_{22nd July, 2026}

Auckland or Wellington based
 
Lead the growth of women and girls' rugby. Shape the future of the community game. Drive lasting impact across Aotearoa.
 
ABOUT NEW ZEALAND RUGBY:
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is one of the country's most iconic sporting organisations, responsible for leading, growing and protecting rugby from grassroots participation through to the international game. With a clear vision to inspire and unify through rugby, NZR works alongside Provincial Unions, clubs, schools, volunteers and communities to ensure rugby continues to thrive for future generations.
 
Women and girls' rugby is one of NZR's highest strategic priorities. Participation continues to grow strongly, creating an exciting opportunity to build a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable game. To help deliver this ambition, NZR is seeking an experienced strategic leader to join the Rugby Delivery Leadership Team as Head of Women & Girls Community Rugby.
 
About The Role:
Reporting to the Chief Rugby Officer, you will lead the implementation of New Zealand Rugby's Women & Girls Strategy across the community game, driving sustainable growth in participation, retention and engagement throughout the rugby system. Leading a national team of regional Women & Girls Managers, you will work closely with Provincial Unions and key stakeholders to deliver strategic initiatives that strengthen the women's game and create lasting impact across Aotearoa.
 
Areas of responsibility include:

• Leading the implementation of NZR's Women & Girls Community Rugby Strategy.
• Partnering with Provincial Unions to accelerate participation and retention.
• Delivering national programmes and strategic projects.
• Building strong relationships across the rugby system and wider sport sector.
• Using data and insights to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Leading and developing a high-performing national team.

 
About You:
You will be an experienced leader who is passionate about creating positive outcomes through sport. You will understand how to influence complex stakeholder environments, lead change and bring people together around a shared vision.
 
You will bring:

• A genuine passion for growing opportunities for women and girls through sport.
• Significant experience leading large-scale programmes or strategic initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capability.
• Proven ability to influence, align and lead change across complex organisations.
• Experience working within sport, recreation or community-based environments.
• Outstanding project and programme leadership skills.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• A collaborative, values-driven leadership style with excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of the community sport or the wider sporting system will be highly regarded.

 
This is an exciting opportunity to create lasting impact for women and girls while strengthening communities through rugby!
 
Applications close - Wednesday 12th August 2026

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