Senior Head Coach

Role Title: Leighton Buzzard RFC Head Coach (Seniors)
Reports To: Club Committee / Chairperson
Works Closely With: Assistant Coaches, Playing Captains, M&J Director of Rugby,
Committee, Age Grade Coaches, Safeguarding Officer, Club Volunteers
Location: Leighton Buzzard Rugby Football Club
Commitment: Part-time, Paid

Role Purpose
The Head Coach (HC) will provide strategic leadership for the men’s senior teams,
manage the coaching team and lead the on-field coaching delivery. They will work
with the M&J DoR to support player transition from Colts to seniors, ensuring a high-
quality experience for progressing players. They will lead a senior programme
focused on player experience, retention and success.

Key Responsibilities

1. Planning
   Develop a seasonal training plan to best develop all players in the 1st and 2 nd team to
   be successful in their respective league and cup competitions
   Arrange and manage pre-season fixtures to best suit player needs and availability
   Liaise with the assistant coaches to ensure training is planned for Tuesday and
   Thursday sessions each week promptly to best suit the needs of the team,
   individuals and in line with the skills of the coaches
2. Coaching
   Foster an environment of development, focusing on individual and unit skills to
   support an expressive and high-tempo game plan

Build a positive, supportive and inclusive team environment that provides players
enjoyment, success and challenge

Develop the technical, tactical and life skills of the players that you are coaching
Manage and maintain resources and equipment
Provide players with specific and meaningful feedback and feed forward regarding
their performance
Ensure the health and safety of the players is paramount in all activities following RFU
guidelines and best practise
Communicate with relevant individuals regarding training and match plan (manager,
coaches, committee, social media lead)
Act as the first point of contact to the players for ‘on-field’ matters
Lead team selection for both the 1 st and 2 nd teams in conjunction with the captains
and assistant coaches
Work to ensure all players are registered in line with the relevant league and RFU
regulations
Manage the team warm up, in game and substitutions on a match day
Support the development and progression of the assistant coaches

3. Transition
   Coordinate with the M&J DoR, Colts coaches, players, parents and club safeguarding
   officer on the transition plan for individual players through to senior rugby
   Provide feedback and development opportunities for players transitioning to senior
   rugby
   Lead joint sessions integrating the transitioning players to ensure they are welcomed
   and supported
   Provide comment on transitioning players for RFU sign off to play senior rugby
4. Administration
   Liaise with the players every week to for availability
   Update and manage Spond for player availability and fixture planning

Provide the relevant individuals with team selections for announcement and
promotion
Provide the committee reports and data as required
Manage the RFU registered players list
Work to recruit local players into the club

Key Skills & Experience

Essential:
 Strong knowledge of rugby union coaching and development
 Understanding of transition and the barriers to player retention
 Experience working with senior players
 Leadership and organisational skills
 Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
 Understanding of player development
Desirable:
 RFU Level 3/Advanced coaching or Level 2 qualifications
 Experience in a Head Coach or assistant coach role within a senior
programme
 Experience managing and enhancing player transition
 Safeguarding and First Aid certification

Personal Attributes
 Passion for developing players
 Positive, inclusive, and approachable attitude
 Strong leadership and mentoring capability
 Ability to motivate volunteers and build a strong team culture
 Commitment to the values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and
sportsmanship

Time Commitment

1. Twice weekly presence at training sessions (Tuesday and Thursday)
2. Availability on Saturdays for league and cup matches (August through May)
3. Attendance at periodic planning and review meetings
4. Administrative time for communication with relevant individuals

Performance Indicators

1. Development and maintenance off an engaging and positive on and off field
   culture
2. On-field success (League and Cups)
3. Retention of senior players
4. Player retention and progression rates of colts to senior rugby
5. Developing senior assistant coaches and wider club coaches

Additional Information

1. The role is subject to DBS clearance
2. The club is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Remuneration – To be discussed and agreed at interview
Closing Date – 17th June 2026
Application Process – Applicants should email their CV and a covering letter, no
longer than 2 sides of A4, to Director of Rugby Phil Llewellyn at
philip.llewellyn@bcu.ac.uk. Candidates are welcome to reach out for a conversation
to discuss the role in confidence if useful or necessary.