Head Coach Men's U20

JOB TITLE: Head Coach Men’s U20

Vision: Inspire the Rugby World the American Way

Mission: To enhance the capability of our coaches and athletes to strive for international success to ensure we win when it matters

Philosophy: Performance driven, coach-led and player centered environment

Success Measures:

- Performance: Competitive international U20 performance and player progression into U23/Falcons, professional rugby and the senior Eagles - People: Highly engaged coaches, athletes and staff that deliver a focused environment that produces better athletes and better people - System: Performances on and off the field provide a positive influence on retaining and growing our rugby community, fans, sponsors and philanthropists to grow and sustain our game

Reporting:

Title: Head Coach Men’s U20

Reports To: Head Of Men's Pathways & Systems

Department: High Performance

Location: Remote

Pay Range: $7,000

Closing Date: December 4, 2026

ROLE PURPOSE

USA Rugby is seeking a Head Coach to lead the Men's U20 program, prepare players to perform in international competition, and develop the next generation of Men's Eagles.

We are building an American pathway model that connects the environments where players develop every week with the demands of international rugby. The successful candidate will align with the senior Eagles' direction, recognize the strengths of the players available, and turn that understanding into clear coaching, effective preparation, and individual development.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead the U20 team's playing identity, preparation, and match performance in alignment with the senior Eagles' game model. - Lead the coaching group and integrate analysis, athlete performance, medical, and operational support. - Work with the Head of Men's Pathways & System on player evaluation, selection, development priorities, and transition opportunities. - Deliver clear, purposeful training that fits short international preparation windows and varied player backgrounds. - Establish a team environment grounded in Love, Work and Energy, with clear standards and accountability. - Use match evidence and meaningful KPIs to guide review, feedback, and training. - Maintain effective communication with players and their club, college, and development environments. - Move players along the international pathway with clear direction on technical, tactical, physical, and mental improvements to progress toward being a future Eagle.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AND DELIVERABLES

- Agree meaningful team and player KPIs with the Head of Men's Pathways & System and use training and match evidence to track improvement. - Translate opposition previews and match reviews into clear player feedback and purposeful training responses. - Document individual development priorities and measurable coaching impact through player assessments and reviews. - Provide timely camp assessments and communicate player readiness and transition opportunities across the pathway.

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND PATHWAYS

Support player progression into U23/Falcons, professional rugby, and the senior Eagles. Use agreed positional profiles and the STARS framework to assess players, communicate individual development priorities, and provide timely post-camp assessments to Men's Pathways staff.

QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

- Proven ability to bring global best practice into new environments. - Evidence of effective coaching and player development in competitive rugby environments. - The ability to teach, simplify complex information, and help players apply learning under pressure. - Strong game understanding, selection judgment, and experience leading coaches and support staff. - An approach that combines international performance ambitions with individual player development. - The ability to adapt the game model to player strengths while maintaining national program alignment. - A collaborative approach, openness to feedback, and commitment to athlete welfare. - Availability for the confirmed preparation, camp, competition, travel, and remote planning commitments.

Experience in age-grade, representative, international, or comparable performance environments is desirable. Applicants should explain the relevance of their experience and qualifications.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit:

- Coaching CV, including qualifications and relevant experience. - Coaching philosophy, maximum two pages. - One example of player development and the impact of your coaching, maximum one page. - U20 program vision and leadership approach, maximum two pages. - Two professional references and a statement of availability and potential conflicts.

Shortlisted applicants will complete a 30-minute pedagogy assessment, coaching philosophy presentation, opposition preview, match review and training action plan, and leadership interview. Common assessment materials and preparation instructions will be supplied.

Application deadline: December 4, 2026

Apply via: Teamwork Online

Appointment term and remuneration: 1 year with the option of a 1 year renewal. $7,000 annually

Program dates and time commitment: U20 Selection Camp May 7th - May 9th , U20 Canada Series May 29th - June 13th, U20 JWC Prep June 14th - June 20th & U20 JWC June 21st - July 12th

Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and completion of applicable USA Rugby safeguarding, background, and coaching eligibility requirements.