Position Title: U18 Men’s National Team Assistant Coach
Reports To: U18 Men’s National Team Head Coach
Location: Remote with required travel
Position Type: Part-Time
Position Overview
The U18 Men’s National Team Assistant Coach supports the Head Coach in delivering a world-class high-performance and development environment for the nation’s top male athletes under age 18. This role is focused on unit leadership, athlete development, and pathway alignment, ensuring players receive consistent, high-quality coaching that prepares them for progression to U20, Senior National Team, and professional rugby. The Assistant Coach is a key teacher, connector, and culture carrier—working closely with players, staff, and the wider pathway to bring the Head Coach’s vision to life.
Key Responsibilities
Athlete Development & Unit Leadership
- Serve as a lead coach for a positional group and or area of play (forwards, backs/attack, defense, etc…) as assigned by the Head Coach.
- Deliver high-quality technical and tactical coaching aligned with the U18 playing philosophy and USA Men’s XVs framework.
- Support the creation and implementation of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all players.
- Provide clear, consistent feedback to athletes that promotes learning, accountability, and growth.
Training, Camps & Match Preparation
- Assist in planning and delivering all training sessions, camps, and match-day preparation.
- Ensure sessions are well-organized, high-tempo, and aligned with long-term athlete
development principles.
Lead unit meetings, walkthroughs, and skill development blocks.
Support game planning, opposition analysis, and match review processes.
Talent Identification & Tracking
- Assist with talent identification at regional events, Talent ID Days, academies, and competitions.
- Provide input on player evaluations, selection decisions, and depth chart management.
- Contribute to long-term athlete tracking and reporting systems used across the pathway.
Culture & Athlete Welfare
- Uphold and reinforce a culture of respect, accountability, resilience, and professionalism.
- Build strong, trusting relationships with athletes.
- Prioritize player welfare, safety, and long-term development at all times.
- Serve as a positive role model and ambassador for USA Rugby values.
Pathway & Staff Collaboration
- Work closely with the Head Coach, U20 staff, S&C, medical, and performance staff to ensure alignment across the pathway.
- Support communication with academies, clubs, schools, and families when appropriate.
- Contribute to pathway curriculum, ID standards, and coaching development initiatives.
Operations & Administration
- Assist with camp and tour logistics, planning, and communication.
- Support video analysis, reporting, and post-camp reviews.
- Help manage player communication and administrative follow-up as directed by the Head Coach.
Required Qualifications
- Currently reside in the United States and be a certified, registered USA Rugby coach
- Experience coaching players ages 16–18 in elite youth, academy, or high-performance environments
- World Rugby Level 2 certification
- Strong technical understanding of modern rugby and positional skill development
- Demonstrated ability to teach, motivate, and connect with young athletes
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally
Preferred Qualifications
- World Rugby Level 3 certification
- Experience in national or elite pathway systems
- Background in performance analysis, LTAD, or player monitoring
- Experience working in multidisciplinary high-performance teams
Key Attributes
- Athlete-centered teacher and developer
- Collaborative, supportive teammate
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Positive culture builder
- Passionate about growing American rugby talent
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
