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Director of Women's Rugby
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU)
Governing body for the national sport of Wales. Leading Welsh rugby to the forefront of the global game in performance and reputation. Developing grass-roots rugby, increasing participation, supporting clubs and bringing communities together.
Job Posted- 24 Feb 2026
Status- Full Time
Location- Wales
Closing date- 9 Mar 2026
The Person
Experience & Expertise
- Senior leadership experience in a strategic or commercial role, ideally within elite sport or a comparable high-performance environment.
- Experience operating successfully within a matrix structure, influencing senior stakeholders without direct line control.
- Demonstrated ability to design and deliver national-level strategy with tangible impact.
- Strong understanding of the women’s sporting landscape and its growth potential.
- Knowledge of elite women’s sport and high-performance systems, with the judgement to work effectively alongside performance leadership without direct operational oversight.
Leadership & Influence
- Credibility and presence to operate at Board and Executive level.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation and relationship-building capability.
- Strong governance awareness and ability to operate within regulated environments.
- Data-driven mindset with a focus on impact and outcomes.
The Role
Strategic Leadership & National Growth
- Own and drive the long-term “One Wales” strategy for the women’s and girls’ game, setting clear ambition, direction and measurable outcomes.
- Embed women’s rugby at the heart of WRU’s strategic and investment decisions, ensuring it is fully integrated into the Union’s future growth plans.
- Lead through influence across a matrix structure, aligning Executive peers and functional leaders to deliver shared outcomes.
- Define and track bold KPIs across revenue, participation, brand growth and system development.
- Position Wales at the forefront of the evolving global women’s rugby landscape, anticipating change and seizing opportunity.
Commercial Growth & Market Impact
- Hold accountability for driving sustainable and diversified revenue growth across the women’s and girls’ game.
- Shape and articulate a compelling commercial proposition that attracts partners, investors and broadcasters.
- Unlock new sponsorship, partnership, matchday and media opportunities that accelerate financial sustainability.
- Ensure women’s rugby is fully embedded within WRU’s commercial, brand and marketing strategy — visible, valued and investable.
- Champion innovation in commercial models and fan engagement to grow audience reach and relevance.
Participation & Whole-of-Game Expansion
- Lead a national strategy to significantly grow participation of women and girls at every level of the game.
- Strengthen the connection between elite visibility and grassroots growth to create a sustainable pipeline of players, supporters and role models.
- Work in partnership with Community Game leadership to remove barriers to access and drive retention.
- Ensure the women’s game reflects and serves the diversity of modern Wales.
Governance, Oversight & Sustainability
- Provide Executive oversight of the women’s player contracting framework, ensuring financial sustainability, transparency and alignment with long-term strategy.
- Ensure robust governance, welfare and safeguarding standards are embedded across the system.
- Represent the women’s game confidently at Board and governance forums, providing strategic insight and forward planning.
- Build constructive relationships with player representatives and key stakeholders to support stability and trust.
Financial & Organisational Leadership
- Shape and oversee the Women’s Game budget, ensuring resources are aligned to strategic priorities and growth ambitions.
- Sponsor major initiatives and investment cases that drive structural advancement.
- Ensure effective risk management and performance reporting frameworks are in place.
WRU Requirements
The WRU require that individuals are proficient in IT skills, specifically Microsoft packages. Excellent written and verbal communications are essential, along with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh and a Valid UK Driver's License is desirable. This role is subject to a basic/enhanced DBS check.
The Perks
As a permanent member of the WRU Group, you will have access to our full range of employee benefits, including:
- Salary Sacrifice Pension (5% employee contribution, matched by WRU)
- Life assurance scheme
- WRU Group Ticket Allocation (in line with ticketing policy)
- One additional paid day off (birthday leave)
- Employee assistance programme
- Team Tactics – hybrid working arrangements
- Free stadium parking and gym
- WRU Group store and tour discounts
- WRU Group partnership offers
- Eye Care Voucher Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
How to Apply
Please click “Apply Now” to begin your application.