Applications are now invited for coaching positions with the Irish Tag Rugby Squads for the 2024 season. These teams represent Ireland in international competition on an annual basis.
Applications can be made at this link. It is vital that you read the below information prior to submitting an application.
Interviews for selected candidates will be held between 12pm and 6pm on Sunday 19th November at the Analysis Room in the National Sports Campus, Dublin 15. Interviews will be conducted by the Programme Director, Head of Coaching and Head of Performance.
Virtual interviews will be facilitated where there is no alternative option for the candidate(s) in question.
What are the commitments?
Irish Tag Rugby will play against Great Britain for the British & Irish Cup in late August 2024. The event will be held in Ireland and a venue shall be confirmed and announced in due course. Attendance at this event is a requirement.
To prepare for this competition, coaches are expected to commit to:
A programme of weekend training, concentrated primarily between March and August;
Attendance at a preliminary trial, currently scheduled on Sunday 14th January 2024 at the National Indoor Arena, Dublin 15;
Attendance at 2024 ITRA Tag Nationals, currently scheduled for July at a venue in the midlands;
Engagement with regional representatives and a regional scouting visit by the coaching team (e.g. at least one member of a coaching ticket made up of coaches based in Cork and Dublin would be expected to visit Limerick);
Ongoing coaching development opportunities as facilitated by ITRA and Irish Tag Rugby.
ITRA is keen to explore opportunities to compete with France and other European teams, but any such opportunity will be subject to confirmation in 2024.
What are the squads?
In anticipation of a 2026 ITF Tag World Cup, age-grade eligibility as outlined below is subject to final confirmation towards the end of 2023.
The tournament will feature the following teams, for which applications are being accepted:
Men’s Open
Men’s 30s (born 1996 or earlier)
Men’s 40s (born 1986 or earlier)
Mixed Open
Mixed Senior (Men born 1993 or earlier; women born 1996 or earlier)
Women’s Open
Women’s Seniors (subject to confirmation, the relevant year shall be either 1996 - 30s - or 1999 - 27s)
Women’s Masters (subject to confirmation, the relevant year shall be either 1991 - 35s -or 1989 - 37s)
Players are eligible to compete in an age-restricted squad provided they turn the relevant age in the relevant year at any point. In 2024 players may be two years younger than the age requirement that will apply at the ITF Tag World Cup in 2026, i.e. a 27-year old man who turns later in 28 in 2024 is eligible to play Men’s 30s at the B&I Cup 2024.
How long is the commitment?
We anticipate the details of the next ITF Tag World Cup will be confirmed in late 2023 or early 2024. As such, all coaching positions are subject to re-appointment at the end of the 2024 season when full details of the 2025 and 2026 seasons are available. This will follow a review process for all squads.
It is strongly anticipated that the next ITF Tag World Cup will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.
What does the role involve?
The role involves selecting and preparing a team of elite tag rugby players for international competition. To this end, coaches are expected to:
Rigidly adhere to the coaching code of conduct (to be circulated)
Collaborate with other coaches, managers and the ITRA to contribute to the overall success of Irish Tag Rugby
Adhere to deadlines for selection and other administrative requirements
Lead and prepare a group of players with tactical and technical expertise in tag rugby
Be player-focused and ensure a quality environment for all participants
All head coaches are expected to have demonstrable coaching experience in tag rugby, ideally in formal settings working with adults and at Nationals level.
Is this a volunteer role?
All roles within Irish Tag Rugby are undertaken by volunteers, with coordination from ITRA through Programme Director Simon Bewley. To facilitate coaches in undertaking their roles effectively, ITRA shall provide the following:
Training Venues
A supply of balls, tags, and cones for each squad;
A medical kit for each squad;
Access to the Veo Video analysis tool for reviewing player performance will be available
For Head Coaches:
Transport costs relating to attendance at Tag Nationals 2024;
Accommodation for coaches for the British & Irish Cup 2024, if taking place outside of their city of residence;
Official coaching gear;
A contribution to petrol costs per squad to facilitate regional scouting visits.
Applications with a named Assistant Coach are welcome, otherwise it is anticipated that an assistant coach shall be assigned to each coaching ticket.
Joint applications for a Head Coach role are not invited.