New Zealand Under 20 Assistant Coaches (x3)

New Zealand Rugby | National Teams

Location: New Zealand
Contract: Part time fixed term contract

Planning is now underway for the 2026 New Zealand Rugby NZ U20 campaign. 

The Opportunity:

New Zealand Rugby seeks applicants for three assistant coaches for the NZ U20 team. Working alongside the newly appointed National Pathways Coach, these roles will have coaching portfolios to deliver world class coaching to New Zealand’s elite U20 age grade talent in preparation for the TRC and JWC s U20 Tournaments. Remuneration for the role is on a part time basis with commitment to assembling with the team for campaigns and a development week in March. 

The Role:
We will be looking to ensure the coaching group has expertise across all coaching areas so please state your preferred coaching aspect as well as secondary areas of coaching capability.  A high level of expertise is required to ensure players are ready for the demands of international competition. Successful applicants will have experience coaching at NPC level or above across at least one of following disciplines and be willing to contribute to other areas where required:

•    Attack
•    Defence
•    Set piece

Successful candidates will need to be available for the following assemblies:

•    NZR Under 20 Development week Taupo March 14th – March 21st
•    TRC Campaign 16th April - 10th May South Africa 
•    Connection Camp 31st May – 3rd June Wellington 
•    Junior World Championships 15th June – 20th July Georgia

About You:

•    You will have been coaching rugby in New Zealand within the last 2 years at least at a senior provincial level or above in your preferred coaching area.
•    Demonstrated success in developing young players for elite progression
•    Strong technical and tactical knowledge of modern rugby

Desirable:

•    Age Grade International or Super Rugby level coaching experience
•    Experience with high-performance talent identification systems or coaching pathway programmes

What Success Looks Like:

•    The NZ U20 Team winning with mana
•    Athletes in the programme transitioning to professional Rugby in New Zealand within 36 months of leaving the programme.  

Apply Now!

Applications close: 25th January 2026. To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your coaching experience and preferred coaching portfolio.