The Board of Governors is seeking to appoint a Rugby Development Pathway Coach to support and complement the work of the Director of Rugby in delivering high-quality coaching and development opportunities. The successful applicant will contribute to the delivery of RBAI's Rugby Curriculum, with a particular focus on players within the Development stage of our pathway.
RBAI includes Inchmarlo, the Preparatory Department. Required for: 3 years Responsible to: Director of Rugby; Principal Contractual Hours: Full-time equivalent and as required to meet the needs of the post, including Saturdays. MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Plan and deliver quality coaching across the rugby pathway. 2. Lead, coach, and manage the development stage of the pathway, under the direction of the DoR.
Including players and staff. Lead selection for Development teams. Coach a designated team as determined by the Principal. 3. As associate referee manager, co-ordinate associate referee provision in line with fixture list, under the direction of DoR and in conjunction with Head of Rugby Admin.
Develop an associate referee pathway to recruit and educate associate referees. 4. Contribute to RBAI skill development programme, under the direction of DoR. Including skills sessions before school, lunch-times etc. 5. Assist with primary school outreach events and Festivals, communicating with stakeholders. 6. Assist with co-ordination of sponsorship. 7. Contribute to the launch and delivery of the RBAI Individual Player Development Programme (IDP's), including player-led reviews, performance analysis, and weekly goal setting. 8. Support the DoR in provision for regular CPD for coaches.
Share best practice to raise the quality of coaching across all stages, with a particular focus on Foundation. 9. Develop a performance analysis team within RBAI (can include pupils) to facilitate filming training sessions and matches.
Co-ordination of filming for training sessions and matches across pathway.
Assist in preparing clips and reports for players and coaches.
Assist in preparing clips and reports for relevant players and coaches. 10. In co-ordination with Ulster Rugby and RBAI S&C, develop and introduce RBAI nutrition resources for players and parents. 11. In conjunction with DoR and RBAI mental skills coach, develop and introduce RBAI mental skills programme across the player pathway. 12. Contribute to the delivery of RBAI's Rugby Development pillars: Quality Coaching, Rugby Curriculum, Integrated Performance, Resources & Facilities, Fixture Provision, PR & Communication. 13. Ensure best practice in player welfare, injury prevention and return-to-play protocols. 14. Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and respect for the game. 15. Tours, training camps and fundraising. 16. Assist in administrative tasks and any reasonable requests from DoR and Principal. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA • IRFU (or equivalent) Coaching Award (Youth or above). • Proven coaching experience within school or club rugby. • Strong organisational and communication skills. • Commitment to player-centred development.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA • IRFU (or equivalent) Senior/Performance Coaching Course. • Experience and ability to develop specialist unit skills. • Experience in performance analysis (e.g. Sportscode, Hudl) • Experience in developing and delivering CPD to coaches. • Experience working in education.
REMUNERATION £27,000 - £32-000 per annum. Commensurate with experience and to be discussed at interview.
APPLICATION Please send a letter of application, including a CV and the names and addresses of two referees (one to address rugby experience), along with the completed Monitoring Form and Pre-Employment Vetting Declaration. The Application Pack is available to download from the school website. Please return your application to the Principal's PA at The Royal Belfast Academical Institution, College Square East, Belfast, BT1 6DL or by email to .
The closing date for applications is 4pm on Tuesday 18 August 2026. Interviews will be held on Thursday 3 September 2026. The School is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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