Head of Athletic Performance - National Men’s Sevens

Rugby Australia (Rugby AU), the governing body of Rugby Union in Australia, is looking for a Head of Athletic Performance – National Men’s Sevens, who has the ability to lead and prepare a program that will ensure our athletes are the best physically prepared for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The purpose of the role is to:

  • Lead and deliver the national Men’s Sevens team program in line with Rugby Australia’s strategic plan, including the creation of a high-performance culture
  • Ensure the National Men’s Sevens team is a successful and winning team true to their identity
  • Provide and facilitate ongoing support, education and professional development for Emerging and Youth national teams, and State Union Program Coaches and Program Managers

Responsibilities:

  • Provide quality leadership, direction and delivery of the national Men’s Sevens team program (and programs for players in contention for selection) to achieve high performance results. Includes:

Planning

  • Develop and quantify a team preparation plan (annual periodization plans) for all domestic tournaments, World Sevens Series, Sevens World Cup and Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
  • Within the context of the season plan, and working in collaboration with program staff, lead the development and execution of individual player plans, that result in enhanced performance. This includes the development and use of the athlete management system for coach, staff and player tracking and feedback
  • Ensure effective staff leadership, collaboration and alignment across coaching, operations and logistics, physical performance, performance science, medical science and research including the design and implementation of integrated assessment programs for player and team performance
  • Lead the weekly scheduling of practice and performance activities
  • Assist in the development of a national strategy and direction for athletic performance, injury rehabilitation, nutrition and any other sports sciences in Australian rugby from participation rugby to national Sevens team level (in conjunction with the National Head of Athletic Performance, as well as including Sevens and Wallabies programs )

Coaching

  • Plan, execute and review all team and individual practice sessions
  • Review skills and team training daily with regards to planned outcomes including volume and intensity; and provide feedback and recommendations to staff and players
  • Review daily information pertaining to the performance, physical status and well-being of individual players provided by staff and athlete management systems
  • Regularly assess and report on the compliance and effectiveness of individual and team recovery programs
  • Assist Rugby Australia’s Sport Science Administrator with the implementation of the national testing program at National Men’s Sevens team level and analyze and report results to team staff and players

Operational & Reporting

  • Maintain and enhance utilization of a national physical performance data management system for all National Men’s Sevens team players and players in contention for selection
  • Liaise closely with State Union Programs, Heads of Physical Performance to align programming and information (data) analysis (including load analysis)
  • Provide regular updates to the Head Coach on the physical performance status of all National Men’s Sevens team players and players in contention for selection
  • Liaise with other National Men’s Sevens team staff and national program staff to advance knowledge of player in terms of athletic performance and preparation for Seven’s rugby
  • Coordinate information pertaining to a player’s rehabilitation from injury program and status
  • Ensure that the national player data management system is used to record and produce the relevant reliable information on players that will enable strong objective decision making regarding player management in planning for individual tournaments and campaigns
  • Monitor and apply best practice conditioning, injury rehabilitation, nutrition and other sports science techniques from international and domestic high-performance sports programs, including any such research results (ongoing personal education and training program)
  • Share speed, conditioning, rehabilitation, nutrition and sports science methods and results from the national Men’s Sevens team programs with the Heads of Performance of State Union team programs and other national teams (eg Youth and Emerging teams)

Pre-Requisites:

  • An advanced skill set and knowledge in developing speed and running capacity for field sport athletes
  • Industry recognised education and accreditation - Level 2 ESSA, Level 2 ASCA and a Masters in S&C coaching and Level3 ASCA would be desirable
  • Program leadership and management skills – high level position held with evidence of proven high- performance physical performance coaching
  • Strong association with elite rugby or sport
  • Strong computer and associated program knowledge and skills and data management eg date management systems, word, excel (spreadsheets),) Outlook/Elite Rugby or sport experience leading and delivering a physical performance program
  • Ability to align the physical requirements of the game with the vision of the Head Coach
  • Proven quality people management and ability to build relationships
  • High level of technical knowledge; strong coaching credentials
  • Ability to educate and raise the standards of athletes
  • Ability to develop a positive performance culture, championing teamwork
  • Demonstrates personal commitment to the pursuit of excellence
  • Proven work ethic
  • Willingness to challenge, be challenged and listen
  • Proven program judgement, planning and quality decision making capability
  • Ability to deal with a high level of public scrutiny

To apply please send your CV and cover letter supporting your application to Rachel Buckling at Rachel.buckling@rugby.com.au alternatively, you can call Rachel Buckling on +61 2 80055528 for a confidential discussion. Closing date 1st April 2022.