At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the RFU to promote and grow rugby in your region.
- Company: The Rugby Football Union, the heart of rugby in England.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses covered and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 12 days a year with excellent networking opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rugby and connect with passionate communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in rugby or external expertise in growth and innovation.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is the national governing body for Rugby Union in England, responsible for promoting, developing, and safeguarding the game at all levels. Over the past two years, the RFU has undertaken an extensive review of how community rugby is structured and delivered, with a clear vision: to enable more people to play rugby, and for longer. As part of this transformation, the RFU is seeking to appoint Game & Independent Board Members to seven Regional Growth Partnership Boards across England.
The Regional Growth Partnership Boards are tasked with:
- Taking Rugby Union to new people and new places
- Opening new doors and getting rugby on to the agenda of more people and organisations who can support growth
- Securing incremental revenue into Rugby Union to help grow the game
- Strengthening relationships and increasing collaboration and cooperation between partners inside and outside rugby
Game Representative Board Members
Game Representative Board Members will bring the voice of the game to the Board, helping shape strategy and investment decisions that support sustainable growth for players, clubs and communities. Game roles are open to any individual with an active/recent player or administration role in the community or professional game who brings experience of growing something at scale larger than an individual club.
The primary contributions of Game Representative Board Members will be:
- Deep rugby insight, credibility and experience – ensuring decisions are informed by proven experience of growing participation and delivering successful rugby programmes at scale.
- Connectivity across the rugby ecosystem – building strong relationships across clubs, CBs and stakeholders, while championing rugby values and culture within the region.
- Creative problem solving rooted in game insight – using deep knowledge of the game to challenge thinking and develop practical solutions to participation and delivery challenges.
Independent Board Members
Independent Board Members will bring external expertise, perspective and constructive challenge, helping the Board make informed decisions, drive sustainable growth and maximise regional impact. Independent in this context means an individual who does not currently hold a position of responsibility within rugby above community club level.
The primary contributions of Independent Board Members will be:
- External expertise that could be applicable for supporting rugby growth – applying experience from outside rugby to drive innovation and growth.
- Extending the Board’s reach and impact – using networks and influence to build partnerships, unlock opportunities and broaden rugby’s reach.
- Objective challenge and governance rigour – providing independent perspective to strengthen strategy, decision-making and accountability.
All Roles
Location: Regional (please refer to the candidate information pack for a breakdown of the regional areas)
Reports to: Chair of Regional Growth Partnership Board
Term: 3 years (to be confirmed on appointment)
Fees: Voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Commitment: 12 days per year (6 Board meetings per year, plus additional 6 days of engagement).
For more information, key responsibilities and person specification; please take a look at the candidate information pack.
To formally apply for the role please supply the following:
- An up-to-date CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements and preferred contact details.
- A brief letter outlining your motivation and suitability in line with the skillsets sought by The RFU.
Send to with the email subject detailing which role and which Regional Board you are submitting an application for: e.g. Game Rep Board Member – South West RGPB OR Independent Board Member – East Midlands RGPB. Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. Please get in touch to register your interest or submit your candidacy as soon as possible.
Game & Independent Regional Growth Partnership Board Members employer: England Rugby
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a vibrant work culture that champions inclusivity and community engagement. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, the RFU offers unique opportunities for individuals passionate about rugby to make a meaningful impact in the sport while enjoying the flexibility of remote work at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham. Join us in enriching lives through rugby and be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, and the future of the game.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Game & Independent Regional Growth Partnership Board Members
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Events
Dive headfirst into your local sports scene! Volunteer at local tournaments or community sports days. It’s a brilliant way to network with professionals in sports-recreation-management and gain hands-on experience that'll make your application stand out.
✨Join Sports Volunteer Groups
Check out community groups and social media platforms for volunteer opportunities. Many times, there are dedicated Facebook groups or Meetup events where people in the sports industry look for enthusiastic volunteers. Being part of these communities can help you tap into hidden opportunities!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Use social media to showcase your passion for sports. Share posts about events you’ve volunteered at, and tag relevant organisations or professionals you work with. This will help boost your visibility and demonstrate your commitment to the field!
✨Don’t Shy Away from Networking
When you're out volunteering, chat with everyone—coaches, refs, participants. Ask about their experiences and any advice they might have for someone looking to break into sports-recreation-management. You never know who might have tips or connections that lead to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Game & Independent Regional Growth Partnership Board Members
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sports:When you're applying for a volunteer role in sports recreation management, it’s super important to let your passion for sports shine through in your application. Be sure to include any relevant personal achievements or experiences that highlight your love for sports, whether that's playing, coaching, or even just being an avid fan!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if it's volunteer work or part-time gigs, make sure to document any experience that relates to sports or managing activities. Include roles where you've coordinated teams, organised events, or worked with youth programs, as these showcase your leadership and organisational skills that are key in this field.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Your CV should reflect not just your work experience but also your community involvement. Mention any volunteer roles or community service you've done, especially if it’s related to sports. This shows that you care about the industry and are eager to contribute, making you an attractive candidate for England Rugby.
Use Your Cover Letter to Share Your Goals:This is where you can really express why you want to volunteer with England Rugby. Talk about your aspirations in sports recreation management and how this role aligns with your career plans. Demonstrating your motivation and willingness to learn will really resonate with the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at England Rugby
✨Get Familiar with Sports Management Concepts
Understanding the core concepts of sports management is key, especially as a volunteer. Brush up on topics like event planning, team dynamics, and fan engagement strategies. You might want to bring a few examples of successful sports events or initiatives you've been involved with, even if they were just personal projects.
✨Show Your Passion for Sports and Community
Since this is a volunteer role, your passion for sports and engagement with the community matters a lot. Share any previous volunteering experiences related to sports or community events to show your enthusiasm. This helps the team at England Rugby see how invested you are in making a positive impact.
✨Prepare for Interactive Scenarios
Interviews for sports management roles often include situational questions or role-playing scenarios. Practice how you'd handle common challenges, like resolving conflicts in a team or promoting an event—think about how you can demonstrate your interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities in these contexts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Team Spirit
Volunteering often means wearing multiple hats and being adaptable. Be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others, take initiative, and step in where needed. Share stories that reflect your teamwork and commitment to the overall mission of the England Rugby. It’s all about showing that you’re a team player who can jump into any role!
