Head Coach - Youth Rugby Academy

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Annual leave and professional dev.

Job summary

Placements24’s client, a prestigious rugby academy in East London, seeks a Head Coach to lead its youth development program and shape the next generation of players. You will design training methodologies, mentor staff, manage safety and welfare, recruit talent, and ensure high-performance standards across age groups.

The role requires 5+ years of coaching experience and SA Rugby Level 2 accreditation, with travel and weekend commitments as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Sports Science, Human Movement, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of coaching experience at youth or junior representative levels.
• Recognized coaching accreditation (e.g., SA Rugby Coaching Certificate Level 2 or equivalent).
• In-depth knowledge of rugby rules, tactics, and player development pathways for different age groups.
• Willingness to travel for matches and tournaments; weekend work.
• First Aid certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive rugby training program for youth players.
• Lead, mentor, and manage assistant coaches and support staff.
• Conduct regular player assessments and provide constructive feedback.
• Scout and recruit talented young players for the academy.
• Plan and manage participation in age-group competitions and tournaments.
• Instill values of sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork, and respect for the game.
• Collaborate with parents and guardians to support player development and well-being.
• Maintain safety protocols and concussion management during training and games.
• Maintain records of player progress, team performance, and training sessions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Motivation

Organizational skills

Planning

Sports psychology understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sports Science or related field

SA Rugby Coaching Certificate Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious rugby academy located in East London , Eastern Cape, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head Coach to lead its youth development program. This is a crucial role focused on nurturing young talent, instilling core rugby values, and developing players to their full potential, preparing them for higher levels of competition. The Head Coach will be responsible for designing and implementing effective training methodologies, mentoring coaching staff, and fostering a positive, disciplined, and high-performance environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in coaching, a deep understanding of player development principles, and a passion for youth sports.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive rugby training program for youth players, focusing on technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, and character development. Lead, mentor, and manage assistant coaches and support staff, ensuring a cohesive and effective coaching team. Conduct regular player assessments and provide constructive feedback to guide individual development. Scout and recruit talented young players, assessing their potential and suitability for the academy. Plan and manage team participation in age-group competitions and tournaments. Instill the values of sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork, and respect for the game. Collaborate with parents and guardians to support player development and well-being. Ensure adherence to all safety protocols and concussion management guidelines during training and games. Maintain detailed records of player progress, team performance, and training sessions. Stay current with modern coaching techniques, rugby trends, and player development best practices. Represent the academy positively within the rugby community and broader sporting landscape. Manage equipment and resources for the youth academy program effectively.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Sports Science, Human Movement, Education, or a related field. Minimum of 5 years of coaching experience at youth or junior representative levels, with a proven track record of player development. Recognized coaching accreditation (e.g., SA Rugby Coaching Certificate Level 2 or equivalent). In-depth knowledge of rugby rules, tactics, and player development pathways for different age groups. Strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills. Ability to work effectively with young athletes, parents, and staff. Excellent organizational and planning abilities. Understanding of sports psychology and player welfare principles. Willingness to travel for matches and tournaments and work flexible hours, including weekends. First Aid certification is highly desirable. A genuine passion for developing young rugby talent and fostering a positive sporting culture.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, recognizing the importance of experienced coaching leadership. Benefits include comprehensive medical aid and a retirement fund contribution. Employees are provided with a generous annual leave allowance and opportunities for ongoing professional development, including advanced coaching courses and workshops. This role offers the immense satisfaction of shaping the future of rugby talent in East London .