Senior Tournament Guest & Protocol (TGP) Manager (Men's RWC 2027)

Closing date for applications is 24th May 2026 

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

Rugby World Cup Australia is seeking a Senior Tournament Guest & Protocol (TGP) Manager to join our Sydney CBD office.

The Senior Tournament Guest & Protocol (TGP) Manager will play a critical leadership role in the planning and delivery of the Tournament Guest & Protocol program for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. Reporting to the General Manager – Tournament Services, this role is responsible for the end‑to‑end management of the TGP program, ensuring a seamless, high‑quality experience for World Rugby guests, officials and stakeholders across all phases of the tournament.

This role will lead the coordination and delivery of all TGP operations, including guest travel, accommodation, transport, ticketing, match‑day hospitality, lounges and protocol services across multiple cities and venues. Working closely with World Rugby and internal functional areas, the Senior TGP Manager will oversee guest data and communications through tournament systems, manage suppliers and budgets, implement protocol guidelines, and lead a growing team through planning and tournament‑time delivery. This is a unique opportunity to help deliver a world‑class global sporting event and play a key role in showcasing Australia as a host of international rugby.

• Lead the end‑to‑end planning and delivery of the Tournament Guest & Protocol (TGP) functional area for Rugby World Cup 2027, working closely with World Rugby and key internal stakeholders to ensure successful programme execution.
• Manage the TGP program in line with agreed budgets, milestones and the tournament masterplan, identifying and mitigating risks to ensure delivery to the required standard.
• Oversee guest data and communications, including the preparation and management of guest lists, and the coordination of invitations, itineraries, tickets and confirmations through the Tournament Management System.
• Collaborate with World Rugby to integrate official meetings and events into the TGP program, including Council meetings, General Assembly and associated functions.
• Lead the planning and delivery of match‑day and venue‑based TGP operations, including lounge fit‑out, food and beverage offerings, guest movements, and space allocation across match venues, hotels and airports.
• Define and implement tournament‑wide protocol guidelines, policies and procedures, including the development of the TGP gift program and required operational documentation such as Functional Area Operating Plans.
• Provide strong leadership to the TGP team, overseeing workforce planning and recruitment of paid staff and volunteers, and deliver post‑tournament knowledge transfer and reporting.

• 5–7+ years’ experience delivering complex operational programmes for major sporting events, large‑scale live events or international tournaments, ideally including experience within Australia.
• Proven experience leading end‑to‑end project delivery, providing strategic direction while overseeing detailed operational planning, live delivery and post‑event reporting within tight timelines.
• Strong guest and protocol management experience, demonstrating high attention to detail, discretion and a diplomatic approach when working with senior leaders, officials and international stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to operate within complex, multi‑stakeholder environments, collaborating effectively across international governing bodies, internal functional areas, suppliers and partners.
• People leadership experience, including managing and motivating paid staff and volunteer workforces, and contributing to a high‑performance, inclusive organisational culture.
• Advanced organisational, decision‑making and problem‑solving capability, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams, prioritise competing demands and perform under pressure.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with the confidence and credibility to engage with diverse, multi‑cultural stakeholders across different time zones.
• Experience using event or tournament management systems and a working knowledge of the international rugby or major sporting environment.
• Demonstrated flexibility and resilience, including the ability to work irregular hours and undertake travel (approximately 20–30% during planning, increasing during tournament delivery).

• 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 in our Sydney office. Flexibility is required for evening interviews with our UK teams.

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.