Wallabies Head Of Strength & Conditioning

As we commence the ‘Golden Decade’ Rugby Australia (Rugby AU), the governing body of Rugby Union in Australia, is looking for an experienced Head of Strength & Conditioning Coach to develop, implement and direct the physical performance strategy and program for the Wallabies to ensure success.

Key Responsibilities

Planning

• Provide quality direction for the physical conditioning program of the Wallabies team (and players in contention for selection) to achieve high performance.
• In conjunction with the National Head of Athletic Performance develop and quantify a preparation and physical performance plan for the Wallabies.
• In consultation with the Head of Athletic Performance and other staff as required, develop, and quantify a season plan for the Wallabies.
• Within the context of the season plan, and working in collaboration with Super Rugby staff, develop and execute individual player plans that result in enhanced performance.
• Work with the medical staff to design, implement and assess integrated screening programs and incorporate injury prevention programs; facilitate a reporting method using the player data management system for coach and player feedback.
• Lead the weekly scheduling of physical preparation and performance (including recovery) in line with and understanding all rugby requirements.

Coaching

• Manage the role of Strength & Conditioning Coach.
• Plan, execute and review all physical performance sessions, with the help of the Strength & Conditioning Coach.
• In conjunction with the coaching staff, and with respect to the season plan; plan, execute and review skills and team training.
• With the help of the Strength and Conditioning Coach review skills and team training daily with regards to planned volume and intensity; and provide feedback and recommendations to coaching staff with respect to planned versus executed load.
• Together with the Strength & Conditioning Coach report daily to the Head Coach on information pertaining to the performance, physical status, and well-being of individual players.
• Plan and oversee the execution of individual and team preparation (warm up) for all sessions.
• Monitor player loads and performance via GPS and other proven and available technology (training and playing).
• Plan and oversee the implementation of individual and team recovery elements for all sessions.
• Regularly assess and report on the compliance and effectiveness of individual and team recovery programs.
• With the help of the Strength & Conditioning Coach, implement the national testing program at the Wallabies team level and analyze and report results to the Head Coach and other team staff as well as SRC Heads of Athletic Performance.

Reporting

• Oversee the maintenance of a national physical performance data management system for all Wallabies team players and players in contention for selection.
• Liaise closely with SRC program heads of physical performance to align programming and information (data) analysis (including load analysis); includes but not limited to at least two face to face meetings each year with each SRC Head of Physical Performance.
• Provide regular updates to the Head Coach on the physical performance status of all players and players in contention for selection in the Wallabies.
• With the help of the Strength & Conditioning Coach coordinate information pertaining to a player’s rehabilitation from injury program and status.

Super Rugby

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with Super Rugby team coaches, heads of physical performance, nutritionists, and other sports science staff.
• Collaborate and advise relevant physical performance coaching, high performance, and sports science staff from Super Rugby teams regarding the national strategy and direction for player conditioning, injury rehabilitation and nutrition, high performance sports science developments and relevant research results.
• Share conditioning, rehabilitation, nutrition and sports science methods and results from the Wallabies to the heads of physical performance of Super Rugby and other national teams.
• Leading role in designing education and professional development for national and Super Rugby team coaches, heads of physical performance, Strength & Conditioning coaches, nutritionists, and other sports science providers, including the results of any research undertaken by Rugby AU or Wallabies.

To be successful, you will need to have:

• Program leadership/management - Rugby or sport experience leading a physical high-performance program.
• Industry recognised education and accreditation - minimum requirement ASCA Professional Level 2 and Elite Level 3 and a Masters in Exercise & Sports Science or equivalents would be desirable.
• Strong computer and associated program knowledge and skills and data management.
• Proven quality program leadership and management skills.
• 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 with diverse stakeholder groups to create win/win outcomes.
• High level of technical knowledge and strong coaching credentials.
• Ability to educate and raise the standards of stakeholders.
• Ability to develop a positive performance culture, championing teamwork.
• Demonstrates personal commitment to the pursuit of excellence.
• Willingness to lead and be held accountable.
• Proven work ethic and quality decision making capability.
• Willingness to challenge, be challenged and listen.
• Ability to deal with a high level of public scrutiny.
• High personal standards and expectations of others.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly and acceptance of unusual work hours.