Job Description

Working at the RFU means being part of the ‘bigger picture’ at England Rugby: to be rooted in our purpose, which is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union & develop the sport for future generations. If our purpose resonates with you, and you recognise the value that sport can bring to people’s lives, we’d love to work with you.

An opportunity has arisen for a Player Pipeline Officer to join our Player Experience team on a permanent contract, playing a key role in growing and supporting participation across the player pipeline. You’ll work closely with colleges, clubs, schools, universities and communities to create more opportunities for young people to get involved in rugby, helping to bring our Plan 2030: ‘More Than A Game’ strategy to life and welcoming the next generation into the sport.

Job Title : Player Pipeline Officer

Department : Player Experience (Player Pipeline Team)

Salary : c.£35,000 per annum

Reports to: Schools & Colleges Manager

Job Level : Implement

Location : Homebased

Travel Requirements : National travel, including to Allianz Stadium

Employment Type : Permanent

Working Hours : This is a full-time role, covering 35hrs per week on any five out of the seven days of the week (from Monday to Sunday inclusive)

Application Information:

• Please submit an anonymised CV (i.e. remove personal details). You do not need to submit a cover letter.
• Vacancy closing date: 18th June 2026 at 12:00pm
• Interviews to take place 26th and 29th June 2026

Nature and scope

The role holder will deliver support and implement projects and initiatives across the rugby union player pipeline with a specific focus on growing the male and female game in colleges, and project delivery across the school, age grade and university game.

They will be responsible for landing RFU guidance and connections with colleges, growing the calendar of participation opportunities, developing the college rugby delivery network and facilitating access to training and CPD for staff and students new to rugby. They will also deliver wider pipeline projects to maximise player recruitment and retention, capacity and sustainability, safe cross-sector age grade to adult player transition, player and institution data and regional growth plans. They will work proactively and collaboratively with national and regional colleagues and delivery partners to ensure programmes are joined-up, relationships are strengthened and departmental KPIs are achieved. They will have a strong focus on inclusion and diversity, championing the RFU commitment to increasing participation in all aspects of our sport and bringing more diversity to rugby union.

Accountabilities:

• Deliver targeted projects and first line support/expertise for college rugby and the player pipeline including:
  • College participation and growth opportunities
  • College guidance and networking
  • Staff & Student capacity-building, training & CPD access
  • Age Grade to Adult playing offer and transition
• Develop, engage and coach the workforce and key partners within colleges and the player pipeline (including Regional Partnerships, CBs, National Partners and wider networks) to land RFU priorities, KPIs and strategy.
• Collaborate with local, regional, national RFU staff and partners to ensure integrated delivery and provide guidance, subject matter expertise and troubleshooting for colleges and pipeline staff/workforces,
• Support the growth, development and coordination of nationwide playing opportunities across all formats, including women’s rugby, T1 rugby and alternative formats.
• Contribute to strategies that increase participation and strengthen player pathways within colleges and the player pipeline into adult rugby.
• Report on project impacts against agreed KPIs and collaborate to secure partner data and insight that aids business and operational planning at institution to national level.
• Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the current strategic, business and operational plans.
• Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
• Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

The skills and attributes outlined in this description are not exhaustive and we welcome candidates who can bring different relevant experiences to the role.

• Experienced project or programme management skills, involving internal and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of the sporting landscape for young people (colleges, schools, age grade and universities).
• Able to demonstrate experience in building and sustaining relationships and collaborating in teams at all levels.
• Proactive, flexible customer and people-orientated approach.
• Ability to analyse problems, create solutions and bring new ideas and concepts.
• Proven time management and prioritisation skills.
• Highly self-motivated and able to work under own direction to achieve stated objectives within the necessary timescales.
• Strong ability to engage and influence at all levels.
• Strong oral and written communication skills including report writing and delivering effective presentations.
• Excellent IT skills, particularly in the use of Microsoft Office, including MS Teams.
• Experience of working with and supporting cross function teams/roles to ensure solutions are consistent and integrated.
• Committed to embodying the ethos our culture by using our three core values – Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other – to guide your day-to-day decisions, actions and interactions.
• Committed to actively contributing and building an inclusive culture in your role and day to day behaviours.

Additional Information:

• We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If there is anything we could do to support you through your application or to provide the best environment for your interviews, including assistance or adjustment, please reach out to recruitment
• During your application, we will ask questions about your identity. This information is considered highly confidential and will not be seen by hiring managers. You can find out more about why we ask these questions here
• If you are a trans candidate applying for a job that requires a DBS check, please reach out to recruitment@rfu.com or directly to our safeguarding team ( safeguarding@rfu.com) to use the confidential sensitive application route. This will provide applicants with the choice not to have any gender or name information disclosed on their DBS certificate.
• This role will require a DBS check.