Head Coach - nib Blues Super Rugby Aupiki

Job Description

Position: Head Coach – nib Blues Super Rugby Aupiki Location: Auckland, New Zealand (Primary base with domestic travel as required) Term: Contract (Season Based) May - August Reports To: General Manager - Blues Super Rugby Club & NZR Women’s High-Performance Manager About the Role The nib Blues and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) are seeking an exceptional high-performance rugby leader to serve as the Head Coach for the nib Blues Super Rugby Aupiki team. In this pivotal role, you will lead the selection, tactical preparation, and elite performance environment for the Super Rugby Aupiki campaign. You will be responsible for driving individual and collective excellence, embedding strong team values, and advancing the high-performance pathway for women’s rugby in the Blues region. Key Responsibilities Establish and model team vision, values, protocols, and performance standards aligned with the nib Blues and NZR. Build a resilient, high-performing culture through effective interpersonal communication and strong leadership under pressure. Lead, manage, and empower the assistant coaching team and support staff to ensure a cohesive, high-performing environment focused on athlete development and team success. Manage player welfare, health, safety, and personal growth in collaboration with the Professional Development Manager and medical staff. 2. Squad Selection & Talent Identification Monitor and assess players across the Farah Palmer Cup, domestic competitions, and national squads to identify top talent. Select the Super Rugby Aupiki squad and matchday teams in accordance with NZR selection protocols and guidelines. Provide structured feedback and individual development plans for selected, non-selected, and replacement players. 3. Coaching, Strategy & Execution Develop and execute a comprehensive coaching philosophy, tactical strategy, fitness plan, and game plan for the season. Lead high-quality training sessions covering set play, attack, defense, open play, and tactical discipline. Utilize modern sports science, video analysis, and performance technologies (e.g., Smartabase) to analyze opposition and refine performance. 4. Stakeholder & Media Relations Maintain collaborative working relationships with NZR High Performance, national coaches (Black Ferns / Black Ferns 7s), and Provincial Union leaders. Act as a positive ambassador for the team and the sport across media channels (TV, print, radio) and commercial/sponsor engagements. Conduct structured player end-of-season performance reviews and complete the overall Coach’s Campaign Report. Key Selection Criteria Qualifications & Experience Must meet at least one of the following requirements within the last 12 months (or cumulatively 3+ years in these roles within the last 5 years): Essential Criterion (Must-Have): Elite coaching experience. Candidates must have a proven track record of coaching at a high-performance, professional, or representative level. Strongly Preferred (Advantageous): Women's rugby experience or a demonstrated understanding of the unique dynamics, development pathways, and performance factors in the women's game. Head or Assistant Coaching experience in Super Rugby Aupiki , Farah Palmer Cup , Black Ferns / Black Ferns XV , or Black Ferns Sevens / Development . Skills & Attributes Proven track record in tactical rugby planning, set-piece execution, and skill development under match-pace pressure. Deep knowledge of modern rugby laws, game trends, and high-performance training methodologies. Exceptional leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills. Strong integrity, media competence, and ability to handle the demands of professional rugby environments. Cultural competency with a deep understanding of, and capability to connect with, Māori and Pasifika athletes and communities. Proven experience building culturally safe, inclusive, and high-performing team environments. #J-18808-Ljbffr