Why join us
Flexible, positive work environment.
Ongoing learning and development.
Organisation laptop and phone plan.
A fully maintained work vehicle provided for business-related travel across the region.
Values-led, supportive team culture.
About the role
Rugby Southland is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head Strength and Conditioning Coach to lead the organisation’s physical performance programme. This role is responsible for preparing Southland Stags, Academy and pathway athletes to perform at their best, while supporting long-term development, wellbeing and sustainable performance.
Working closely with rugby coaches, medical staff and performance personnel, you will design, deliver and continually improve strength, power, speed, conditioning, monitoring and injury-risk-reduction systems. You will lead physical preparation during the National Provincial Championship, oversee academy and pathway programming, and use performance data to guide decisions, feedback and individual athlete development.
Your responsibilities include
Design, periodise and deliver evidence-based strength and conditioning programmes covering strength, power, speed, conditioning and injury-risk reduction.
Lead the physical performance department during the Southland Stags National Provincial Championship campaign.
Conduct physical testing and monitoring in line with NZR guidelines, keep player records current and provide clear reporting to athletes, coaches and management.
Use GPS, wellness, testing and other performance data to advise programming and support optimal training and competition performance.
Work with medical staff to design and deliver return-to-training and rehabilitation programmes.
Develop a strategic plan, annual performance plans and KPIs for the Strength and Conditioning Performance Programme, and report against delivery.
Establish positional and individual physical standards for NPC athletes and provide athletes with clear development priorities.
Oversee Academy and pathway physical preparation, supporting the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach and aligning programmes to individual competency levels.
Lead, mentor and educate performance staff, interns and contractors to build capability across the Rugby Southland system.
Contribute to the identification and development of emerging athletes and foster an athlete-centered environment that promotes wellbeing, professionalism and sustainable performance.
Maintain strong relationships with coaches, medical staff, external providers and wider stakeholders, and support Rugby Southland initiatives in the community.
Assist team management with Stags training and travel requirements, including travel to away fixtures and tournaments when required.
As the successful candidate, you will have
A bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science or a related field.
Demonstrated experience designing and delivering strength and conditioning programmes, preferably within high-performance rugby.
Strong knowledge of athlete monitoring, physical testing, programme periodisation and performance analytics.
Excellent planning, time-management and operational skills, with a logical and systematic approach to delivery.
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate athletes, staff and coaches.
A collaborative, team-focused approach and the ability to build rapport with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Attention to detail and effective systems for monitoring, tracking and reporting work.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends and travel for away fixtures and tournaments.
Experience with athlete-monitoring platforms, GPS and force-velocity profiling systems would be advantageous.
A current full New Zealand driver’s licence.
About Rugby Southland
Rugby Southland has been at the heart of community sport in the deep south since 1887. We support rugby across the region through our clubs, schools, competitions, development pathways and representative teams, including the Southland Stags and the Hinds. Proudly maroon and gold, we are shaped by the character of Southland: hardworking, resilient and full of heart.
Our purpose is simple: To Inspire Our Community. Our values are Honesty For All, Strive For Excellence and Achieve Our Goals. We are looking for a performance leader who will bring expertise, energy, collaboration and high standards to the development of Southland athletes and people.