A job advert seeking a new Head of Rugby Development, who will sit on the executive board, has been placed on the WRU’s website.
The union is seeking a new candidate for the job following the departure of Nigel Davies who has been appointed as the new Head Performance Coach of the Llanelli Scarlets.
The Head of Rugby Development will be responsible for the leadership and development of the game at all levels throughout Wales below the National Team. Candidates for the role will be expected to have a track record of developing both individuals and teams plus extensive managerial experience.
The job advert states: “This challenging and dynamic role requires an ability to balance the need for growth in participation and improvement in performance.”
The new rugby supremo will be part of the WRU’s senior management team with a seat on the union’s executive board.
The Head of Rugby Development will manage the development strategy for the game in Wales along with the structure and pathway for player, coach and referee development.
All the age grade, sevens and womens Wales teams will be part of the remit along with the entire community game across all the divisions. The development of the WRU academies and the semi professional Premiership Division of Welsh rugby will also be priorities.
The development of schools rugby will feature strongly in the role which will aim at boosting participation in the game and developing the elite pathway which eventually leads into the national squad.
WRU Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: “The person appointed to this job will play a key role in shaping the game of rugby in Wales for the future.
“Our aim is to maximise participation and to ensure a dynamic player development pathway is in place.”
Following the WRU’s review into the professional game, the first results of which were unveiled last month, it was confirmed that the role of elite performance director is to be split into two roles dealing with elite performance within the national team set-up and elite performance at all levels below.Â
The review, which has involved all of the key stakeholders in the game in Wales, aims to create the optimal structure and staff for taking rugby forward throughout the nation and included the following highlights.
* The importance of hands-on elite performance management and direction in the National Squad Coaching Team. It was announced that Craig White, one of the most respected rugby fitness and conditioning coaches in the world game has joined the Welsh set up alongside an already formidable and successful team of conditioning, nutrition and sports medicine experts
* The need for hands-on elite performance management at the level below the national and regional structure to link up the age grades, academies and Premiership teams. It has been decided that a new post will be created to achieve this.
* The significance of the Head of Rugby Development position within the WRU, working in conjunction with the elite performance management team in the National Squad Coaching Team and elite performance below this level.
* Coach, player and match official development below the National Squad Coaching Team will now report into the Head of Rugby Development.
* The Head of Rugby Development position will be elevated to a WRU Executive Board post.
* An increased focus on the Community Game with a new rugby club development team which will augment our regional community managers and development officers.
* The opportunities to share resources at the National level with the four Regions.
