Head of Fan Experience (Men's RWC 2027)

Closing date for applications is 8 March 2026

Full time Fixed Term Contract start April 2026 until November 2027 Location: Sydney (Gadigal), Australia

Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) is proud to deliver one of the world’s most iconic sporting events — the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.

More than a tournament, it’s a celebration of Rugby’s spirit, Australia’s culture, and the power of sport to unite and inspire communities around the world.

Rugby World Cup Australia is seeking a dynamic Head of Fan Experience to join our Sydney office, reporting to the General Manager of Tournament Operations. This role sits at the centre of tournament planning and is responsible for leading the vision, design and delivery of the entire Rugby World Cup 2027 fan experience. You will bring our strategy to life through fresh ideas, innovation and world class execution, overseeing Fan Festivals, precinct activations, Rugby Villages, ceremonies, sports presentation, fan services and the full Fan Journey from pre event engagement through to in stadium entertainment. Working closely with government partners, agencies, commercial stakeholders and internal teams, you will shape integrated, community driven experiences that elevate the event on a national scale. You will lead a growing team, manage key service providers and drive innovation, consistency and commercial value across all fan facing environments. With creativity, strategic insight and exceptional delivery capability, you will play a pivotal role in defining how fans engage with one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

• Lead and deliver the Fan Experience strategy for RWC 2027, ensuring alignment with World Rugby’s vision and the tournament’s strategic objectives.
• Design and oversee the execution of world class fan environments, including Fan Festivals, precinct activations, sports presentation, ceremonies and fan services.
• Shape, evolve and implement the end-to-end Fan Journey, ensuring seamless engagement before, during and after the event.
• Collaborate with marketing, brand and digital teams to ensure consistent branding and cohesive fan communications across all channels.
• Drive commercial outcomes by identifying and activating partnership opportunities, sponsorship integrations and premium fan experience upsells.
• Build strong relationships with government, partners, suppliers and internal stakeholders, ensuring effective integration of workforce, programming and operational plans.
• Lead content and entertainment planning, managing service providers and keeping executive leadership informed on progress, risks and key opportunities.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience delivering major sporting or large-scale events, with success managing complex operational, creative and multi stakeholder programs in Australia or internationally.
• Expertise in fan experience and event design, with the ability to evolve the fan journey, bring creative concepts to life and translate strategy into executable plans.
• Creative and innovative leadership across entertainment, content, ceremonies, fan engagement and experiential design.
• Strong project management capability, overseeing large scale deliverables such as ceremonies, precinct activations and partner led experiences, while holding agencies accountable.
• High competency in risk, safety and operational readiness, including conducting risk/threat assessments and embedding compliance into planning.
• Exceptional stakeholder and communication skills, with the emotional intelligence to influence, resolve conflict and secure buy in across external and internal teams.
• Proven people leadership and commercial acumen, motivating teams in high pressure environments and identifying revenue opportunities through partnerships and fan facing initiatives.

• Competitive salary: We know world-class talent deserves to be rewarded.
• Hybrid game plan: Work from home on Mondays and Fridays, with a 3-day in-office schedule (Tues–Thu), moving to full-time in-office in 2027 as the tournament approaches.
• Unbeatable location: A modern space across from Sydney’s Hyde Park, just a 5-minute walk from Town Hall, surrounded by public transport, great cafes, restaurants, and shops.
• Wellbeing first: Weekly fresh fruit, Lunch & Learns and a focus on keeping our team feeling their best on and off the field.
• Locker-room ready: Showers, fresh towels, and Dyson hair tools so you can reset and refresh any time.
• Team spirit: Weekly drinks and social catchups that celebrate wins big and small.
• Make your mark: Play a key role in bringing the third largest sporting event in the world to life right here in Australia!

Australia’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the game, celebrate our people and culture, and deliver lasting social and economic impact. At the heart of our mission is diversity, inclusion, and legacy ensuring Rugby’s growth benefits all and inspires a new generation of players, fans, and communities. Join us in shaping an unforgettable celebration of Rugby, culture, and community.

Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages) outlining your suitability based on the requirements for the role via the APPLY NOW link. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.

In setting expectations, there will be a 2-round interview process in our Sydney office.

All applicants need to be able to obtain their own working rights in Australia.

We do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies and no fees will be payable. 

Rugby World Cup Australia is committed to building a diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background and are happy to provide reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, which reflects the global sport we want to be and where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong.