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Rugby AI Lead
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- 15 Oct 2026
Status- Full Time
Location- Wales
Closing date- 29 Oct 2026
The Person
- Degree, postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional expertise in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics, artificial intelligence, machine learning or another relevant quantitative discipline.
- Strong practical experience applying data science, statistical modelling and machine learning to complex real-world problems.
- Advanced proficiency in Python and/or R, SQL and modern data-analysis and machine-learning environments.
- Degree, postgraduate qualification or equivalent professional expertise in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics, artificial intelligence, machine learning or another relevant quantitative discipline.
- Strong practical experience applying data science, statistical modelling and machine learning to complex real-world problems.
- Advanced proficiency in Python and/or R, SQL and modern data-analysis and machine-learning environments.
- Demonstrable experience developing predictive models, including feature engineering, model selection, training, validation, tuning and ongoing performance monitoring.
- Strong understanding of statistical inference, uncertainty, hypothesis testing and the limitations of predictive models.
- Experience working with longitudinal, time-series or repeated-measures data and modelling change or progression over time.
- Practical understanding of modern generative AI and large language models, including their application to structured and unstructured information.
- Understanding of modern agentic AI architectures, including AI agents, tool use, retrieval, orchestration, workflow automation, multi-agent systems, memory and human-in-the-loop approaches.
- Ability to prototype and productionise AI-enabled workflows rather than simply use off-the-shelf AI applications.
- Experience working with cloud-based data and AI environments and integrating models into scalable analytics products or operational workflows.
- Strong capability in data engineering fundamentals, including data wrangling, integration, quality assurance and working with complex and imperfect datasets.
- Ability to translate technically complex analysis into clear, actionable intelligence for non-technical decision-makers.
- Strong curiosity and experimentation mindset, with the ability to rapidly evaluate emerging technologies and distinguish genuine capability from hype.
- Ability to work effectively across disciplines, combining quantitative evidence with expert human judgement and contextual information.
- Strong understanding of responsible AI, including privacy, security, explainability, bias, model governance and appropriate human oversight.
- A growth mindset, commitment to continuous learning
- Ability to communicate and work through the medium of Welsh is desirable.
The Role
- Lead AI and data science across Talent Insight & Management, translating strategic rugby and talent questions into analytical models, AI capabilities and practical decision-support tools.
- Develop longitudinal player intelligence, connecting historical and current information across identification, pathway, professional and international rugby to understand how players develop over time.
- Build player trajectory and potential models using statistical modelling, machine learning, time-series and other appropriate techniques to understand changing trajectories, probability of progression and future international potential.
- Develop predictive indicators of future performance, exploring the interaction between technical, tactical, physical, behavioural, maturation, opportunity, exposure and contextual factors.
- Create an agentic AI workforce capable of securely undertaking appropriate elements of data gathering, research, monitoring, video and scouting workflows, player tracking, quality assurance, reporting and intelligence preparation for human review.
- Develop human-in-the-loop AI-enabled player intelligence systems, including automated player profiles, trajectory visualisations, alerts, comparison tools, depth-chart and succession modelling, that augment expert judgement and enable coaches and talent staff to interrogate evidence, understand uncertainty and make better-informed decisions.
- Integrate structured and unstructured information, including performance data, physical information, video, scouting observations, coaching assessments, reports and other relevant evidence to create a richer understanding of each player.
- Develop and productionise advanced statistical and machine-learning models, ensuring models are appropriately validated, monitored and continually improved as new evidence becomes available.
- Translate complex analysis into decision-ready intelligence, creating intuitive visualisations, tools and outputs that allow coaches and senior leaders to understand player potential, uncertainty, development priorities, opportunities and risk.
- Establish rigorous AI and data standards, including data quality, model validation, explainability, privacy, security, bias assessment, auditability and responsible use of player information.
- Work trans-disciplinarily with rugby experts, combining data science and AI with coaching judgement, scouting expertise, talent science, performance science and human factors rather than treating analytics as a standalone discipline.
- Lead experimentation and applied research, rapidly testing emerging AI, machine-learning and decision-science approaches against genuine Welsh rugby problems and scaling those that demonstrate meaningful value.
- Maintain a future-facing technology horizon, developing relationships with leading researchers, technology organisations and practitioners and identifying emerging capabilities capable of materially improving how Welsh rugby identifies, understands and develops players.
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
Our Values
The WRU Group are committed to developing a culture whereby all employees are equally valued and respected. Our aims, together with our vision and mission, are underpinned by our core values and beliefs which embrace: Integrity, Excellence, Success, Courage, Family & Humour.
Inclusion At The WRU
The WRU Group are committed to building diverse, high-performing and engaged teams across Welsh Rugby. We are ambitious about providing a people first culture where everyone can belong, be heard and respected. We are happy to talk to you about our Crys I Bawb EDI Strategy (2024-2029) and you can also read more about our commitment in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
How to Apply
Please click “Apply Now” to begin your application.
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