Coach II: Rugby (P7) (UJ Sport Division) (3 Year- Fixed Term With Benefits) (Re-Advert) at University of Johannesburg

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership, planning and overall direction for the University of Johannesburg High Performance Rugby Programme in alignment with institutional and national rugby objectives.
• Plan, organise, lead and deliver high-performance training programmes, including technical, tactical, physical and mental performance principles across all squads.
• Oversee and conduct structured training sessions focused on advanced rugby fundamentals, positional skills, game models and performance analysis.
• Lead the recruitment, appointment, mentoring and supervision of Assistant Coaches, Specialist Coaches and team management personnel.
• Manage, monitor and evaluate the performance of student-athletes, Coaches and team managers through structured performance reviews and development plans.
• Plan, coordinate and oversee team preparation and participation in Varsity Cup, Varsity Cup Women, Young Guns, USSA Championships and the Lions Grand Challenge League.
• Drive individual player development through personalised coaching, performance feedback and progression pathways aligned to elite rugby standards.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive talent identification and recruitment strategy, including building strong relationships with schools, academies and provincial structures.
• Represent the Rugby Programme and the institution at relevant rugby forums, stakeholder meetings, networking platforms and community engagement initiatives.
• Maintain continuous engagement with the Rugby Programme Manager, support staff and institutional stakeholders to ensure alignment and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure all teams and individuals adhere to the rules, regulations, policies and codes of conduct of the university, governing bodies and competition structures.
• Manage player welfare by ensuring compliance with BokSmart, safeguarding protocols and injury management procedures; report all serious injuries and incidents in line with institutional requirements.
• Promote a holistic student-athlete experience by fostering professional, respectful and supportive relationships that balance academic and sporting excellence.
• Attend and contribute to relevant coaching workshops, high-performance forums and continuous professional development initiatives to remain current with best practice.

Minimum requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree/ B-Tech in Sport Management or a relevant (NQF 7) qualification.
• World Rugby (IRB) Level 2 Coaching qualification.
• Valid BokSmart accreditation.
• Recognised Safeguarding Certificate.
• Three (3) years of relevant experience.

Recommendations:

• Three (3) years’ experience in professional rugby coaching.
• Relations with Sport Federations, Rugby Unions and Schools.
• A qualification in management studies would be an advantage.
• Excellent people skills.
• Knowledge of University systems, policies and procedures.
• Good communication skills, verbal and written.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

• Excellent computer skills in Windows and MS Office.
• The ability to plan work and follow the plans.
• The ability to build and maintain effective relationships and to communicate well with diverse population.
• The ability to work well within a student-focused environment.
• Ability to project a positive image of the club to all clients, stakeholders and potential partners.
• Knowledge of principles, practice/trends and techniques in coaching.
• Ability to use a high degree of initiative and sound judgement.
• Effective negotiation skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Meeting Organisational and Management challenges in the University Environment.
• Effective conflict resolution and communication skill.
• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and work to achieve success.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable to fulfil obligations.
• The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems.
• Together with the manager plan and oversee community engagement projects.