Head of Tournament Services (Men's RWC 2027)

Closing date for applications is 13th February 2026 

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

The Rugby World Cup Australia (RWCA) is proud to deliver one of the world’s most iconic sporting events — the Rugby World Cup 2027 (Men’s). 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 excited to offer an opportunity for a Head of Tournament Technology Services (Head of TTS) to join our Sydney office and reporting directly to the Executive General Manager of Operations and works closely with both World Rugby’s Group Director of Technology and World Rugby’s long‑term strategic TTS partner. The role is responsible for the successful delivery of the full catalogue of Technology Services required to support the Tournament, ensuring all services are fit‑for‑purpose and meet the operational and business needs of the RWCA workforce, stakeholders, and key client groups.

The Head of TTS will oversee the planning, design, procurement, deployment, quality assurance, integration, operations, and decommissioning (as applicable) of the following Tournament Technology Services and associated service providers:

• Tournament Network Services
• Audio‑Visual Services
• In‑Venue Host Broadcast Distribution
• In‑Venue Communications
• Spectrum Management
• Technology Rate Card
• Tournament Management System
• Games Systems
• End‑User IT Equipment
• Tournament Technology Service Management
• Technical & Cyber Security Services
• Corporate Technology

The Head of TTS is accountable for ensuring these Tournament Technology Services are delivered on time, within budget, and fully operational. To achieve this, the role works closely with key stakeholders, including:

• Tournament technology service providers
• RWCA Functional Area business users
• Technology representatives at match venues and other facilities
• The Host Broadcaster
• Government authorities
• World Rugby’s central technical and cyber services team, including representing RWCA on relevant World Rugby technology governance forums

The Head of TTS will lead an integrated team comprising RWCA and World Rugby resources across the following functional areas:

• Venue Technology & Telecom Services
• Tournament Management Systems
• Games Systems
• Tournament Technology Service Management
• Technical & Cyber Security

• 10+ years’ experience in technology leadership, including proven team management and people‑leadership capability.
• Extensive stakeholder, client, and vendor management experience (8+ years) across complex, multi‑partner environments.
• Advanced program and project management expertise (8+ years), with a track record of delivering large‑scale technology programs on time, on budget, and to defined service levels.
• Strong risk, issue, and change management capability, demonstrated across major technology deployments.
• Proven financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimisation for multi‑million‑dollar programs.
• Significant major events experience, having held senior technology leadership roles for at least three (3) multi‑venue major sporting events, with end‑to‑end accountability for technology delivery.

Demonstrated hands‑on understanding and experience in:

• The full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) for delivering SaaS applications.
• Event and venue telecommunications and network services design, deployment, and operations.
• Software testing and system integration across multi‑vendor environments.
• Network, system, and cyber security architecture, ideally within high‑availability, high‑risk event settings.
• Tournament/games technology operations, including readiness programs, Technology Service Desk operations, and event‑time execution.

• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Practical experience using AI tools and workflow strategies to enhance delivery and decision‑making.

• Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).
• Proven ability to perform under pressure and meet tight, immovable deadlines.
• Skilled at building strong, collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and structured in approach.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and team‑building skills.
• Strong problem‑solving capability and ability to work independently when needed.
• Demonstrated capacity to implement and manage change in complex environments.

• Bachelor’s degree and/or 8+ years of relevant technology leadership experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 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 and London team. Flexibility with time zones is required.

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.