A rugby CV is one of the most important documents a young player can create.
Most players spend years training but have no professional way to present themselves when opportunities arise.
A strong Rugby CV helps:
Think of your Rugby CV as your rugby business card.
When a coach receives hundreds of applications, your CV often determines whether they watch your highlight video or move on to the next player.
By the end of this module, players will:
✓ Understand what coaches look for
✓ Build a professional Rugby CV
✓ Learn how to present rugby achievements correctly
✓ Create a rugby player profile that stands out
✓ Prepare a document that can be used for scholarships, academies and recruitment
Many young players believe recruitment works like this:
"If I'm good enough, someone will find me."
This is no longer true.
Modern recruitment is proactive.
Coaches receive:
The players who get noticed usually have:
A Rugby CV creates the first impression before a coach ever sees you play.
Can this player perform?
Coaches assess:
Scholarships often depend on academics.
Strong marks show:
Many universities will reject talented players with poor academic records.
Coaches recruit people, not just athletes.
They want players who are:
Especially for players aged 13-19.
Coaches ask:
"What could this player become in 3–5 years?"
Not:
"What is this player today?"
Using a normal school CV.
A rugby CV is different.
It should focus on rugby performance and athletic development.
Writing too much.
Coaches scan CVs quickly.
Keep information relevant.
Including poor-quality photos.
Use:
✓ Professional photos
Avoid:
✗ Selfies
✗ Party photos
✗ Casual pictures
Exaggerating achievements.
Coaches verify information.
Always be honest.
Leaving out academic information.
Scholarships often require both rugby and academic excellence.
A professional Rugby CV should contain:
Player Information
Physical Profile
Academic Information
Rugby Career Summary
Achievements
Representative Teams
Strength & Conditioning Information
References
Video Links
Include:
Example:
John Smith
14 June 2009
16
South African
Professional email only.
Good:
Bad:
Player number
Parent number (if under 18)
Example:
Cape Town, South Africa
This is one of the most important sections.
Include:
Example:
Flank
Example:
Lock
Example:
Blindside Flank
Right
Right
Example:
Paul Roos U16A
Example:
Western Cape Schools Rugby
Coaches want measurable data.
Include:
Example:
185 cm
Example:
82 kg
Example:
1.85 sec
Example:
5.40 sec
Example:
4 min 58 sec
(optional)
(optional)
(optional)
Important metrics:
Important metrics:
Important metrics:
Important metrics:
Important metrics:
Important metrics:
Important metrics:
Many players ignore this section.
Big mistake.
Include:
Example:
78%
Examples:
List from most recent to oldest.
Example:
Paul Roos U16A
Starting Blindside Flank
Paul Roos U15A
Vice Captain
Paul Roos U14A
Examples:
List year first.
Example:
2025 – Western Province U16 Training Squad
2025 – School First Team Vice Captain
2024 – Player of the Year
This section adds significant value.
Examples:
Western Province U16
Cape Winelands
DHL Western Province Academy
SA Schools Academy Camp
This demonstrates professionalism.
Include:
Example:
3
Example:
5
Example:
Always include references.
Ideal references:
Format:
Name
Position
Phone Number
Relationship to Player
This section is essential.
Include:
A coach should be able to access your video within seconds.
Companion worksheet: Put this lesson into practice with the Rugby CV Builder — your answers save automatically.