Director of Rugby Vacancy

The Royal Navy Rugby Union seeks to appoint a new Director of Rugby to its Executive Committee.

The Royal Navy Rugby Union (RNRU), as well as being a part of the Royal Navy, is a National Constituent Body (NCB) of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and a registered charity. It is charged with the management, administration, and development of the game of Rugby Union within the RN, in accordance with Service regulations and traditions, as well as in compliance with the requirements of the RFU and the regulatory framework for charities.

Our Vision is: To be fun, relevant and successful, inspiring players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators to enjoy rugby at all levels from mess deck to international, wherever the RN goes, reflecting all that is best in the Service.

RNRU Strategy
The strategy of the RNRU is founded in the recognition and identification of our many, and varied, stakeholders including (but not limited to): The Royal Navy; The Charity Commission; Member Clubs; The Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Sponsors. The RNRU’s Executive Committee has been structured to deliver this strategy and to provide a broader effort on behalf of those stakeholders. In particular, this involves a shift of emphasis away from a focus on representative rugby (whilst seeking to maintain our hard-earned reputation for success), with greater investment in promoting participation and enjoyment of rugby across the Royal Navy.

Director of Rugby - Role and Responsibilities
As a voting member of the RNRU Executive Committee, to support the Chair and its members in fulfilling their collective and individual responsibilities for the conduct of RNRU business and the delivery of goals and objectives.

Responsible for delivering the vision and strategic direction of the RNRU representative player’s pathway and oversight of all 5 representative teams and the RNRU Referee Society.

Responsible for all representative on-field performance and specifically to achieve a creditable winning record for the teams that compete in the annual Inter-Services Championship. 

Responsible for the identification, selection and succession planning of Assistant Directors of Rugby and Team Support Groups (including coaching staff, team managers, medical, performance analysis and strength and conditioning support) for each of the 5 representative teams.

Responsible for ensuring a coherent approach to standards and protocols across the RNRU representative area.

Work with the representative Assistant Directors of Rugby to secure the availability of players for key RNRU fixtures, competitions and tours.

Deliver and promote RN representation in the UK Armed Forces and other higher representative environs.

Accountable for financial control across all representative teams to conduct its activities in an efficient manner and in meeting the Union’s financial goals, performance and budgets.

Facilitate and encourage development of individuals’ and teams’ core values.

The Person
A background and passion for rugby is essential.
Able to commit to Navy Rugby, and capable of supporting the RNRU through successful performance of the role of Director of Rugby.Knowledge of the sporting landscape within the Royal Navy is an advantage as will be an experience of working with or in a sports club, preferably in a rugby environment.
Excellent communications skills, both written and oral.
Ideally, but not exclusively, a serving member of the RN (including RM) or the RNR/RMR.
Personable and able to represent the RNRU in engagement with stakeholders.
It is a volunteer role and the successful candidate will be expected to commit to a 3 year tenure.

For further information contact Ruth Stanbridge, Company Secretary Royal Navy Rugby Union at Ruth.Stanbridge100@mod.gov.uk or 07766523673.

The Selection Process
Closing date for applications is Monday 1 April 2024.

Applications should be made in writing, via email, to The RNRU Company Secretary. Email address to be used is Ruth.Stanbridge100@mod.gov.uk. Applications should include sufficient detail to explain an individual’s suitability for the role (personal statements and covering letters are encouraged). Written applications will be considered by a panel formed from members of the Executive Committee of the RNRU; candidates may be invited to interview to constitute a second round of the selection process if deemed appropriate by the panel. If required, interviews will be conducted week commencing 15^th April.