy members.
• Organize and manage pre-season training, competition schedules, and tours.
• Champion a positive team culture built on respect, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in Free State .

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of coaching experience in rugby, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within an academy or high-performance environment.
• Advanced coaching accreditation from World Rugby or a recognized national governing body.
• Demonstrated success in developing players for professional and international levels.
• Comprehensive knowledge of rugby coaching methodologies, sports science, and player management.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.
• Proven experience in budget management and staff supervision.
• A deep passion for rugby and player development.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and during peak competition periods in Bloemfontein .
• A relevant degree in Sports Science, Coaching, or a related field is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary, complemented by a significant performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance, retirement fund contributions, and an generous annual leave allowance are provided.
• Excellent opportunities for ongoing professional development, including attending international coaching symposiums and advanced training programs, will be supported.
• You will work within a state-of-the-art rugby facility and be part of a committed organization dedicated to sporting success in the Leisure & Sports industry.