Head Coach, Men's Rugby - Temporary

The Head Coach of Men's Rugby Sport Club team reports to the Associate Director of Campus Recreation for Programming.

Founded in 1869, the Princeton University Rugby Football Club is one of the oldest and most storied collegiate rugby programs in the United States. Competing in both the fall and spring seasons, the club fields multiple sides and maintains an active roster of over 50 student-athletes. PURFC is known for its high level of competition, strong team culture, and commitment to both athletic and personal development.

The club competes regularly against Ivy League and top regional programs and has earned numerous accolades, including multiple New Jersey State Championships, Ivy League titles, and appearances in the USA Rugby National “Sweet 16.”

Open to all Princeton University students regardless of background or prior rugby experience, PURFC is committed to fostering a team-oriented, respectful, and high-performing environment on and off the field. The Head Coach plays a central role in guiding the team’s athletic and cultural direction, developing players, and preserving the legacy and values of Princeton Rugby.

This head coach position is paid $50-63.00 per hour.

• Adhere to all parts of the Princeton University Rugby safety protocols with a “Safety First” mindset.
• Execute a strategy for building a regionally and nationally competitive rugby team in the MARC D1-AA Conference.
• Develop a comprehensive and structured practice plan while encouraging input from team leaders on training sessions and game plan development.
• Teach fundamentals of rugby to new or inexperienced participants with a commitment to student safety.
• Develop game strategy and provide post-game analysis to players.
• Attend games both home and away, as well as an annual Developmental Tour.
• Adhere to Princeton’s Rights Rules & Responsibilities and uphold the University’s mission statement.
• Coordinate with the club’s athletic trainer and recruitment officers to uphold Princeton’s medical clearance process, support injured players, and stay up-to-date with Princeton University Health & Concussion policies and World Rugby/NCAA medical guidelines.
• Collaborate at Rugby Alumni Board Meetings to further the development of the Princeton Rugby program.
• Provide oversight and management of assistant coaches as necessary.
• Collaborate with student officers to encourage participation in rugby by promoting the sport among admitted students.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the Princeton Sport Clubs Office and the Women’s Rugby Coaching Staff.

• 3-5+ years of rugby coaching experience at the collegiate level, club level or higher; national level coaching experience in 15s or 7s.
• Evidence of exceptional leadership qualities.
• Proven ability to coach players across all experience levels—from introducing contact and safety fundamentals to new athletes, to refining techniques and strategy for elite-level performance.
• Evidence of strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of students, university administrators, other instructors, athletic trainers, grounds/facilities personnel, and rugby alumni board members.
• Ability to represent the philosophy and educational goals of Princeton University.

Requirements

• USA Rugby Level 100 certification or equivalent required; Level 200 certification preferred; Referee experience/Level 1 qualification preferred.
• Adult CPR/First Aid/AED Certification.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as the practice and game schedule dictates.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; Princeton University does not sponsor work visas for this position.

Must be available to commit approximately 20 hours per week during game weeks, including practices, matches, travel, and team meetings. Coaching responsibilities follow the Princeton academic calendar, typically running from late August through the end of April, with a month-long break in December and January during winter recess.

Be advised that you will be contacted only if there is further interest in your application. Your candidate dashboard may not display status updates for this requisition.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.