Talent Identification Manager, IRFU

The IRFU are inviting applications for the role of Talent Identification Manager, IRFU.

The Talent Identification Manager leads the identification of high-potential players across the national male performance pathways both nationally and globally.

The position is being offered on a full time, 3 year fixed term contract basis.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 10th September 2026.

The IRFU is an equal opportunities employer

The Talent Identification Manager leads the identification of high-potential players across the national male performance pathways both nationally and globally.

The role ensures a consistent, high-quality, and evidence-based approach using on the ground identification, management of selectors network and multiple data analysis software for talent identification. The role will lead the standardisation of assessment and selection processes to strengthen the national performance pathway programme.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

 Operational Manager: Head of Performance Pathways, IRFU

 Functional Manager: Performance Director, IRFU

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Performance Pathways Manager, IRFU


• U20 Head Coach, IRFU


• Performance Pathway Scrum Coach, IRFU


• Performance Pathway Analyst, IRFU


• U20 & Performance Pathway Physiotherapist, IRFU


• Performance Pathway Nutrition Lead, IRFU


• Head of Athletic Performance & Science, IRFU 


• IRFU Legal


• Provincial General Managers


• Provincial Academy Managers 


• Provincial Talent Coaches


• DOR’s/Principals, Coaches and affiliated personnel (Schools & Clubs)

KEY COMPETENCES

Strategic Leadership & Talent Pathway Development

• Proven ability in a professional sports team environment to develop and implement talent identification strategies and succession plans aligned with organisational objectives and performance pathway goals.


• Proven ability in a professional sports team environment to create individual player recruitment plans aligned with IRFU and Province succession plans.

Talent Identification & Decision Making

• Proven ability in a professional sports team environment to identify, assess, benchmark, and monitor high-potential players, using sound judgement and evidence-based evaluation processes.


• Proven ability in a professional sports team environment to use data analysis platforms such as Opta, Oval and SportsCode to produce TiD reports which includes multidisciplinary information to inform decision making process


• Proven ability in a professional sports team environment to create and monitor depth charts from the domestic game to the performance pathway Academies and into the professional game.


• Proven ability in a professional sports team environment to understand player contracting from Performance Pathways into the Professional game within budget guidelines.

Leadership & Programme Management

• Proven ability in a professional sports team environment to lead TiD processes which includes management of talent ID networks while effectively managing complex programmes, resources, budgets, and operational delivery across multiple regions.


• Proven ability to campaign manage age grade programs including building of squads, management of staff and monitoring of campaign to ensure a high standard is delivered.


•  

Relationship Management & Collaboration

• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with players, families, coaches, clubs, schools, academies, provinces, unions, and internal stakeholders.


• Work with provinces and IRFU Performance Pathways staff to nationally identify talent.


• Proven ability in a professional sports team environment to develop relationships with player agents globally to identify Irish Qualified and high potential youth players.


• Proven ability in a professional sports team environment to establish global networks to identify Irish Qualified players.

Communication & Influencing Skills

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide clear feedback, influence decision-making, and represent the organisation professionally at all levels.

Rugby Expertise & Performance Insight

• Strong understanding of rugby performance demands, player development systems, and the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological attributes required for progression from performance pathway to professional level.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Lead and manage the IRFU Talent Identification (TiD) Programme across the male age-grade pathway, ensuring alignment with the IRFU Performance Pathways philosophy and long-term succession planning.


• Lead the Irish Qualified (IQ) Rugby Programme across the UK and internationally, driving the identification, development, and progression of Irish-qualified players into the Irish rugby pathway.


• Develop and implement talent identification strategies, benchmarking frameworks, player depth charts, and succession plans to support provincial and national team performance.

Talent Identification & Player Development

• Oversee the identification, assessment, tracking, and monitoring of high-potential players through schools, clubs, academies, representative fixtures, tournaments, and festivals.


• Lead the nomination and selection process for National and Provincial age-grade representative squads.


• Work closely with the Head of Performance Pathway and Performance Pathway Manager to identify and benchmark Irish-qualified players with professional potential.


• Coordinate player assessments, trial opportunities, and progression plans, ensuring players are provided with appropriate development opportunities within the Irish rugby pathway.


• Maintain player depth charts, benchmarking data, and succession planning information to support informed selection and development decisions.

Programme Management

• Lead the Talent Identification network, providing guidance and performance oversight.


• When required, oversee programme operations, including scheduling, logistics, communications, administration, tours, and equipment requirements.


• Manage programme budgets, including forecasting and expenditure control, ensuring effective use of resources.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with Provincial Talent Coaches, National Age Grade staff, the Exiles Committee, schools, clubs, academies, and other key stakeholders to support player identification and development.


• Collaborate with the Performance Analysis Department to enhance player profiling, benchmarking, and performance monitoring.


• Partner with IQ Rugby patrons to deliver the IQ Rugby Education Awards, supporting players' educational and rugby development opportunities.


• Liaise with player agents and the IRFU Legal Department regarding player eligibility, documentation, and progression into the Irish system.

Talent Identification Delivery

• Undertake extensive travel throughout Ireland, the UK, and internationally to identify, assess, and monitor emerging Irish-qualified talent across schools, clubs, academies, representative fixtures, tournaments, and festivals.


• Represent the IRFU at domestic and international events, building strong relationships with clubs, schools, academies, unions, and key rugby stakeholders.


• Maintain regular engagement with players, families, coaches, scouts, and provincial staff to support player development, progression, and informed talent decisions.


• Ensure consistent communication, reporting, programme reviews, and continuous improvement across the Talent Identification pathway, embedding best practice throughout the scouting and player development system.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, profiles, and depth charts of Irish-qualified players nationally and overseas to support long-term succession planning and pathway decisions.


• Identify, assess, and monitor emerging Irish-qualified talent across Ireland, UK and internationally, ensuring high-potential players are tracked and supported through the IRFU pathway.


• Effectively track player development, progression, and performance through the use of data analysis systems, regular engagement with players, families, clubs, schools, academies, player agents and representative programmes.


• Develop and maintain strong relationships with overseas stakeholders, including clubs, schools, academies, unions, coaches, player agents and Irish-qualified player networks.


• Deliver a consistent and evidence-based talent identification process to inform player selection, development opportunities, and pathway integration through data analysis across multi-disciplinary departments.


• Provide accurate reporting, player updates, and intelligence to support decision-making by IRFU pathway coaches and management teams.


• Evolve the IQ Rugby Programme, ensuring effective identification, engagement, and support of Irish-qualified players globally.


• Represent the IRFU professionally and positively, building trust with players, families, stakeholders, and rugby organisations internationally.


• Ensure effective communication, administration, and coordination of overseas talent

Unique Requirements

This is a high-visibility, high-impact role based in the IRFU High Performance Centre (HPC) in Dublin requiring extensive domestic and international travel. The role holder must be prepared for a rigorous schedule that includes attendance at National Age - Grade fixtures, Provincial representative fixtures and frequent international travel.

The successful candidate must be eligible to live and work in Ireland.

Salary for this role is depending on experience.