Gary Kingdom

An experienced rugby development professional with over 15 years' experience working across schools, colleges, clubs, and community settings. As a former RFU Community Rugby Coach and Coach Developer, I have a strong track record of designing learning programmes, delivering coach education, and building lasting club-school links. Combined with my background as a professional and semi-professional player, I have a deep understanding of player pathways and know what it takes to keep young people engaged in sport.

I am a practical communicator who currently balances hands-on coaching with administrative, digital, and data management work in a commercial recruitment setting.

Social Media & Recruitment Resourcer at JR Veterinary (2022-01 – Present)

• Manage the company's social media presence across LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, focused on planning and creating engaging content.
• Support the day-to-day recruitment process, including sourcing candidates, writing job adverts, and managing applicant pipelines.
• Maintain internal CRM systems (Itris) to ensure accurate data entry, compliance, and up-to-date candidate records.
• Use collaborative tools like Notion to help streamline internal team workflows and daily communication.

Rugby Coach at Blundell's School (2021-01 – Present)

• Deliver structured coaching sessions across all age groups (U12–U18) for both the boys' and girls' rugby programmes, focusing on core skills, game understanding, and player enjoyment.
• Managed and coached the U18 girls' squad, leading the team to the Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s.
• Support and mentor teaching staff and junior coaches on technical focuses to ensure consistency across the year groups.
• Help build clear pathways to support players transitioning smoothly from school rugby into university and senior club rugby.

Semi-Professional Rugby Player / Player Coach at Taunton Titans (2010-01 – Present)

• Competed at National League level, making over 280 appearances and contributing over 2,200 points to the club before transitioning into a full-time coaching role in 2024.
• Lead the development of the backs, planning and delivering weekly training sessions focused on decision-making and skill development.
• Take full operational responsibility for leading the team on match days from September to December, managing the squad independently in the absence of the head coach.
• Mentor younger players in the squad to support their progression into higher leagues and senior rugby environments.

Teaching Assistant at Cranbrook Education Campus (Ted Wragg Trust) (2020-01 – 2022-12)

• Worked within a secondary school campus supporting classroom teachers and assisting with daily behaviour management.
• Supported SEN and EHCP students directly to make school life more manageable, which included planning interventions and co-regulation plans.
• Assisted the sports department with the delivery of both Primary and Secondary school PE lessons.

Community Rugby Coach at Rugby Football Union (RFU) (2012-01 – 2020-12)

• Worked across clubs, schools, and local communities to grow grassroots rugby, improve coaching standards, and increase player retention.
• Delivered RFU coaching qualifications, refereeing courses, and CPD workshops for teachers, club coaches, and volunteers.
• Mentored local coaches through active observation and constructive feedback sessions to build their confidence and capability.
• Acted as a key link between schools and local clubs to help young players transition smoothly into club environments.
• Selected as a kicking coach for the England Women's U18s squad to help at a coaching day within the performance pathway.

Sports Coach in Primary Schools at Sporting World (2010-01 – 2012-12)

• Provided PE cover during curriculum time.
• Provided after school sport clubs.

Professional Rugby Player at Plymouth Albion (2009-01 – 2010-12)

• Trained on a full-time basis with the squad and played in 1st XV fixtures when selected.
• Assisted the club with regional community rugby coaching and school visits as required.

Professional Rugby Player at Exeter Chiefs (2003-01 – 2009-12)

• Played in 109 National League One games, making 128 total appearances and scoring 322 points.
• Involved in squads that finished 2nd in National Division One on three occasions and played in three EDF trophy finals at Twickenham.
• Worked closely in the local community as a coach, visiting schools and clubs to deliver rugby sessions and advise on healthy living and nutrition.

Volunteer Rugby Development Coach at South Hams and Torbay (2007-01 – 2010-12)

• Helped develop the rugby skills of local U13 and U14 players, preparing them for representative-level rugby.
• Handled training session organisation, session planning, and team selection for the area festival.

Semi-Professional/Academy Rugby Player at Bath Rugby (2002-01 – 2003-12)

• Represented the U19 cup-winning team, the U21s, and United teams.
• Selected for the squad that played in the Middlesex 7s tournament at Twickenham.

BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science – University of Gloucestershire (2001-01 – 2005-12)

A-Levels in P.E, History, Art – Blundell's School (1999-01 – 2001-12)

GCSEs – Kingsbridge School (1994-01 – 1999-12)