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08 Sep, 2023

Pierre-alex Clark

  • Head of Rugby
  • Winchester, UK
Rugby, Cricket, Tennis, Physical Education, Football, Other Positions of Responsibility
Pierre-alex Clark

Personal Summary

I am writing to express my profound interest in any upcoming opportunities within your esteemed institution that align with my unique experience and qualifications. My particular interest lies in rugby coaching, but I bring a diverse range of skills and experiences that I believe could be a great asset to your school community.
I spent the past four years working full-time as an Academy Coach at London Irish RFC (2019-2023), where I nurtured young talent and cultivated their skills in preparation for elite competition. I have helped athletes on their journey to successful premiership and international rugby careers. During this time, I also completed a Masters in Sports Coaching, which further deepened my understanding and knowledge of nurturing and developing athletic talent. Unfortunately, the club recently went into administration, and I am now seeking new challenges.
Prior to my work at London Irish RFC, I had a fulfilling four-year tenure at the England Rugby NGB (2015-2019), working in rugby development. In this role, I was constantly seeking new and creative ways to engage people with rugby to help promote the game and widen its appeal. This experience allows me to bring innovation and creativity to the sporting curriculum of your institution.
Beyond my commitment to rugby, I have a PGCE (QTS) and spent a year teaching French at Taunton School (2014-2015). During my time there, I also had the opportunity to mentor a tutor group in a boarding house, gaining valuable experience in pastoral care. My teaching experience combined with my passion for languages allows me to offer my services to the Languages Department at your institution if ever required.
My love for sports extends beyond rugby and squash. I also play cricket for a local club in Hampshire, and my expertise in this sport could prove beneficial to your institution's cricket team or general sports curriculum.
I reside on the premises of St Swithun's School in Winchester with my wife and our two daughters. My wife runs a boarding house, which further adds to our familiarity with school environments and the specific dynamics involved in managing student wellbeing. Their education and development are dear to my heart, which motivates me even more to contribute to a school environment. I believe that children should be encouraged to reach their full potential, both academically and in their extracurricular pursuits.
In conclusion, I believe that my blend of teaching experience, rugby coaching expertise, and passion for sports, fortified by a Master's degree in Sports Coaching, would be a great fit for your institution. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your sporting curriculum, and I am confident that my skills and experience would be beneficial to your students.
Thank you very much for taking this time to ready my expression of interest. I am open to any opportunities you might have in mind and would appreciate the chance to further discuss how I could fit into your school community.

Work Experience

Academy Coach
Jul 2019 - Jun 2023 London Irish RFC
  • Project/Account management: Organised and led a robust programme that delivered on all facets to maximise the well-being and development of the players in preparation for elite professional sport.
  • Customer Relationship Management: Expert in forging and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders. Approachable and energetic individual with the ability to connect quickly. 
  • Leadership and Management: Motivated people by providing clear direction for staff and players whilst allowing for autonomy within. 
  • Analysis and Planning: Skilled in assessing performance and implementing new or existing solutions to achieve better outcomes.
  • Combined full time work work with study
  • National Academy Champions 2019/2023
Rugby Development
Aug 2015 - Jul 2019 England Rugby
  • Account management: Created and presented new proposals that resulted in new business opportunities. Liaising with 40+ Clients (Rugby Clubs, Educational establishments etc...) across the South East I worked to ensure each client was given the required provision from the RFU to maximise potential. Identified customer needs and communicated benefits of products and services, resulting in an increase in participation. 
  • Customer Relationship Management: Developed excellent skills in forging and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders using a multitude of methods.
  • Presenting/Selling: Regular presentations to large groups and selling a vision
  • Leadership and Management: Adept in making key decisions and working with other professionals to achieve goals and solve problems.
  • Mentoring: Managed a team of trainee coaches to ensure successful delivery of RFU strategy
Teacher
Aug 2014 - Aug 2015 Taunton School
  • KS3 + KS4 French teacher - Monitored and reported student progress, providing feedback on areas of improvement
  • Games teacher - led cricket, rugby and squash teams 
  • Boarding house tutor - Conducted parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and develop strategies for improvement
Pro Rugby Player
Jul 2013 - Aug 2015 Rouen Normandie Rugby
  • Full time rugby 
  • Analysed and presented to team/colleagues on performance and strategy 
  • Volunteer community coaching 
Pro Rugby Player
Jul 2010 - Jun 2013 SAP Rugby France
  • Full time rugby 
  • Analysed and presented to team/colleagues on performance and strategy 
  • Volunteer community coaching 

Education

MSc Sports Coaching
Sep 2019 - Sep 2022 Hartpury Uni
PGCE - QTS
Sep 2014 - Sep 2015 Plymouth Marjon Uni
BA Hons - Linguistics
Sep 2005 - Aug 2009 Leeds Met Uni
A Levels + GCSE
Sep 1997 - Jul 2004 Beechen Cliff School