Location: Sale Sharks Training Ground, Carrington
Reports To: Academy Manager, Junior Academy Manager
The Role
Sale Sharks is seeking a Junior Academy Coach (Forwards) to coach across the Junior Academy pathway, leading the forwards programme for the U16, U17 and U18 age groups. The successful candidate will work with registered England Academy Players (EAPs), support the delivery of our partner ACE College programmes, and contribute to the ongoing development of players within the Sale Sharks Academy.
The ideal candidate will have experience of developing young players within a performance environment and demonstrate a proven expertise in coaching forwards.
The successful candidate will be primarily based at the Club’s main training venue in Carrington; however, the role will require regular travel to our partner colleges, Myerscough College and Ashton Sixth Form College and other club, school, community, and match venues as necessary. The post holder must be willing and able to travel within the region and occasionally further afield to support training sessions, fixtures, tournaments, and rugby development activities.
Travel Expenses: Reasonable and pre-approved business travel expenses incurred in the course of carrying out duties will be reimbursed in line with the Club’s expenses policy. Normal travel between home and the primary place of work will not be reimbursed. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, deliver and review coaching sessions across the U16, U17 and U18 Junior Academy programme.
- Lead, implement and review Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all forwards across the U16–U18 age groups, liaising with players, parents, coaches and other relevant stakeholders.
- Observe and monitor the progress of England Academy Players (EAPs), working in partnership with England Academy coaches to support their development towards national team selection.
- Conduct pre-season, mid-season and end-of-season player reviews alongside the Junior Academy Manager and wider academy staff.
- Support the planning and delivery of the ACE Rugby Programme in conjunction with coaching staff at Myerscough College and Ashton Sixth Form College.
- Maintain, strengthen and develop relationships with Sale Sharks Academy partner schools and colleges.
- Assist with the identification, recruitment and retention of talented players from across the Sale Sharks Academy region.
- Contribute to the continued development of the Junior Academy programme and wider player pathway.
Development Opportunity
There is potential opportunity for progression into a Lead Coach role within the Junior Academy programme, specifically leading the U17 age group.
Additional Responsibilities
- Work unsociable hours as required, including evenings, weekends, early mornings and bank holidays.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably requested by management that are commensurate with the responsibilities of the role.
- This job description reflects the current requirements of the post. In consultation with the post holder, duties may be amended to reflect changes in organisational priorities or the needs of the Academy.
- This role is subject to satisfactory DBS clearance and all relevant safeguarding procedures.
Person Specification
Essential
- England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award (or equivalent).
- Minimum of 2–3 years’ coaching experience.
- Experience of coaching and developing young players within a performance pathway.
- Current RFU DBS clearance (or willingness to obtain).
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- England Rugby Performance Coaching Award (or equivalent).
- Experience of working within a professional academy, ACE College or high-performance school environment.
- Experience of implementing Individual Development Plans within a player development programme.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your CV, a short covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, and your salary expectations to people@salesharks.com
Further information:
Closing date for applications: Sunday 19th July 2026
