Position: Head of Strength and Conditioning
Reports to: Director of Rugby
To lead and manage the Strength and Conditioning department in the design, implementation and ongoing evaluation of the Counties Manukau Rugby Athletic Performance Program. Ensure alignment between the pathway, academy and senior development programs across both Men's and Women's programmes. Encourage and lead behaviors that align with our Pride in the Hoops values.
Key Responsibilities Responsible for delivering an integrated athletic performance, player monitoring and management plan to the Steelers/Steelers wider squad players that is aligned with player's rugby development demands.
Lead and coordinate Men's and Women's Pathway Strength and Conditioning coaches to ensure all players receive individual development programmes, monitoring and reporting on pre-season / in-season preparation.
Ensure alignment between pathway and academy development programmes, academy and senior development programmes, and NPC/FPC and Super Rugby / National team requirements.
Work closely with CMRFU support staff (including coaching, nutrition, medical and physiotherapy staff) in implementing an integrated professional player programme.
Manage the planning and implementation of a comprehensive periodised plan of development for all players across all programs.
Ensure all monitoring and reporting procedures are fulfilled for province, age grade, super rugby and NZR via Smartabase/athlete management systems.
Ensure regular progression monitoring of players within the programme via IPP's and Action Plans in Smartabase.
Ensure an excellent level of performance in all areas of strength and conditioning and sports science across strength, power, speed/agility, injury prevention, conditioning and recovery protocols.
Manage the Provincial Union strength and conditioning and support staff to ensure a best practice approach is achieved in terms of content and delivery across all programs.
Manage special projects implemented by CMRFU.
Manage the delivery of the nutrition programmes in conjunction with a shared services nutritionist to ensure best practice delivery across all programmes.
Lead and facilitate the development of all direct reports.
Work with the Director of Rugby to provide strength and conditioning support for club and secondary school rugby teams and programmes upon request.
Support the Referee Education Officer to provide strength and conditioning support for the Referee's Academy.
Steelers squad preparation for the Bunnings National Provincial Championship competition.
Oversee the development and implementation of CMRFU's tactical periodisation plan.
Design and deliver an integrated performance plan alongside the tactical periodisation plan.
Design and oversee a player load management plan.
Ensure regular reporting of information in an effective and useful manner to coaches, and other staff as required.
Proactively promote, educate and monitor nutrition and recovery strategies.
Manage supplementation supplies and distribution in accordance with NZR supplement regulations.
Develop, organise and implement player performance reviews.
Maintain accurate data of Match Officials (referees, assistant referees, referee coaches, referee administrators) on NZRU database.
Provision of reporting requirements to CMRFU and NZRU.
Enhance the image of CMRFU through being a positive role model and demonstrating sound knowledge of rugby development.
Contribute to the wider activities of CMRFU as required.
Qualifications, Experience, Special Skills, and Attributes: Education/Achievements
Degree in Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or a related field.
Preferred
Tertiary qualifications relevant to current position
Experience/Knowledge
Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and managing conditioning programs tailored to rugby-specific demands.
Previous experience at the elite or professional rugby level ideally with NPC, Super Rugby, or other high-performance rugby programs.
Preferred
Minimum of 5 year's experience in strength and conditioning, with at least 2 years in a head or senior role.
Special Skills/Attributes
Ability to provide clear and motivating feedback to athletes and staff, adapting communication style to different personalities and needs.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage program logistics, tracking, and reporting.
Proficient in sports science technology and data analysis, including player load monitoring systems (e.g., GPS tracking, athlete management systems).
Advanced understanding of periodization and program design to align conditioning cycles with the rugby season's demands and schedule.
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