Rugby Operations Lead (Men’s RWC 2027)

Rugby World Cup Australia; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) seeks a Rugby Operations Lead to plan, coordinate and support rugby operations for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. You will work with World Rugby, Rugby Australia, member unions and venue teams to ensure match-day readiness for 52 matches.

Location is Sydney; the role is a full-time fixed-term contract (Feb 2027–Nov 2027) with hybrid working (four days in the office) as the tournament approaches. Applicants must have unrestricted working rights in Australia.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years’ experience in rugby operations or major sporting events.
• Working knowledge of the Laws of the Game and competition regulations for elite rugby.
• Strong planning and project coordination skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Rugby Operations planning and delivery across Match Management, Anti-Doping, Disciplinary & Integrity and Games Systems
• Develop manuals, policies, procedures, run sheets and contingency plans
• Ensure all plans align with World Rugby Laws, Regulations and player welfare requirements
• Partner with Tournament Operations, Medical, Match Officials and Team Services on match-day and venue readiness
• Manage relationships with World Rugby, Rugby Australia, Member Unions and suppliers
• Track milestones, support testing and readiness programmes, attend site visits and manage risks

Skills

Rugby operations

Planning & coordination

Stakeholder management

Communication

Travel flexibility

Job description

Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) is looking for a Rugby Operations Lead to help deliver the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Rugby Operations Manager, you will plan, coordinate and support rugby operations functions including Match Management, Match Officials, Anti-Doping, Disciplinary & Integrity and Games Systems, helping prepare all 52 tournament matches.

You will work closely with World Rugby, Rugby Australia, Member Unions, venue teams, suppliers and internal functional areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate Rugby Operations planning and delivery across Match Management, Anti-Doping, Disciplinary & Integrity and Games Systems
• Develop manuals, policies, procedures, run sheets and contingency plans
• Ensure all plans align with World Rugby Laws, Regulations and player welfare requirements
• Partner with Tournament Operations, Medical, Match Officials and Team Services on match-day and venue readiness
• Manage relationships with World Rugby, Rugby Australia, Member Unions and suppliers
• Track milestones, support testing and readiness programmes, attend site visits and manage risks

About You

• At least 2 years’ experience in rugby operations, major sporting events or tournaments, with exposure to rugby union or rugby league operations essential
• Working knowledge of the Laws of the Game and competition regulations for elite rugby
• Strong planning and project coordination skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong attention to detail in operational documents and reports
• Flexibility to travel and work evenings and weekends

Key Details

• Location: Sydney CBD, Australia
• Contract: Full-time fixed-term contract, February 2027 to November 2027
• Hybrid working (four days a week in the office), moving to full-time in the office as the tournament approaches
• Applicants must be able to obtain their own unlimited working rights in Australia
• Applications: CV (maximum three pages); a two-stage interview process will take place in the Sydney office
• Closing date: 10 November 2026