WRU seeks Elite Performance Director
The successful candidate will be briefed to ensure the maximum number of high calibre players achieve their full potential and create intense competition for places in the National Team. Details of the vacancy are being distributed around the world and across a range of sporting and commercial disciplines to ensure the widest possible pool of candidates are considered.
The WRU says the Elite Performance Director could be recruited within rugby, from another sport or from a business, academic or commercial background. Any applicant for the job will have to display substantial experience of a leading role within elite performance or the equivalent in a major sporting organisation.
The EPD will work with the current elite performance team to ensure the very latest methods and systems are in place across all aspects of professional rugby and through the academy system in Wales. Details of the vacancy have today been posted on the Welsh Rugby Union website and are being distributed electronically worldwide.
WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis said: “This role is all about putting in place all the right systems to identify, nurture and develop the talent available for the Wales team.
“Massive strides have been made in Wales on Elite Performance and the national squad reflects that effort already. We will make sure that good work is maintained and developed with the best support available.
“Going forward we will ensure all the right resources are in place to keep abreast of all the cutting edge developments available to sports science and player management.
“The supporters in Wales demand the very best from their teams and we have a duty to deliver to ensure the game remains at the heart of our sport and our culture.
“Put simply, our aim for the role is to create a virtual production line of talent delivered straight into the hands of the National Team Coach.”
The EPD will have a place on the Executive Board of the Welsh Rugby Union to ensure the Union’s strategy focuses on delivering the resources and facilities to achieve success. Applicants will require a professional background embracing sports science and managerial skills at a high level.
The EPD will report directly to the Group Chief Executive of the WRU to advise on all the latest developments in the Elite Performance environment. The Welsh Rugby Union will continue the search throughout the summer before setting a deadline to choose the right candidate.
Roger Lewis added: “We want the new Elite Performance Director on board as soon as possible but our main priority will be to get the right person.
“We will be speaking in confidence to high profile individuals who want to understand the demands we will be placing on this role. We’ve done an enormous amount of background work already and some of that is expressed in the detailed job description we have drawn up. Whoever gets this job can be in no doubt – we want Wales to be a winning nation at the top of world rugby.”
The salary for the role will be decided on negotiation with the successful candidate who will be expected to deliver clear, decisive and respected direction and leadership. Details of the job description and how to apply can be found on the Welsh Rugby Union website at www.wru.co.uk/vacancies.
