Chiefs Women assistant coach
Location: Exeter, Devon
Contract type: Full-time fixed term
Salary: Competitive
Exeter Chiefs Women are seeking an ambitious, knowledgeable, and passionate assistant coach to join our high-performance rugby programme.
This is an exciting opportunity to work within one of the leading environments in women’s rugby, contributing to the continued growth and success of the team at the elite level.
The successful candidate will take ownership of the defensive system, developing a technically proficient, tactically astute, and physically dominant defence that reflects the Exeter Chiefs identity. As well as assisting in the development of the forwards or backs units.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the planning and delivery of all defence-specific training sessions (defensive system, tackle technique and breakdown principles)
- Design and implement effective defensive strategies in collaboration with the head coach and wider coaching team
- To lead on team defence in collaboration with the head coach and wider coaching team
- Analyse performance data and opposition trends to inform tactical decisions
- Work closely with strength & conditioning, medical, and analysis staff to optimise player performance
- Support individual player development through regular feedback and review processes
- Contribute to overall team strategy, culture, and standards both on and off the pitch
- Assist on matchdays with tactical input, analysis, and in-game adjustments
Requirements:
Essential:
- Proven coaching experience within rugby union (elite, semi-professional, or high-performance pathway)
- RFU coaching qualifications, England Rugby advanced coaching award (formerly Level 3) or equivalent
- Strong technical understanding of the contact area as well as tactical excellence for defensive systems
- Strong tactical and technical understanding of set piece (forward specific) or backs’ strike plays and skills
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
- Commitment to player welfare, development, and team culture
Highly desirable:
- Experience in women’s rugby or high-performance sport environments
- Background in performance analysis tools and data-driven coaching
- Understanding of long-term athlete development principles
- Strong technical and tactical knowledge of team defence
We offer:
- Opportunity to work within a professional, ambitious, and supportive environment
- Access to high-quality facilities and performance staff
- Continued professional development opportunities
- The chance to contribute to the growth of women’s rugby at an elite level
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your coaching philosophy and relevant experience to womensrugby@exeterchiefs.co.uk
Deadline: Friday, 28 August, 2026
Due to the high volume of applicants that we receive, unfortunately we will only be able to contact those successful for interview. Initial interviews will take place in September.