Waikato Rugby Union - Coaching

COACHING

Representative Coaching & Management Opportunities 2026


Women’s FPC Team - Assistant Coaches
Position Description: 
Waikato Rugby Union is seeking 2 highly capable and experienced Assistant Coaches to join our Waikato Women’s Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) campaign for 2026. As one of our premier teams, this role requires a coach who can operate in a high-performance environment and contribute meaningfully to success in a national competition.


Purpose of the Role:
To support the Head Coach in delivering a high-performing, well-organised and professional campaign that enables players to perform at their best and represent Waikato with pride.


Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Environment:

  • Contribute to a high-performance culture aligned with Waikato Rugby values. 
  • Demonstrate strong leadership, professionalism and integrity. 
  • Build trust and cohesion within the playing group and management team. 
  • Set and uphold clear behavioural and performance standards. 

Coaching & On-Field Delivery: 


  • Plan and deliver high-quality, purposeful training sessions. 
  • Coach technical and tactical components to a high standard. 
  • Support implementation and execution of game model and strategy. 
  • Provide strong on-field presence with the ability to coach effectively “on the grass”. 


Planning & Organisation:

  • Contribute to campaign planning, weekly structures and session design. 
  • Ensure training environments are well-prepared, efficient and aligned to performance goals. 
  • Maintain strong organisational standards across all coaching responsibilities. 


Coaching Philosophy:

  • Demonstrate a clear and aligned coaching philosophy that supports player growth and team success. 
  • Encourage player ownership, accountability and learning. 
  • Create an environment that balances challenge and support. 


Performance Analysis:

  • Assist with game review and preview processes. 
  • Use video and data to provide meaningful insights. 
  • Translate analysis into practical coaching outcomes. 


Player Development:

  • Provide clear, constructive feedback to players. 
  • Support individual development plans. 
  • Foster an environment that enables players to thrive both on and off the field. 


Selection & Squad Management:

  • Contribute to squad selection discussions and decisions. 
  • Provide informed input on player performance and readiness. 
  • Communicate clearly and professionally with players regarding roles. 


Player Identification & Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Actively observe club and school rugby. 
  • Identify and track talent within the Waikato region. 
  • Build strong relationships with club coaches and key stakeholders. 


Campaign & Representation:

  • Represent Waikato Rugby with professionalism at all times. 
  • Contribute to a positive, well-run campaign environment. 


Key Attributes & Experience:

  • Proven coaching experience in high-performance or representative environments. 
  • Strong leadership and communication skills. 
  • Highly organised with strong planning capability. 
  • Clear coaching philosophy and ability to apply it. 
  • Ability to deliver effectively in training and match environments. 


Time Commitment:

  • Campaign period: August – October 2026 
  • Pre-campaign involvement includes player identification, planning and selection. 

How to Apply: Please send a detailed Cover Letter and Coaching CV to Scott Day via email at scottd@mooloo.co.nz. Applications close: 12.00pm, Friday 15th May 2026.



Women’s Development - Head & Assistant Coach 
Position Description: 
Waikato Rugby Union is seeking a Head Coach and Assistant Coaches for the Waikato Women’s Development Team, competing in the Northern Regions Development Women’s Competition.


Purpose:
To lead and support the delivery of a positive, development-focused representative campaign that prepares players for future high-performance opportunities within the Waikato pathway.


Key Responsibilities:
Team Environment & Leadership:

  • Contribute to and lead (Head Coach) a positive, inclusive team culture aligned with Waikato Rugby values. 
  • Support strong communication, accountability, and team standards. 
  • Work collaboratively with management staff and Waikato Rugby Union. 


Coaching & Delivery:

  • Plan and deliver well-organised, engaging, and purposeful training sessions. 
  • Support the development of core skills, game understanding, and decision-making. 
  • Implement team strategies and game plans appropriate to the development level. 
  • Create an environment that encourages learning, enjoyment, and performance. 


Programme Planning & Organisation:

  • Assist (Assistant Coaches) and lead (Head Coach) programme planning, session design, and weekly structures. 
  • Ensure trainings and campaign activities are well organised and aligned to development outcomes. 


Player Development:

  • Provide clear, constructive feedback to support individual growth. 
  • Support players both on and off the field within a development-focused environment. 
  • Encourage player ownership, confidence, and progression within the Waikato pathway. 


Selection & Squad Management:

  • Contribute to squad and match-day selections. 
  • Provide informed input on player performance, development, and readiness. 
  • Communicate roles and expectations clearly and professionally. 


Player Identification & Engagement:

  • Observe club and/or school rugby to support talent identification. 
  • Build strong relationships with club coaches and key stakeholders. 
  • Contribute to the ongoing development of the Waikato women’s player pathway. 


Campaign & Representation:

  • Uphold the standards and expectations of Waikato Rugby. 
  • Contribute to a well-organised and positive campaign environment. 
  • Act professionally with players, officials, and the wider rugby community. 


Time Commitment:

  • Campaign period: August – early October 2026 
  • Additional duties prior to August include player observation, programme planning, and selection support. 


Additional Information:
• These are volunteer roles. 
• Coaches are expected to be available for all trainings, matches, and key campaign activities. 


How to Apply:
Please send a detailed Cover Letter and Coaching CV to Scott Day via email at scottd@mooloo.co.nz. Applications close: 12.00pm, Friday 15th May 2026