Rugby Strength and Conditioning Coach

Placements24; Randfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Health insurance coverage

Pension fund contribution

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Access to top-tier training facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Rugby Strength and Conditioning Coach to lead the physical preparation of a senior squad based in Rustenburg. You will design tailored strength and conditioning programs, assess athletes, and collaborate with medical staff to optimize performance and safe return to play.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of rugby S&C experience, CSCS/ASCA accreditation, and strong knowledge of biomechanics, physiology, and nutrition.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Exercise Science, Sports Science, Kinesiology, or related field.
• Accreditation from CSCS or ASCA.
• 3–5 years of experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in rugby or similar sport.
• Proven ability to design and implement periodized training programs.
• Strong knowledge of biomechanics, physiology, and sports nutrition.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver individualized and group strength and conditioning programs for rugby players.
• Conduct athlete assessments to monitor progress and adjust programs.
• Collaborate with medical team on rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols.
• Educate athletes on lifting techniques, injury prevention, and nutrition.
• Maintain training logs and performance data for all athletes.
• Stay updated with research and best practices in sports science and rugby performance.
• Plan in-season and off-season training schedules.
• Ensure safe use of training equipment and facilities.
• Contribute to strategic performance planning.

Skills

Strength & conditioning expertise

Periodized training design

Athletic assessment

Biomechanics knowledge

Physiology knowledge

Nutrition knowledge

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Exercise Science / Sports Science / Kinesiology or related field

Tools

CSCS

ASCA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent professional rugby union, is seeking a highly qualified and dedicated Rugby Strength and Conditioning Coach to join their high-performance team based in Rustenburg, North West. This role involves designing, implementing, and overseeing all aspects of the physical preparation for the club's senior squad. You will work collaboratively with the head coach, medical staff, and other support personnel to ensure athletes are optimally conditioned for the demands of professional rugby. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical knowledge base combined with extensive practical experience in sports-specific strength and conditioning, particularly within contact sports. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of a leading rugby franchise and to work within a supportive and professional environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver individualized and group strength and conditioning programs tailored to the specific needs of rugby players across different positions.
• Conduct athlete assessments to monitor progress, identify weaknesses, and inform program adjustments.
• Collaborate with the medical team to manage athlete rehabilitation and safe return to play protocols.
• Educate athletes on proper lifting techniques, injury prevention strategies, and nutritional guidelines.
• Maintain detailed training logs and performance data for all athletes.
• Stay current with the latest research and best practices in sports science, strength and conditioning, and rugby performance.
• Plan and execute in-season and off-season training schedules.
• Ensure the safe and effective use of all training equipment and facilities.
• Contribute to the overall strategic planning of the team's performance objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Exercise Science, Sports Science, Kinesiology, or a related field.
• Accreditation from a recognized Strength and Conditioning body (e.g., CSCS, ASCA).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working as a Strength and Conditioning Coach, with specific experience in rugby or a similar high-impact team sport.
• Proven ability to design and implement periodized training programs.
• Proficiency in assessing athletic performance and developing targeted interventions.
• Strong understanding of biomechanics, physiology, and sports nutrition.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required by the team's schedule.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Pension fund contribution.
• Paid time off and holiday leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and further certifications.
• Access to top-tier training facilities and equipment.
• Supportive team culture and a dynamic work environment.