POSITION DESCRIPTION AND SELECTION CRITERIA
Position Title: Director of Rugby and Head Coach Mako - Tasman Rugby Union
See Appendix 1
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Type of Employment: Two (2) year fixed-term contract
Date:
Purpose of the Position
The Director of Rugby and Head Coach provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all Tasman Rugby Union high-performance programmes, including the Tasman Mako Men’s, Women’s, and age grade teams Under 20/ U18, U16, etc. The role integrates strategic planning, elite coaching, programme development, and people management to ensure the long-term success, growth, and sustainability of the Tasman Rugby Union.
The Director of Rugby leads the development and implementation of a unified rugby philosophy, oversees player and coach development pathways, and ensures the delivery of a high-performance environment that promotes excellence, professionalism, wellbeing, and continuous improvement.
This position also includes primary responsibility as Head Coach of the Tasman Mako team & staff (see Appendix 1).
The Tasman Rugby Union reserves the right to amend this Position Description to meet operational requirements.
Reporting Lines
Reports to:
- CEO, on matters relating to team performances, employment, recruitment, contracting, and coaching development.
Direct Reports:
- Tasman Mako Coaching NPC Team
- Tasman Mako Coaching FPC Team
- High Performance Staff
Internal Relationships:
- Tasman Mako Coaching & Support Staff.
- Tasman Mako Management Staff.
- Tasman Mako Players.
- High-Performance staff, Crusader Academy Manager and coaches.
- Director of Community Rugby.
- Director of Business.
- Tasman Rugby Board of Directors via the Rugby Committee.
- Premier Club Coaches & 1st XV Coaches.
- PDM
External Relationships:
- Players & Player Agents
- Tasman Rugby Mako Scouts
- Talent Identification Network
- Crusaders Coaches, Crusaders Academy Manager and other High-Performance Staff
- NZ Rugby High-Performance Staff
- NZ Rugby Players Association
- New Zealand Rugby Union, Provincial Unions
- Media
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. Strategic & Operational Leadership
Develop and implement a comprehensive coaching rugby strategy and seasonal performance plan that aligns with Tasman Rugby Union objectives and the Mako high-performance philosophy.
Develop and implement a comprehensive and successful Men’s & Women’s NPC Rugby program and performance plan that aligns with Tasman Rugby Union winning in national competitions.
Define, enhance, and embed the “Mako Style of Play,” ensuring consistency of coaching methodologies, player development frameworks, and performance expectations across all programmes.
Oversee the delivery of structured talent pathways, including emerging talent squads, academy programmes, and transition planning for players progressing from 1st XV to senior rugby.
In partnership with the CEO, Crusader Academy Manager, and Mako Manager lead the development of annual high-performance plans, budgets, staffing structures, and resourcing needs.
2. Coaching & Player Development
Serve as Head Coach of the Tasman Mako team (see Appendix 1), leading technical, tactical, physical, and mental performance preparation.
Select in partnership with the CEO and the Rugby Committee the coaching staff for all NPC team and all development team/s.
Design and deliver high-quality training sessions that integrate skill acquisition, game understanding, leadership development, and wellbeing.
Provide consistent, specific, and constructive feedback to players, utilising performance analysis, individual performance plans, and development reviews.
Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-achieving team culture built on professionalism, accountability, discipline, and respect.
In conjunction with the team manager, to oversee aspects of game day operations, ensuring player readiness, staff coordination, and alignment with performance expectations.
Prioritise player welfare, safety, and holistic development in collaboration with medical, S&C, Professional Development Manager and wellbeing staff.
3. Coach Leadership & Development
Work with the CEO to retain, recruit, lead, and mentor coaching staff across all Tasman Rugby Union programmes.
Provide professional development, guidance, and performance evaluation for Premier Club coaches, 1st XV coaches, and pathway coaches.
Develop a coaching education programme that fosters continuous improvement, consistency of coaching standards, and alignment with regional and national high-performance systems.
Facilitate shared learning, workshops, and collaborative development across the regional coaching network.
4. High Performance Programme Management
Plan, coordinate, and manage Men’s & Women’s high-performance programmes, training blocks, camps, and competitions.
