Match Operations Manager (Men's RWC 2027)

Closing date for applications is 27th May 2026 

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

Rugby World Cup Australia is searching for a Match Operations Manager to join our team!

The Match Operations Manager will play a key role within the Team Services & Rugby Operations department. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Rugby Operations the Match Operations Manager will be responsible for key components of the planning & operational delivery of all Matches at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 (RWC 2027).  

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be a part of a global event that will set new standards and drive the growth of rugby. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about sport, understand the power it has to make a difference and have a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. You will be part of a team that aims to inspire a new generation of fans and participants.

• Ensure all Match Operations plans reflect best practice and World Rugby Laws, Regulations and player welfare guidelines
• Development of key Match Operations Documents including Run Sheets, Match Management Manual, Match Venue Guides and Match Management Briefing Documents 
• Development of key Match Operations Policies & Procedures
• Lead the recruitment and training of Tournament Ball Teams
• Support the Match Manager recruitment and training program
• Lead and Manage the relationship with the appointed Rugby Training and Match Venue equipment provider
• Assist with planning of Rugby Operations spaces at all RWC 2027 Match Venues
• Attendance at match venue site visits, when required, to review and finalise Match operational planning
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders including RWC Australia, World Rugby, Rugby Australia and Member Unions, suppliers and contractors 
• Integration with all Rugby Operations FAs (Match Management, Games Systems, Disciplinary & Integrity, Anti-Doping, Match Officials and Medical) in relation to match planning

• Minimum 5 years’ experience delivering match operations or rugby operations within professional rugby, major sporting events, or comparable large‑scale live event environments.
• Demonstrated capability supporting the end‑to‑end planning and delivery of match operations, including venue coordination, tournament execution, and adapting operations across multiple venues.
• Strong working knowledge of rugby union, including the Laws of the Game, match management frameworks, and professional rugby operating environments.
• Proven experience developing, adapting, and maintaining complex operational documentation within structured, compliance‑driven environments.
• Strong stakeholder and supplier engagement capability, with experience managing competing priorities and contributing effectively in dynamic delivery environments.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, travel domestically when required, and a genuine passion for contributing to Rugby World Cup 2027

• 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 and learn with 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. As the tournament approaches, this role may evolve into a tournament‑time position, contributing directly to the successful delivery of the event. 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 with our team in our Sydney.

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.