BRISTOL ENGLAND RUGBY ACADEMY

ACADEMY MANAGER

The England Rugby Academy structure forms part of the RFU’s World Class Performance Plan and is supported by a significant investment from Sport England. In association with Bristol Rugby, we are seeking an Academy Manager to lead the regional academy based at the Guinness Premiership Club.

The appointee will be involved in the operation of the academy, overseeing the personal and athletic development of identified academy athletes, whilst preparing them for a professional club playing career and developing them to challenge for places within England representative sides. You will work closely with the academy’s academic partners, Constituent Bodies and their clubs.

In particular, you will:

·         Guide the personal and athletic development of all academy athletes.

·         Oversee the development of structures and feeder systems that identify playing talent.

·         Identify and recruit athletes with potential from other sports.

·         In conjunction with the Director of Academies and England Team Managers, including the National Academy Manager, establish and agree world class performance standards for fitness, diet, skill measures and attitude for academy squad players.

·         In conjunction with national coaches and club Head Coach manage an effective lifestyle mentoring process for all members of the academy squad.

·         Advise the club Head Coach on the appointment/availability of appropriate coaching, medical and administrative staff and co-ordinate their activities.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the highest standards of personal, professional and managerial attributes. Ideally they will:

·         Have a sophisticated understanding of elite player development and evaluation.

·         Have significant experience in mentoring and support of young players.

·         Be well versed in developing constructive working partnerships with both sports and non-sports based organisations.

·         Have an energetic and inspiring personality, allied to effective communication and presentation skills.

·         Be achievement orientated and able to deliver in an outcome driven environment.

·         Be a strong, effective manager of players, coaches and development staff.

·         Be confident in the application of information technology within the context of player development, monitoring and evaluation.

Initially the appointment will be made for a fixed term (negotiable), with good prospects for continuation thereafter. The remuneration package offered will reflect the significance of the role and the capabilities of the successful candidate.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter, to the Recruitment Officer, HR department, Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Rugby Road, Twickenham TW1 1DS  or by email to recruitment@therfu.com. Further information and an information pack is available by calling our 24 hour recruitment hotline 0870 143 2404; or by emailing us.

Applications must be submitted by noon on Tuesday 30 May 2006.  Interviews will take place in early June 2006.

The Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure process applies to this post