Elite Player Development Officer (Leinster Rugby)

The IRFU and Leinster Rugby are inviting applications for the role of Elite Player Development Officer (EPDO).

This position is being offered on a full-time, 2 year fixed-term contract basis. 

For more details of the role, please see the job description below.

The closing date for applications is strictly 29th July 2026.

The IRFU and Leinster Rugby are equal opportunities employers.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

1. POST TITLE

Elite Player Development Officer (EPDO), Leinster Rugby

2. ROLE AND PURPOSE OF POSITION

Development and coaching of forwards for the professional game in Leinster and
Ireland to world-class standards with specific focus on Academy, Ken Wall COE
and NTS players.

3. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Operational: Academy Manager, Leinster Rugby


• Functional: Head of Performance Pathways, IRFU

4. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Directly reporting to the Academy Manager, working with Leinster Senior and
Performance Pathway coaches to ensure alignment across Academy, Ken Wall
COE and NTS programmes.

• Academy Manager, Leinster Rugby


• Head Coach, Leinster Rugby


• Provincial Talent Coach, Leinster Rugby


• Player and Coach Development Manager, Leinster Rugby


• Senior, Academy and Performance Pathway Coaches, Leinster Rugby


• Performance Pathway Staff, IRFU


• AIL Division 1A and 1B Coaches/DOR’s in particular


• Principals/DOR’s/Head Coaches of rugby playing schools/Youth Select Squad

5. KEY QUALITIES

• Experienced Performance Coach (Stage 4) working towards or equivalent,
  specialising in set-piece coaching (scrum and lineout)


• Detailed understanding of forward play with knowledge of the individual
  positional characteristics for each position, particularly with the ‘tight 5’
  players


• Excellent organisation, communication and teamwork skills


• Ability to build and maintain relationships with players/coaches and key
  stakeholders along the Performance Pathway

6. RESPONSIBILITIES

General areas of responsibility include:

• Manage and operate the Academy, Ken Wall COE and NTS programmes in
  the province as directed by the Academy Manager


• Ensure world-class best practice and delivery to all Performance Pathway
  players


• Delivery of a structured and planned individual technical programme (core
  skills) across the season to Academy, Ken Wall COE and NTS players


• Deliver technical sessions to Provincial age-grade squads and nominated
  individuals within the province


• To provide on-going feedback to Academy, Ken Wall COE and NTS players
  through attending and reviewing individual games


• To deliver technical and tactically content at seminars, workshops and CPD
  events as required by Academy Manager


• Complete all administrative and logistical duties as directed by the
  Academy Manager


• Carry out specific activities as assigned by the Academy Manager


• Assist or Coach National Teams as designated by the IRFU Head of
  Performance Pathways

7. PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Key focus will be the quantity and quality of forwards developed 
  through Academy, Ken Wall COE and NTS programmes to world-class
  benchmarks


• Percentage of Academy forwards contracted to the Leinster Senior Squad


• Establish efficient and effective work practices that drive agreed outcomes


• To be qualitatively assessed by colleagues and players on an on-going basis


• Portray a competent and professional image of the IRFU and Leinster Rugby


• Track and monitor player development through IRFU software platforms to
  ensure programmes, delivery and assessment criteria are fit for purpose


• Ensure alignment and delivery of the winning teams and high performing
  people pillars of the Leinster Rugby strategic plan

Additional KPIs will be set and agreed on an annual basis