Develop and manage seasonal training schedules for all squads involved in the Mako performance pathways (Mako Men, Women, U20, U18 & U16, and development programmes).
Working in partnership and with the Crusader Academy Manager to oversee depth charts, player monitoring systems, and individual performance plans.
· Leads, manages and co-ordinates the placement of all the HP pathway players in partnership with Crusaders Academy Manager to align with the Premier Clubs.
Coordinate with NZ Rugby on development camps, national pathways, and performance expectations.
Ensure talent identification and succession planning across club, school, and development rugby environments.
5. Player Recruitment, Retention & Pathways
Lead retention and recruitment strategies for high-performance players, including scouting staff & players, contracting recommendations, and succession planning in partnership with the CEO and Crusader Academy Manager.
Oversee player engagement and retention programmes that promote long-term involvement and connection to the region.
Foster relationships with clubs, schools, academies, and rugby partners to support sustainable player pathways.
6. Relationship Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with players, clubs, coaches, sponsors, community stakeholders, Crusaders, NZ Rugby and TRU Staff.
Represent the Tasman Rugby Union with professionalism, integrity, and strong communication.
Engage regularly with clubs and coaches through visits, training observations, and collaborative initiatives.
Uphold confidentiality, reliability, and the values of the Tasman Rugby Union always.
7. Administration, Financial & Communication
Provide weekly updates to the CEO and High-Performance staff, and monthly reports to the Rugby Committee.
Prepare comprehensive performance reports, programme evaluations, and season reviews of all programs.
Ensure accurate and up-to-date documentation, including team lists, depth charts, training plans, and reporting frameworks.
Lead the development and execution of the High-Performance budget.
Ensure TRU High-Performance operates within approved budgets and maintains strong financial discipline.
Oversee and liaise with the Mako Manager to ensure effective management of logistics, travel, equipment, facilities, and operational requirements of both NPC teams.
8. Leadership, Culture & Environment
Foster a safe, positive, and high-performing environment for all players, staff, and coaches.
Role model the behaviours expected within a professional performance environment and align to the Mako Way.
Promote a winning culture based on humility, respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.
9. Work Health and Safety
Demonstrate a strong commitment to health, safety, and wellbeing across all rugby environments.
Ensure compliance with Tasman Rugby Union policies and procedures.
Report hazards, incidents, and risks promptly.
10. Community, Commercial & Representation
Support Tasman Rugby Union commercial, community, and promotional initiatives.
Represent the Tasman Rugby Union professionally at events, community engagements, and national forums.
Contribute positively to the reputation, brand, and culture of Tasman Rugby.
OTHER INFORMATION
Personal & Professional Development
Actively engage in ongoing professional development, including coaching accreditation, leadership development, and high-performance education.
Community Engagement
Support and participate in community rugby initiatives, outreach programmes, and development activities.
Appendix 1
Head Coach – Tasman Mako (NPC) - Contact for extended Job Description.
Purpose:
Reporting to the CEO and ultimately the Tasman Rugby Board, the Head Coach (Director of Rugby) is responsible for leading the team both on and off the field to a standard of excellence capable of winning at NPC level. This role aims to enhance the reputation of the TRU, Team, NPC competition, and NZ rugby.
The Head Coach will lead Tasman Mako players and coaching staff to maximise performance across all aspects of the game and, in partnership with the CEO to contribute to delivering a high-performance environment that supports player development to their full potential.
Additionally, the role is part of the Tasman Rugby Union Director of Rugby Job Description that includes leadership collaboration of the Tasman Rugby Union high-performance program and staff to provide expertise in identifying and developing players within the high-performance pathway and franchise and national programs.
Additional Information
- Nelson/ Blenheim based role
- Two (2) year fixed-term contract
- Significant travel, evening, and weekend commitments required
Any Enquires
Wayne Young Chairman Tasman Rugby Union +64 21 332 677 or email Wayne Young joandwayney@xtra.co.nz
Apply Now
If you are ready to lead at the highest level and make a lasting impact on Tasman Rugby, we want to hear from you.
Applications close: Sunday April 5, 5pm.
Apply to Chairman Tasman Rugby Union, Wayne Young joandwayney@xtra.co.nz
Reference: TRU Director of Rugby
COMPLETE DETAILS