Head Of Performance Pathways

The IRFU are inviting applications for the role of IRFU Head of Performance Pathways.

The Head of Performance Pathways is responsible for delivering the IRFU Performance Pillar through a high-performance pathway that connects National Age-Grade squads, Provincial Academies, National Talent Squads (NTS), and All-Ireland League (AIL) Division 1 Clubs and nominated Senior Schools.

The position is being offered on a full time, 2 year fixed term contract basis.

The closing date for applications is Friday 6th February 2026.

Head of Men’s Performance Pathways

The Head of Performance Pathways is responsible for delivering the IRFU Performance Pillar through a high-performance pathway that connects National Age-Grade squads, Provincial Academies, National Talent Squads (NTS), and All-Ireland League (AIL) Division 1 Clubs and nominated Senior Schools.

This role is the key link between age grade potential and professional excellence, ensuring that the through put of talent remains consistent, resilient, and capable of ensuring the long-term success of Ireland’s National teams.

Core Areas of Responsibility

Strategic Leadership and Executive Performance

• Actively contribute to the IRFU Strategic Plan by translating high-level performance objectives for the IRFU Performance Pillar into actionable departmental roadmaps.
• Provide the Performance Director with rigorous, data-driven assessments of the pathway’s health identifying systemic strengths, mitigating threats, and capitalising on emerging opportunities throughout Irish Rugby.
• Oversee the allocation and management of a substantial High-Performance budget, ensuring prudent financial controls and strategic return on investment.
• Working with the Domestic Game to ensure appropriate development, coaching and competition structures are established in both schools and clubs within the IRFU Performance Pillar.

Performance Pathway Leadership

• Select, mentor, and motivate a diverse department of performance pathway specialists, driving a culture of continuous learning and adherence to international best practices.
• Lead the performance management appraisal process for all direct reports, providing technical support and professional development opportunities to ensure staff remain at the cutting edge of professional rugby.
• Contractual oversight of all Provincial Academy contracts on an annual basis through discussions with Provincial Academy Managers.
• In partnership with Rugby Players Ireland (RPI), be the driving force behind a holistic development model that prioritises player welfare, dual-career education, and life-skill readiness.
• Ensure effective relationships and engagement across the nominated Senior Schools and AIL teams, maintaining the effectiveness of the current National Training Squad (NTS) and representative pathways to meet succession and planning objectives.

Succession Planning

• Proactively identify long-term positional gaps within the National team depth chart and implement targeted pathway interventions to address the positions of concern at both Age Grade national and provincial level.
• Coordinate with Age Grade National and Provincial coaching staff to ensure young players are in environments where they can maximise their development.
• Work with the Pathway Manager in the global identification and recruitment of IQ talent, ensuring a seamless transition into the domestic system for professional prospects living abroad.

Experience and Qualifications

• Evidence of designing and implementing elite player development systems that have successfully graduated professional athletes into the professional and international game.
• Recognised World Rugby or Union technical qualifications, underpinned by a deep understanding of the modern professional demands of rugby union.
• Experience in large-scale strategic planning, budget forecasting, budget management, and corporate governance.
• Knowledge of men’s performance rugby in Ireland and globally.

Professional Skills

• International benchmarking to anticipate long-term trends in world rugby to enable the Irish Rugby performance pathway to stay ahead of the competition.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build a unity of purpose among diverse stakeholders, including provincial CEOs, schools, and private clubs.
• A result-focused mindset that uses data science and performance analytics to validate coaching decisions and pathway efficacy.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• The volume and quality of Academy contracted players successfully transitioning into professional contracts with Irish Provinces.
• Successful delivery of the "Performance Pillar" objectives, evidenced by the depth and quality of the National U20 and U18 representative sides.
• High levels of satisfaction and retention among High-Performance staff and successful alignment between Provincial and National performance pathway staff.

• Manage the total performance pathway budget to ensure that actual expenditure is within budget, while ensuring 100% of high-performance program requirements are met across all performance pathway programmes

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 all National Age-Grade fixtures, Provincial representative fixtures and frequent, hands-on visits to the four Provincial Academies.

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

Salary for this role is depending on experience.

Our benefits include:

• 22 days basic annual leave entitlement
• Family friendly policies
• Health insurance from 1st day
• Birthday leave
• Education assistance Programme
• IRFU Group Scheme – discounts from brands and retailers
• Wellness initiatives, including self care leave
• Bike to work scheme

Respect                   Excellence             Accountability            Integrity