Position Title: U18 Men’s National Team Head Coach
Reports To: Head of Men’s Player Systems and Development
Location: Remote with required travel
Position Type: Part-Time
Position Overview
The U18 Men’s National Team Head Coach is responsible for leading the identification, development, and performance of the nation’s top male athletes under age 18. This role is central to the USA Rugby talent pathway, ensuring a high-quality learning and performance environment that prepares young athletes for U20, Senior National Team, and professional rugby opportunities. The Head Coach will establish a clear playing identity in line with USA Men’s XVs, foster athlete-centered development, and collaborate across the high-performance department to build a sustainable talent pipeline.
Key Responsibilities:
Talent Identification & Development
- Support nationwide scouting and identification efforts in partnership with regional Talent ID Days, academies, and clubs.
- Evaluate athletes holistically—technical, tactical, physical, and character attributes—with an eye toward long-term potential.
- Build and maintain an athlete depth chart and contribute to long-term tracking systems.
Performance Leadership
- Develop and implement a U18 playing philosophy aligned with USA Rugby’s Men’s XVs National Team framework.
- Lead U18 staff to design all training camps, micro-cycles, and match preparation plans
- Ensure high standards of teaching, session planning, skill development, and maintenance of individual development plans (IDPs).
- Manage staff performance, including assistant coaches, S&C, analyst, medical, and support staff.
- Oversee match review processes, unit meetings, and performance analysis integration.
Culture & Athlete Welfare
- Create a high-performance, learning-focused team culture that emphasizes resilience, accountability, and respect.
- Prioritize athlete safety, welfare, and long-term development above short-term results.
- Serve as a visible, positive ambassador for USA Rugby and World Rugby values.
Pathway Integration & Collaboration
- Work closely with the U20 Head Coach, HP staff, academies, regions, and unions to ensure alignment and coordination
- Contribute to pathway curriculum, ID standards, and coach development initiatives
- Support communication with families, schools, and clubs regarding identification, athlete expectations, and progression
Operations & Administration
- Assist with tour and camp planning (budgets, logistics, staffing, communication)
- Help to lead fundraising efforts for the USA U18 Men’s program
- Manage selection announcements, roster management, and athlete communication
- Provide reports after camps, assemblies, and matches to HP leadership
Required Qualifications
- Currently reside in the United States and a certified, registered coach with USA Rugby
- Experience coaching athletes between the ages of 16 and 18. elite youth, academy, or high-performance rugby (national or top club experience preferred)
- World Rugby Level 2 certification
- Strong technical and tactical understanding of the modern game of rugby and how it translates to the international game
- Demonstrated success developing young rugby athletes
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Preferred Qualifications
- World Rugby Level 3 certification
- Currently work full-time in a rugby coaching role
- Experience in national-level pathway systems
- Background in performance analysis, long-term athlete development (LTAD), or player monitoring
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary support teams
Key Attributes
- Athlete-centered mindset
- Collaborative and open communicator
- Strong planner and educator
- Values-driven leader
- Committed to building sustainable 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.
