Please email jobs@nzrugby.co.nz to list it below

CRUSADERS HEAD OF PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE

About the Role:

As the Head of Physical Performance, you will:

• Lead the design, integration and delivery of individualised strength and conditioning programs for Crusaders players.

• Align and integrate physical performance strategies with the coaching philosophy and long-term player development goals.

• Integrate performance monitoring technologies (e.g. GPS, NZR databases) into strategic decision-making.

• Collaborate with medical, coaching, and nutrition teams to optimise player health, recovery, and performance.

• Drive alignment across Crusaders Academy, NPC teams (Canterbury & Tasman), and other representative programs.

• Manage and mentor performance staff including S&C coaches, sports scientists, and dieticians.

• Maintain high standards of reporting, data management, and compliance with NZR guidelines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver world-leading physical preparation across pre-season and in-season phases.

• Lead innovation in performance technology and data integration.

• Strategically manage training loads to maximise weekly performance and reduce injury risk

• Foster strong relationships with players, coaches, and support staff.

• Support the development of future Crusaders through Academy and International Academy programs.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Proven leadership in elite sport performance environments.

• Expertise in strength & conditioning, sports science, and athlete monitoring.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

• Experience working with professional rugby or high-performance teams.

• Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Why join us?

• Be part of a legacy of excellence and innovation.

• Work with world-class athletes and professionals.

• Influence the future of rugby performance in New Zealand.

• Enjoy a dynamic, supportive, and high-performance culture.

Crusaders is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you are passionate about physical performance and ready to contribute to our legacy of success, please apply via Seek.

Mā pango mā whero, ka oti te mahi; with black with red, we will achieve.

Applications close on Friday 12 September 2025 with interviews commencing the following week. A full position description is available on our website.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST - NZR Women's U20s Camp Coaches (x4)

• NZR Women’s U20s HP Development Camp: 2 x Forwards Coaches
• NZR Women’s U20s HP Development Camp: 2 x Backs Coaches

We are seeking four (x4) experienced, passionate, and player-focused coaches to be part of the NZR U20s Women’s High-Performance Development Camp. This camp showcases emerging wāhine rugby talent and plays a vital role in the national talent pathway. 

We will appoint two Forwards coaches and two Backs coaches to prepare players for the four-day camp at NZCIS in Wellington, where the top 50 female U20 players will assemble.

The camp will conclude with an internal match and game-type scenarios designed to test the athletes’ readiness to progress through the pathway.

To Apply

Please send your Coaching CV & Cover letter, indicating what role you are applying for (Backs or Forwards coach) to Joe Payton - NZ Rugby High Performance Player Development Manager-Women's (joe.payton@nzrugby.co.nz)

Please see the Position Descriptions below for further information 

>> U20s Camp Coaches EOI

Note:

• To be considered, Coaches need to have proven experience coaching female rugby players at a representative level and are currently coaching within the female pathway within NZ.
• Overseas applicants will not be considered for these roles.
• These roles are paid and will be remunerated at a daily rate

EOI will close on the 31st August.