Purpose

With the primary objective of coaching the Wallaroos to the 2029 Rugby World Cup finals weekend, the Head Coach will oversee the national XVs player development and team management.

Reporting to the Women’s Rugby HP Technical Director, the Head Coach will operate within a new, integrated High Performance (HP) model - a structure designed to drive alignment between the Sevens and XVs programs for long-term international success.

This coaching role balances a Sydney based daily training environment with a comprehensive 10-match annual international Test schedule.

Key Accountabilities

Management & Planning

• Collaborate with the Women’s Rugby HP Technical Director to co-develop and refine the Wallaroos 2029 RWC Campaign Plan, including its operational implementation.
• Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive coaching plan, training schedule and match-day preparation program in collaboration with relevant staff. This includes developing periodised content across all season phases, to ensure alignment between physical preparation and coaching strategies.
• Collaborate with HP colleagues on strategic player movement, depth chart planning and talent identification to secure the best available talent and ensure our best athletes achieve optimal performances at pinnacle events.
• Lead and facilitate all Wallaroos player selection and performance review processes, ensuring a robust, data-driven and transparent approach to squad management.
• Manage Wallaroos staff, fostering a high functioning team culture dedicated to program excellence. As part of this, ensure the integration of the specific technical expertise of all practitioners and staff within the performance science, medical and analysis functions.
• Liaise with Team Manager on logistics including travel and administration.

Coaching

• Lead the overall coaching strategy and delivery for the Team, while supporting Assistant Coaches and maintaining direct accountability for a specific technical area.
• Establish a clear game model and style of play for the Wallaroos, incorporating comprehensive preview/review cycles and overseeing unit level and individual performance analysis.
• Oversee targeted player skill development, working alongside Assistant coaches to ensure technical improvements translate into on-field impact.
• Ensure that players have a clear understanding for the Laws of the Game, facilitating regular dialogue with Players and Match Officials to ensure disciplined and effective application.

Players

• Maintain oversight of team performance and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards are consistently met.
• In conjunction with relevant staff, lead and deliver effective and consistent player feedback and player welfare reviews and interventions.
• Lead the Individual Development Plan (IDP) process, ensuring every player has a clear, actionable roadmap that drives measurable growth, technical and tactical improvement.

General

• Drive a HP culture engrained around trust, collaboration, world-class standards and discipline both on and off the field.
• Support with stakeholder engagement, promotion of the women’s game and commercial requirements, including presentations and appearances.
• Serve as a key spokesperson, delivering professional media interviews and public representations as required.
• Have an awareness of and comply with all relevant statutory, competition, organisation and cultural standards, policies and regulations.
• Commit to continuous professional development to acquire ongoing learning and improvement as a coach and leader. This includes relevant World Rugby HP Head Coach workshops.

Capabilities, Experience & Qualification Requirements

Candidates should offer significant coaching experience across national, professional, or HP rugby programs. Proven Head Coach experience and a strong background in the women’s game are highly desirable.

Key characteristics include:

• Proven track record in driving the development and delivery of coaching and technical leadership, with the ability to articulate complex strategies in a logical, clear and concise manner.
• Skilled and highly experienced in developing a strong rapport with athletes, particularly elite female athletes; building, nurturing and maintaining positive relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to uphold HP standards, whilst managing and negotiating competing priorities within a high pressure and complex environment.
• Collaborative leadership style, with a proven ability to work effectively across diverse groups - including players, management and wider stakeholders - with a focus on driving connection between women’s national programs and players.
• A resilient growth mindset, with a documented ability to thrive and maintain focus during intense HP campaigns.
• World Rugby Level 3 Coaching Accreditation or Union specific equivalent (or higher).
• Tertiary qualifications in sports coaching, teaching, management, business, or a related field (desirable but not essential).
• Highly proficient in industry-standard technology, including HUDL, Sportscode, and the Microsoft Office Suite, to support data-driven coaching and administration.