At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications for the historic Lions Women's Tour in 2027 and shape the brand's strategy.
- Company: Join the iconic British & Irish Lions, a symbol of rugby excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible working, travel opportunities, and a chance to make history in sports communications.
- Other info: Exciting role with high-profile events and significant career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of a landmark moment in rugby and influence global sports media.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in sports communications and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Flexible (UK or Ireland)
Contract: 18-Month Fixed Term
Reports to: Chief Marketing Officer
Sporting Jobs are delighted to be supporting the British & Irish Lions in the search for a Head of Communications. With the Lions Women's Tour to New Zealand 2027 representing a landmark moment in rugby history, this is a genuinely exciting opportunity for a senior communications leader to play a central role in one of sport's most iconic organisations at a defining point in its journey.
The British & Irish Lions bring together the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales to take on the southern hemisphere's finest. With the Lions Men's Tour to Australia concluded in 2025, the organisation is now turning its focus to a landmark moment in rugby history: the inaugural Lions Women's Tour to New Zealand in 2027.
This is a pivotal position within the Digital, Marketing and Communications team. The Head of Communications will lead all communications activity for the British & Irish Lions, with primary responsibility for the inaugural Lions Women's Tour in 2027. Reporting directly to the Chief Marketing Officer, the role offers the opportunity to shape the communications agenda for one of sport's most iconic brands at a defining moment in its history. The position is offered on an 18-month fixed-term basis, commencing as soon as possible.
Responsibilities
- Play a key leadership role in shaping and executing the Lions' communications strategy
- Build and leverage a high-impact global sports media network to maximise reach and influence
- Lead and deliver the communications strategy for the inaugural Lions Women's Team, including all tour-related activity
- Define and execute corporate communications, PR strategy, and crisis communications
- Direct media operations and the delivery of all major press events
- Manage and strengthen relationships with rights-holder broadcasters and key media partners
- Advise and brief senior leadership on all communications matters, risks, and opportunities
- Lead media training programmes, ensuring clarity, consistency, and authority across all messaging
- Represent the Lions at high-profile events, stakeholder engagements, and across the global media landscape
- Oversee digital and social communications alignment, ensuring an integrated approach across all owned and earned channels
- Lead internal communications to ensure alignment across the organisation
- Establish clear KPIs and evaluate the impact of communications activity, providing insight-led reporting to the CMO
Requirements
- Extensive experience in sports communications, ideally within international sport
- Proven experience leading communications for major events or high-profile campaigns
- Strong understanding of the global media landscape, particularly rugby and women's sport
- Established network of media contacts across the UK, Ireland, and internationally
- Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to operate in a high-pressure, high-profile environment
- High levels of credibility, resilience, flexibility, and integrity
- Proven ability to build strong internal and external relationships
- Experience managing teams and external agencies
Location
If based in Ireland, the successful candidate will work from Dublin HQ on a hybrid basis with travel to the UK and internationally as required. If based in the UK, the role is primarily home-based with regular visits to London and Dublin, alongside travel elsewhere in the UK and internationally as required.
How to Apply
This role is being managed exclusively by Sporting Jobs and applications close on 1st June 2026. Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. For a confidential conversation ahead of applying, please get in touch directly.
Head of Communications (British & Irish Lions Tour 2027) in England employer: Sporting Jobs
The British & Irish Lions is an iconic organisation at the forefront of rugby, offering a unique opportunity for the Head of Communications to shape the narrative around the inaugural Women's Tour in 2027. With a flexible working arrangement and a vibrant culture that celebrates teamwork and innovation, employees are empowered to grow within a dynamic environment that values their contributions. Join us in making history while enjoying the benefits of a supportive workplace that prioritises professional development and impactful communication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications (British & Irish Lions Tour 2027) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the sports communications field, especially those with ties to rugby. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for rugby and women's sport during interviews. Share your ideas on how to elevate the Lions' communications strategy, especially for the upcoming Women's Tour in 2027.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for media training scenarios! Think about how you'd handle tough questions or crisis situations. This will demonstrate your readiness to lead communications under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications (British & Irish Lions Tour 2027) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Communications role. Highlight your experience in sports communications and any major events you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with the Lions' mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the inaugural Lions Women's Tour and how you can contribute to the team's success. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Media Network:Since building a high-impact global sports media network is key, mention any established contacts you have in the media landscape. We love seeing how you can leverage these connections for the Lions!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sporting Jobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the British & Irish Lions' history and their upcoming Women's Tour to New Zealand. Familiarise yourself with their communications strategy and think about how you can contribute to it. This shows your genuine interest and helps you stand out.
✨Network Like a Pro
Given the role's emphasis on building a global sports media network, come prepared with examples of your existing connections in the media landscape. Think about how you can leverage these relationships for the Lions and be ready to discuss your approach to expanding this network.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a senior communications leader, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage high-pressure situations. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team or navigated a crisis, highlighting your communication style and decision-making process.
✨Be Ready for Tough Questions
Expect questions about crisis communications and how you would handle potential challenges during the tour. Think through scenarios that could arise and prepare your responses. This will show that you’re proactive and ready to tackle any issues head-on.
