Overview

Responsible for delivering performance monitoring, data analysis, and evidence-based support to the senior women’s rugby program. This role optimizes training load, manages recovery, and supports decision-making processes with objective insights. Operate within an interdisciplinary performance support team providing industry leading sport science services, bringing innovative ideas into our operations and programmes to enhance our ongoing practices and improve performance.

Closing Date: 3 October 2025

Salary: £30,000.00

Location: WRU National Centre of Excellence, Hensol

Hours of work: 35 per week. Monday to Friday. The working hours are generally 9am – 5pm; hybrid working - ‘Team Tactics’ allows flexible hours and attendance to support work-life balance.

Responsible to: Women’s National Physical Performance Lead

Contractual status: 6 month fixed term. Subject to 6-month probationary period

The Person

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• A degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in sports science or related area specializing in physical preparation of elite athletes
• Experience working within an elite sporting environment
• Experience collecting, analysing and reporting sport science data in Power BI, Tableau or similar platforms
• Experience working with a female population is desirable
• Experience working in rugby is desirable
• Excellent IT skills, specifically Microsoft package
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with Catapult, Openfield & TeamBuildr data platforms is an advantage but not essential
• Ability to communicate and work through the medium of Welsh is desirable

The Role

Key Responsibilities, Tasks And Activities

• Collect, analyse and report sport science data for the Women’s National Team (GPS, RPE, wellness, HR, force profiling)
• Develop a sport science framework to provide consistency across Women’s Performance and Pathway Programmes in line with WRU Physical Performance Department methodologies
• Ensure routine player monitoring processes are adhered to in and out of camp; lead on reporting to inform decision-making regarding player management and prescription
• Occasional support with Sports Science services (including matches or training) for WRU campaigns and programmes, as directed by the Women’s Physical Performance Lead
• Maintain awareness of latest sport science and technological developments to embed best practice in the programme
• Collaborate with club practitioners to support smooth player transitions between environments; gather and share physical data before and after camp activity
• Day-to-day maintenance and use of Catapult GPS software and hardware
• Work with the physical performance team to create a high performance, elite sports environment
• Gather diagnostic information to support insight into player physical capacity for performance or rehabilitation prescription, using tools such as Vald Performance ForceDecks
• Lead individual or small group strength and conditioning sessions as directed by the Women’s Physical Performance Lead
• Carry out duties in support of the WRU Group Strategic Mission, Purpose and Values

Key Relationships

• WRU Women’s Head Coach
• WRU Women’s Physical Performance Lead
• WRU Men’s National Sports Scientist
• WRU Women’s Coaches, Team Manager & Medical Staff
• WRU Physical Performance and Development Staff
• WRU Performance Pathways Staff
• Club Physical Performance Staff (External)

Other

• Valid UK driving licence is required
• Enhanced DBS disclosure required and reviewed regularly
• Commitment to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practices in employment and sport
• Work in accordance with group policies and procedures, including GDPR and sustainable development
• Understand personal responsibility in complying with health and safety policies

WRU Requirements

The WRU requires proficiency in IT skills (Microsoft packages) and excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships. Ability to communicate through Welsh and a valid UK Driving Licence is desirable. Role is subject to a basic/enhanced DBS check.

The Perks

As a permanent member of the WRU Group, you will have access to a full range of employee benefits including:

• Salary Sacrifice Pension (5% employee contribution, matched by WRU)
• Life assurance scheme
• WRU Group Ticket Allocation
• Employee assistance programme
• Team Tactics – hybrid working arrangements
• Free stadium parking and gym
• WRU Group store and tour discounts
• WRU Group partnership offers
• Eye Care Voucher Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Our Values & Inclusion

URC Group is committed to developing a culture where all employees are valued and respected. Our aims, vision and mission are underpinned by core values: Integrity, Excellence, Success, Courage, Family & Humour. We are dedicated to inclusion and diversity; we can discuss our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy and strategy as part of the recruitment process.

Diversity Monitoring

We collect diversity data to ensure our workforce reflects the society we serve. Any information you provide is used anonymously to monitor the inclusivity of our selection processes and is not visible to your application. You may choose 'prefer not to say'.

Welsh version included above