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.

Closing Date: 9th March 2026

Salary: Competitive

The Person:

• A solicitor qualified in England and Wales with at least five 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.

The Role:

• 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 (including sponsorship agreements, rugby competition and regulatory matters, rugby licences, match agreements, funding agreements, venue hire and event hosting, stadium agreements for major events, licensing agreements, hospitality and ticketing agreements, hospitality box licences, filming and location agreements, influencer agreements, supply and service agreements, ticket terms and conditions, ground regulations, employment, consultancy and internship matters, data protection, intellectual property and brand protection).
• 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. To include supporting the data & digital team and IT team with new initiatives and ongoing compliance.
• 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.
• Assist with WRU Group litigation matters where directed, including liaising with external counsel, insurers and assisting with legal disclosure / procedural 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, including Terms of Participation in various tournaments and leagues.
• 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.