Match Officials Manager (Men's RWC 2027)

Closing date for applications is 12th August 2026

Full-time Fixed Term Contract start October 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 seeking an experienced Match Officials Manager to lead the planning and operational delivery of the Match Officials program for Rugby World Cup 2027. Reporting to the Senior Rugby Operations Manager and working within the Team Services & Rugby Operations team, this role will partner closely with World Rugby, Rugby Australia and a broad network of stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of officiating operations across all 52 matches. From logistics and accommodation to training environments and tournament services, you will be responsible for creating a world-class experience for match officials while ensuring all operations meet the highest international standards.

As the tournament approaches, the role will transition into the Match Officials Liaison Officer (MOLO), becoming the primary point of contact between Rugby World Cup Australia and the tournament's Match Officials Team. Embedded within the Sydney Match Official Team Base during tournament time, you will oversee on the ground support, communicate key operational arrangements and ensure match officials are fully prepared and supported throughout the competition. This is a unique opportunity to play a critical role in the delivery of one of the world's premier sporting events and contribute to the lasting legacy of Rugby World Cup 2027.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the planning and delivery of the Match Officials program for Rugby World Cup 2027, ensuring all operations align with World Rugby standards, regulations and tournament requirements.
• Manage all operational services for match officials, including accommodation, transport, training facilities, uniforms, accreditation and other tournament-time support requirements.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures and operational plans that support the effective preparation and delivery of match official activities throughout the tournament lifecycle.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including World Rugby, Rugby Australia, Member Unions, venue teams, suppliers and contractors, to ensure seamless delivery of officiating operations.
• Coordinate match official events and activities, including pre-tournament camps, training sessions, welcome events and tournament readiness activities.
• Recruit, train and manage Match Official Liaison Officers and locally appointed sideline officials, ensuring they are prepared and effectively deployed across all tournament venues.
• Oversee tournament-time match official operations, including budget management, venue planning, readiness testing, reporting and acting as the primary Match Officials Liaison Officer to ensure a world-class experience across all 52 matches.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3 years’ Match Officials experience delivering operational programs within major sporting events, international tournaments or other large scale events.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse groups and cultures.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders and operational teams alike.
• Outstanding organisational skills and attention to detail, ensuring accurate and seamless delivery across multiple workstreams.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, work autonomously and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Strong judgement, including knowing when to escalate issues and when to take ownership and resolve matters independently.
• Flexibility to travel and work outside of standard business hours to support tournament and event requirements.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity and accountability, with a genuine passion for sport and delivering world-class event experiences.

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of rugby or the international rugby environment - preferred
• Experience working with match officials in any sport.
• Match officiating experience.
• Familiarity with World Rugby operations and tournament delivery frameworks.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• 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 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.

How to apply:

Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages) and cover letter 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 unlimited 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.