Legal Counsel in Cardiff

As a key member of the WRU Legal Team, the Legal Counsel will be responsible for negotiating and drafting a wide range of legal documentation and agreements across a broad range of disciplines. In this role, you will provide timely, high‑calibre legal advice to internal and external stakeholders. This role will support WRU Group compliance in relation to data protection – requiring an individual who is adept at managing data protection workstreams while also handling broader commercial and regulatory matters.

Qualifications:

• A solicitor qualified in England and Wales with at least three years post‑qualification experience is essential.
• Demonstrate experience in negotiating and drafting commercial contracts with sound commercial awareness.
• Excellent IT skills, especially Microsoft package.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance.
• Ability to communicate and work through the medium of Welsh is desirable.
• A valid UK Driver's License is desirable.
• This role is subject to a basic/enhanced DBS check.

Responsibilities:

• Work as a trusted member of the Legal team to negotiate and draft all necessary legal documentation, ensuring comprehensive legal advice is provided on a broad range of contractual and commercial matters.
• Enhance (and where directed, lead on) WRU Group compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR by offering specialist expertise in data protection legislation, policy review, breach and reporting procedures, data subject access requests, privacy policy requirements, and internal training initiatives.
• Assist with WRU Group corporate compliance matters, including supply chain management, codes of conduct, anti‑bribery and corruption, Modern Slavery Act statements, the Criminal Finances Act, Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and other legislative requirements.
• Assist with WRU Group legal advisory work as required, including property, corporate, banking, dispute resolution and litigation matters.
• Review and update relevant WRU Group policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with legal and business requirements.
• Act as the primary legal point of contact for various areas of the organisation on diverse legal issues, as directed by the General Counsel.
• Collaborate with World Rugby, Six Nations, British and Irish Lions, Nations Championships, GB7s, Women’s XV, Celtic Challenge, competition organisers, and other Rugby Unions/federations on relevant projects and/or where legal guidance is required.
• Assist in the management of external counsel on legal matters as required under the direction of the General Counsel.
• Review, update and maintain precedent documentation.
• Contribute to the building of the WRU Group precedent and know‑how bank and developing template agreements (with guidance notes) for use by the business.
• Assist Company Secretary with statutory requirements and other company secretarial matters for the WRU Group as directed.
• Assist in the supervision of secondees / junior members of the team where applicable.
• Support the development and delivery of internal legal training across the organisation, including new‑starter inductions and on roll‑out of template documentation.
• Carry out duties to support the ‘One Wales’ strategy, including the club incorporations projects and shared services initiatives.
• Undertake duties that support the WRU Group Strategic Mission, Purpose, and Values.

Benefits:

• 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