USA Rugby Training & Education has announced that applications have opened for the next intake of the World Rugby Level 3 Coaching course. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Covering eight sessions over several months, and including an in-person assembly in August, the World Rugby Level 3 Coaching course will support coaches that are engaged in highly competitive rugby environments through a full season of play, and will focus on planning, delivery and review.
The World Rugby Level 3 course focuses on the World Rugby Level 3 ‘’Coaching Spine” of player profiling, selection and team profiling, developing a game profile/model, developing patterns of play, and developing tactics/game plan. In addition, the curriculum includes coaching & playing philosophy, coach welfare, leadership, and achievement strategies.
“We are excited for a new intake of coaches to embark on the journey of self-improvement that is so critical to being a successful high performing coach.” said USA Rugby Director of Training & Education, Jamie McGregor, “This course will help us continue to develop coaches to better support our aspirational players.”
The course will be delivered in a combination of virtual and in-person sessions. There is a significant number of activities to be completed throughout the course, and the notional number of learning hours is 150 according to World Rugby. An in person assembly will be held in Ft. Lauderdale, FL from August 12th to the 14th, 2026.
The Level 3 is a competency-based assessment using the World Rugby Level 3 transcript. There will be an in-person visit to the coach’s own coaching environment, to be scheduled upon completion of all course requirements, prior to accreditation.
$795
- Flights to and from Ft. Lauderdale, FL for the Level 3 Assembly are to be covered by the participant.
- All other costs at the in-person assembly including transfers, accommodation and meals will be covered by USA Rugby.
- Must be a member in good standing of USA Rugby and coaching with a USA Rugby affiliated team or in a USA Rugby affiliated competition.
- Must be coaching in an environment that has the necessary resources to complete the course.(see resource questionnaire below)
- Must be a coach of a team operating at a performance level, or be an age grade representative coach, both with regular video footage of your players and competitions.
- Must be over 21 years of age.
- Must hold World Rugby Level 2 Coaching certification or equivalent.
Applications will be considered using the following criteria:
- Team Environment/Context (To ensure the selected coaches are working with a senior team in a lead role throughout an entire season)
- Past coaching experience and education
- Demonstrated commitment to educating and supporting the broader rugby community Access to the resources necessary to complete the course and certification
Applications must include:
- A letter of endorsement from your USA Rugby affiliated organization.
- A coaching resume, including personal contact information
- A cover letter (must include identification of team that the coach is currently working with and that will be used for the application of the course tasks)
- Coaching Philosophy
- The completed Analysis Activity (details below).
Complete the Resource Questionnaire »
Submit the Analysis Activity »
The deadline to complete the resource questionnaire and email the above five documents to education@usa.rugby is Sunday, March 29, 2026. Successful candidates will be notified by Sunday, April 26th 2026.
