Rugby Operations Lead

Rugby World Cup Limited; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

CBD Sydney headquarters

Wellbeing programs

On-site facilities and showers

Team events and celebrations

Job summary

Rugby World Cup Limited invites applications for a Rugby Operations Lead based in Sydney (Gadigal), NSW. This full-time fixed-term role runs from February 2027 to November 2027, with a hybrid work model and a CBD headquarters presence.

You will plan and coordinate rugby operations, match management, and integrity functions, working with World Rugby, Rugby Australia and venues to deliver 52 matches to world standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in rugby operations or a similar high-performance environment.
• Working knowledge of rugby governance, Laws of the Game and competition regulations.
• Strong planning, organisational and project coordination skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Administrative capability with documentation and reports.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate planning and delivery of Rugby Operations across matches, anti-doping, discipline and games systems.
• Develop and maintain manuals, policies, run sheets and contingency plans.
• Ensure alignment with World Rugby Laws and player welfare requirements.
• Collaborate with World Rugby, Rugby Australia and venues to ensure readiness.
• Track milestones, support testing and venue site visits, mitigate risks.
• Identify and manage stakeholder relationships across partners.

Skills

Rugby operations

Stakeholder management

Project coordination

Event planning

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Closing date for applications is 9th November 2026

Full-time Fixed Term Contract starting February 2027 until November 2027
Location: Sydney (Gadigal), Australia

Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) is proud to deliver one of the world's most iconic sporting events — Men's Rugby World Cup 2027. More than a tournament, it's a celebration of Rugby's spirit, Australia's culture, and the power of sport to unite and inspire communities around the world.

Rugby World Cup Australia is seeking a Rugby Operations Lead to play a key role in the delivery of Men's Rugby World Cup 2027. Based in Sydney CBD and reporting to the Senior Rugby Operations Manager, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating and supporting the delivery of critical rugby operations functions, including Match Management, Match Officials, Anti-Doping, Disciplinary & Integrity, and Games Systems. You'll help develop operational plans, manuals, policies and procedures that ensure tournament delivery meets World Rugby standards, the Laws of the Game and player welfare requirements.

Working closely with World Rugby, Rugby Australia, Member Unions, venue teams, suppliers and internal functional areas, you will contribute to the operational readiness of all 52 tournament matches. From managing key stakeholder relationships and monitoring project milestones to supporting venue planning, testing and readiness activities, this is a unique opportunity to help deliver one of the world's premier sporting events. We're looking for a highly organised and proactive professional with rugby operations experience, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced tournament environment while contributing to the lasting legacy of Rugby World Cup 2027.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate the planning and delivery of Rugby Operations activities across Match Management, Anti-Doping, Disciplinary & Integrity, and Games Systems to support the successful delivery of Men's Rugby World Cup 2027.
• Develop and maintain operational documentation, including manuals, policies, procedures, run sheets, operational plans and contingency plans to support tournament readiness.
• Ensure all Rugby Operations plans and processes align with World Rugby Laws, Regulations, best practice standards and player welfare requirements.
• Partner with Tournament Operations, Medical, Match Officials, Team Services and World Rugby functional teams to deliver high-quality team environments, match-day operations and venue readiness activities.
• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including World Rugby, Rugby Australia, Member Unions, suppliers and contractors, ensuring operational requirements are integrated into planning and delivery.
• Track progress against tournament milestones, support testing and readiness programmes, attend venue site visits, and identify and mitigate risks to ensure deliverables are achieved on time and to the required standard.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 2 years' experience in rugby operations, major sporting events, tournaments or a similar high-performance environment, with exposure to rugby union or rugby league operations essential.
• Working knowledge of the international rugby landscape, including the Laws of the Game, competition regulations and operational requirements for elite-level rugby events.
• Strong planning, organisational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, track milestones and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively with governing bodies, venues, suppliers, contractors and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated administrative capability and attention to detail, including experience developing operational documents, manuals, procedures, reports, presentations and planning materials.
• Proactive, adaptable and resilient, with strong problem-solving skills, the ability to work autonomously, remain calm under pressure, and contribute positively to a high-performing team culture.
• Flexibility to travel as required, and willingness to work outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, to support activities and tournament delivery.

We offer:

• Fixed-term contract offering unique exposure to the delivery of a world-class sporting event.
• Flexible ways of working: Enjoy a hybrid work model with four days per week in the office (Monday to Thursday), transitioning to full-time in the office as tournament delivery approaches.
• Prime CBD location: Work from our modern Sydney headquarters opposite Hyde Park, just a short walk from Town Hall Station and surrounded by great cafés, restaurants and public transport options.
• Wellbeing matters: Access weekly fresh fruit, wellbeing initiatives and regular Lunch & Learn sessions designed to support your personal and professional growth.
• Locker room ready: Take advantage of on-site showers, fresh towels and premium Dyson hair tools to help you refresh and recharge throughout the day.
• A connected team culture: Join a collaborative and social workplace with regular team events, celebrations and weekly catch-ups that recognise success and foster connection.
• Be part of something extraordinary: Play a key role in delivering the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027, one of the world's largest sporting events, and help create a lasting legacy for rugby in Australia.

Australia's hosting of the Rugby World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the game, celebrate our people and culture, and deliver lasting social and economic impact. At the heart of our mission is diversity, inclusion, and legacy ensuring Rugby's growth benefits all and inspires a new generation of players, fans, and communities. Join us in shaping an unforgettable celebration of Rugby, culture, and community.

Rugby World Cup Australia is committed to building a diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, which reflects the global sport we want to be and where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong.

All applicants need to be able to obtain their own unlimited working rights in Australia. This opportunity does not include a relocation package, so applicants should be prepared to be based in the role location at their own expense.