Grey College seek elite rugby coaching & management talent

Grey College have put out two adverts as they look to strengthen their rugby coaching ranks. The Bloemfontein powerhouse is set to part ways with forwards coach Tiaan Liebenberg, who has found it increasingly difficult to juggle his school commitments with his professional coaching duties at the Cheetahs. From top to bottom, the job specification is the very definition of high calibre.

Forwards Coach Role

Prospective candidates must carefully understand that the appointed individual will be required to:

• assume complete technical authority and ownership of all forward play, set pieces, and contact situations within the 1st XV programme;

• operate as the dominant specialist who develops and maintains Grey’s forward pack traditions;

• work collaboratively within the coaching structure while exercising decisive leadership in all forward-related technical and tactical decisions;

• demonstrate exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities in high-pressure match situations;

• possess mastery of all digital rugby analysis systems and modern coaching technologies;

• establish and maintain exemplary relationships with players, coaching staff, parents, and the broader Grey community;

• communicate with authority and clarity in both Afrikaans and English;

• exhibit fearless decision-making and unwavering composure under intense pressure.

The assessment of candidates’ suitability and experience will encompass:

• proven specialist expertise in scrums, lineouts, rucks, mauls, and all aspects of forward play;

• extensive networks and credibility within elite schoolboy and/or professional rugby circles;

• distinguished playing experience at multiple levels, particularly in forward positions;

• demonstrated involvement in high-performance rugby structures and coaching environments;

• current knowledge of international trends in breakdown techniques and forward play patterns;

• experience in physical conditioning and power development specific to forward players;

• proven ability to develop technical skills that ensure consistent dominance in set pieces;

• understanding of modern playing patterns for getting over the advantage line;

• track record of mentoring young forwards and building team discipline;

• embodiment of the Grey rugby ethos: Integrity, Hard Work, Respect, Commitment, and Communication.

Director of Rugby Affairs Role

At the same time, the school has created a brand-new position – Director of Rugby Affairs – which could possibly open the door for another top-end coach to join the setup.

Prospective candidates need to carefully take note that the person to be appointed will need to:

• take responsibility to manage the Grey College Rugby Programme and assume extreme ownership of its health and adaptability;
• work independently but simultaneously lead and manage a team of highly experienced, diverse and accomplished fellow coaches, and challenge them;
• have critical and analytical thinking skills;
• be able to operate efficiently and optimally in high pressure situations;
• have excellent computer literacy and skills in all digital rugby analysing systems used as tools of the trade;
• create a healthy working relationship and environment with coaches, teachers, parents and children between the ages of 6 and 18;
• communicate with authority and great communication skills in Afrikaans and English;
• display fearless and decisive decision-making skills and leadership acumen.

The evaluation of the ideal candidate’s experience and suitability for the position will, amongst others, take the following into account:

• networks and influence within schoolboy and/or professional rugby;
• rugby experience as a player on multiple amateur and professional levels;
• involvement in rugby administration;
• proven involvement, experience and contributions in high-performance rugby structures;
• the conceptualisation, creation and management of the Grey rugby system and its underlying structures;
• authorship in coaching manuals;
• expert knowledge of high-performance rugby DNA;
• the sculpturing of inclusive rugby cultures.

Highly rated Bobby Joubert will remain in place as Head of Rugby and continue his dual role as first-team backline coach, ensuring continuity at the heart of Grey’s programme.