Question: Can I coach rugby in France without a DEJEPS Rugby qualification?
Answer: A DEJEPS Rugby à XV and a World Rugby Level 3 are related, but they are not the same thing.
| Aspect | DEJEPS Rugby à XV | World Rugby Level 3 |
| Type | French government-recognized professional diploma | International coaching qualification |
| Issued by | French sports ministry system (DRAJES/CREPS) | World Rugby through member unions |
| Purpose | Professional coaching and employment qualification | Advanced rugby coaching education |
| Legal right to coach for pay in France | Yes | Not by itself |
| Focus | Coaching, program management, athlete development, staff training, project leadership | High-performance coaching knowledge and rugby-specific coaching competencies |
| Typical level | Advanced/professional coach | Advanced/performance coach |
| Duration | Usually 1+ year with workplace practice and assessments | Generally shorter, modular coach education pathway |
| Recognition | French national qualification (RNCP Level 5) | International rugby coaching recognition |
A key point is that France’s coaching pathway is integrated into its national vocational qualification system, while World Rugby’s pathway is a global coaching framework. The French diploma includes broader professional competencies such as managing programs, coordinating staff, and running development projects, not just technical rugby coaching. (Creps Rhône-Alpes)
According to World Rugby’s coaching equivalency mapping, the French DEJEPS Rugby à XV is considered equivalent to World Rugby Level 3, alongside the higher French DESJEPS Rugby à XV qualification. (World Rugby)
So to summarise:
- DEJEPS holder → generally recognized as World Rugby Level 3 equivalent.
- World Rugby Level 3 holder → does not automatically receive a DEJEPS.
French rugby coaching sources explicitly note that the equivalence works in one direction: DEJEPS holders receive World Rugby Level 3 equivalence, but a World Rugby Level 3 certificate alone does not grant the French state diploma. (TECH XV)
If your goal is coaching in France, the DEJEPS is usually the more valuable qualification because it is a legally recognized professional diploma and is required for certain higher amateur-level coaching positions. (Creps Rhône-Alpes)
If your goal is coaching internationally across different unions, World Rugby Level 3 provides broader international recognition, but local employment rules may still require national qualifications. (World Rugby)
Article Author: Efrem Leigh – Founder at RugbyJobs.com
Credits in the article link to information sources quoted in it.