At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Rugby Club in programming activities and assist with student access to performance services.
- Company: Durham University, a vibrant community focused on student experience and sports development.
- Benefits: Gain mentoring from the Head Coach and hands-on experience in sports administration.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in university rugby while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a current undergraduate or postgraduate student at Durham University with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 £ per hour.
We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role. If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk.
Job Number: 26001150
Contract Type: Casual/Atypical (Student) - Part Time Term Time Only (12 Months)
Hours: 10 hours/week, part-time
Typical/Contracted Hours: 7 hours
Location: The Graham Sports Centre, Durham University
Department: Student Experience Directorate
Reports to: Head Rugby Coach
Closing Date: 21-Aug-2026, 10:59:00 PM
Purpose of the Role
Working under the direction of the Head Coach and following appropriate training, you'll provide support to Durham University Rugby Club in the overall programming of activities. The role is varied and an integral part of the university Rugby programme. Durham University Rugby Club is one of the largest sport clubs in the university and ranges from high-performance to participation across the club. The Rugby Club Development Intern will support all areas of Rugby delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting national league and BUCS Umpire appointments
- Assisting students access to performance sport services- physio/ massage/ recovery bookings
- Develop experience and skills by working directly with the Rugby Club committee in their day to day delivery.
- Plan and prioritise own work such as keeping accurate records for referees and player participation in BUCS and National Leagues which ensure compliance with league rules.
- Support the Head Rugby Coach for undergraduate and postgraduate scholar recruitment.
- Assist where necessary for the delivery of the college rugby programme.
- The Club Development Intern may also provide input for the delivery of Performance Analysis – namely facilitating games being recorded by sourcing volunteers.
General Person Specification
- Currently studying an undergraduate or post graduate degree at Durham University.
- Convey a genuine enthusiasm for Durham University Sport.
- Experience of administration, ideally in a sporting setting.
- Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, enabling effective communication with a wide range of individuals.
- Strong organisation and time management skills, demonstrating your ability to work to deadlines.
- Able to work as part of a team and independently, and the ability to take initiative and be receptive to new ideas.
- Excellent IT skills in Microsoft Office, particularly in Word and Excel.
The interns will benefit from
- Mentoring given by Head Rugby Coach and wider Coaching team.
- Experience leading on projects, collaborating with project teams (including staff, student volunteers and external partners).
- Knowledge and understanding of a University Sports Programme.
- Gaining critical insight into the process of administrating and running a wide and varied Rugby programme.
- Gaining practical experience of communication, planning & organisation with internal staff and external partners.
Role Responsibilities
- Internship Real Living Wage rate
- Under instruction from colleagues in the department and following appropriate training:
- Work alongside the team to contribute to the delivery of specific project(s)
- Develop experience and skills from working in a real-world work environment
- Contribute specific skills (i.e. technical, research, subject specific knowledge) to the work of the department
- Plan and prioritise own work, adhering to agreed deliverables and timeframes and referring any issues with workload or timeframes to colleagues.
The successful candidate will demonstrate
- Strong literacy in MS Office and other relevant software programmes
- Experience of managing time to meet deadlines and working under pressure without compromising on quality
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
- Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including Experience in player recruitment and production/delivery of recruitment resources
- Proven skills in administration
- Experience in volunteering or working in a sports club
- Experience of supporting/facilitating either college rugby or the Hill Bailey fixture
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement
Not Applicable.
Rugby Club Development Intern in North East employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Anthropology, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive work culture, and the chance to contribute to impactful research that shapes understanding of diverse cultures. Located in a historic city, the university provides a unique setting for both personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rugby Club Development Intern in North East
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Leagues
Dive into the local sports scene! Volunteer at nearby sporting events or join community leagues to meet the right people. Networking in this way can help us score that internship with Durham University and get ahead of the competition.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Keep an eye out for sports management conferences or workshops in your area. These are perfect for us to connect with industry professionals, learn the latest trends, and potentially meet recruiters from organisations like Durham University looking for interns!
✨Leverage University Career Services
Don’t forget about your university’s career services! They often have exclusive connections with local sports organisations and can guide us to internship opportunities that aren’t widely advertised. Make sure to tap into these resources.
✨Show Off Your Passion on Social Media
It's all about visibility! Create a social media presence that showcases your love for sports and management. Share articles, thoughts on industry trends, and engage with posts from organisations like Durham University. This can put you on their radar before you even apply!
We think you need these skills to ace Rugby Club Development Intern in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your love for sports shine through! Talk about your experiences in sports – whether it’s playing for a team, volunteering at local events, or even organising sports activities. We want to see that you live and breathe the field you're applying to, especially in a role like Rugby Club Development Intern at Durham University.
Highlight Relevant Coursework or Projects:For this internship, make sure to mention any relevant coursework or projects in sports management or recreation. Did you do a project on event planning? Or maybe you conducted research on sports psychology? Highlighting these experiences will show us that you're ready to jump in and learn more on the job.
Use Keywords from the Job Description:Tailor your CV to fit the role by using keywords from the job description. Look out for specific skills or qualities they're looking for and weave them into your CV. If they mention teamwork, leadership, or event organisation, make sure those shine through in your application. We appreciate candidates who pay attention to these details!
Keep It Informal and Engaging:Since we're all about fostering a friendly environment at Durham University, let your personality come across in your writing. Don’t be afraid to be conversational in your cover letter while still showcasing your enthusiasm for the role. We're looking for interns who can bring positive energy to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Show Your Passion for Sports
Make sure to communicate your enthusiasm for sports and recreation during the interview. Share experiences from playing a sport, managing a team, or even volunteering at events. We want to see that you’re genuinely invested in the industry, not just looking for any internship.
✨Brush Up on Event Management Skills
Since sports-recreation management often revolves around organising events, be ready to discuss your organisational skills. Think about experiences where you coordinated activities or worked in team settings, and prepare to share these stories. We might dive into how you would handle specific scenarios, such as organising a tournament or community event.
✨Demonstrate Your Learning Agility
Internships are all about learning, so show us your eagerness to pick up new skills and adapt. Prepare to talk about times when you had to quickly learn something new or adapt to unexpected changes. We love candidates who are willing to grow and take feedback on board.
✨Bring a Portfolio of Your Work
Even as an intern, having a portfolio can set you apart! Put together any projects, reports, or presentations related to sports management that you’ve worked on. Visuals can really help convey your understanding and creativity in the field, and we’ll appreciate seeing what you can bring to Durham University.
