UP Professional and Support
POSITION: TUKSRUGBY: HEAD SPORTS SCIENCE AND CONDITIONING
CONTRACT: FULL-TIME FIXED-TERM CONTRACT
In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Providing strategic oversight for designing, implementing Sport Science and Conditioning for TuksRugby men’s and women’s rugby teams
- Develop and implement a comprehensive Sport Science and Strength & Conditioning strategy for TuksRugby that aligns with the TuksRugby coaching philosophy and meets the club's performance plan, goals and objectives
- Create and execute effective training programmes to enhance the athletes’ performance, including but not limited, strength, power, speed, fitness and injury-prevention.
- Deliver Sport Science operational services for the Tuks-1 men’s team across all training, competitions and leagues.
- Conduct athlete monitoring and management in all areas related to athlete performance
- Work closely with the Head Coach, sports medical staff, and sports scientists to optimise athlete readiness, enhance performance, and minimise risk of injury
- Contribute towards the development of Sport Scientists, Interns and Students
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Degree in Sport and/or Exercise or related qualification
- CSCS (NSCA), UKSCA, World Rugby Strength and Conditioning or equivalent certificate
- 5 years of Sport Science or Strength & Conditioning coach experience in Rugby at University/Provincial/Franchise level
- Valid driver’s license
- First Aid and CPR certification
- BokSmart certification
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):
- Expert knowledge of sports science and exercise
- Advanced knowledge of periodisation models, sport-specific strength modalities and load management
- Advanced understanding and awareness of the issues facing high-performance sports medicine, coaching, teaching and instruction.
- Advanced knowledge of current conditioning practices and systems around the world in several sports, more specifically, rugby.
- Advanced understanding of the physical, mental, & physiological requirements of rugby and how to effectively develop these requirements in elite rugby players.
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of the game of Rugby and the ability to individualise specific conditioning programmes.
- Proficient in Statistical Analysis
- Proficient knowledge of athlete monitoring technologies (GPS, force plates, velocity trackers) and data analysis (Excel).
- Strong communication skills, to groups or individuals either verbally or in writing, across multidisciplinary teams and with the ability to present technical information clearly.
- Ability to extrapolate scientific and statistical information and present the information
- Computer literacy: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe & Internet, and e-mail
ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:
- Honours Degree in Sports Science or Biokinetics or similar qualifications
- 3 years of experience as a Head Sport Science or Strength & Conditioning coach in Rugby at University/Provincial/Franchise level
- 3 years of experience working with universities and other educational institutions
- Safeguarding Awareness certification
- Criminal record check
- Sexual and child offender clearance
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Full-time position
- Will be required to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and public holidays
- Variable, outdoor and indoor sporting facilities, both onsite and offsite, and some office-based
- Ability to carry equipment, walk to different venues (including hills or stairs), and sufficiently demonstrate techniques of the specified sport.
- Will be required to ensure compliance and/or accreditation with any regulatory bodies or affiliations as required to perform duties or as requested by the line manager or TuksSport
- Reporting to the Head of Sport Science: SEMLI and TuksRugby Head Coach
Please note this position includes an all-inclusive remuneration package commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, qualification, and experience.
The incumbent will be appointed on a fixed-term contract with the necessary performance clauses clearly stipulated.
In applying for this post, please attach:
- A comprehensive CV;
- Certified copies of qualifications and certificates,
- Certified ID and driver’s license,
- Names, e-mail addresses, and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.
CLOSING DATE: 04 September 2025
No application will be considered after the closing date or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
ENQUIRIES: Nicola Macleod, Email: [email protected] for inquiries relating to the post content.
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 October 2025, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups.
No applications for the position will be considered in the absence of submission of a valid South African identity document or a valid work permit in terms of which employment in the vacant position is authorised.
All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.
