Applications are invited for the voluntary post of Director of Community Women’s Rugby within the Army Rugby Union (ARU).
The Director of Community Women’s Rugby is responsible for leading, coordinating, and developing Community Women’s Rugby across the Army Rugby Union, ensuring structured delivery, increased participation, and clear alignment with representative pathways and the wider ARU competition framework.
The role plays a central part in growing the women’s game across the Army, supporting participation at all levels, creating sustainable playing opportunities, and strengthening links between Community and Representative Rugby programmes.
The Director of Community Women’s Rugby works under the direction of, and is accountable to, the Chair of Community Rugby.
The Director works closely with the Director of Corps Rugby, Director of Unit Rugby, ARU Women’s Representative Management Team, ARU Office, and other key stakeholders to ensure delivery aligns with ARU objectives and the wider Women’s Rugby Strategy.
The intended start date for the appointment is September 2026. The role is voluntary and subject to annual review.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should submit a rugby CV and a short covering email outlining relevant experience and motivation for the role to Maj Andrew Bennett, Chair ARU Community Rugby via EMAIL andrew.bennett668@mod.gov.uk
The recruitment process will involve:
- Closing date for applications:Friday 31 July 2026
- CV sift:Date to be confirmed
- Interviews:Date to be confirmed
QUALIFICATION, RANK AND EXPERIENCE CRITERIA
Applicants should be able to demonstrate:
- A passion for developing and growing Women’s Rugby.
- Experience in rugby administration, management, coaching, team leadership, or programme delivery.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- An ability to engage and collaborate with stakeholders across the Army Rugby community.
- Knowledge of the Army Rugby Union structure and representative pathway.
- Experience of delivering sporting programmes, competitions, events, or festivals.
- A commitment to developing participation and enhancing player experience.
- An understanding of safeguarding, inclusion, and duty of care requirements within sport.
COMMITMENT
This is a voluntary appointment requiring regular engagement throughout the season.
The role involves:
- Strategic leadership of Community Women’s Rugby.
- Planning, coordinating, and delivering fixtures, festivals, and competitions.
- Supporting participation, recruitment, and retention initiatives.
- Liaison with Corps, Unit, Community and Representative Rugby stakeholders.
- Attendance at key fixtures, meetings, and ARU events.
- Supporting communications and promotional activity relating to Women’s Rugby.
- Producing seasonal reports, participation data, and programme updates.
- Some evening and occasional weekend availability.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Community Women’s Rugby reports to the Chair of Community Rugby.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead and coordinate Community Women’s Rugby across the Army Rugby Union.
- Develop and oversee a seasonal delivery plan, including fixtures, festivals, and competitions.
- Promote growth, participation, and visibility of Women’s Rugby across all Corps.
- Maintain a centralised and regularly updated view of participation, teams, and activity levels across the Corps.
- Support emerging and developing teams through flexible playing opportunities including festivals, 10s competitions, and combined teams where appropriate.
- Identify barriers to participation and implement practical solutions to improve access and engagement.
- Serve as the primary link between Community Women’s Rugby and the ARU Women’s Representative programme.
- Identify and promote talented players for representative rugby pathways.
- Coordinate fixtures and competitions to complement representative commitments where possible.
- Work with Corps, Unit and Masters Rugby leads to align fixtures and maximise resources, facilities, and exposure for the women’s game.
- Promote Women’s Rugby through communications, media, and engagement activity.
- Support the development of the ARU Women’s Rugby Strategy and long-term growth plans.
- Encourage leadership development opportunities for players, coaches, administrators, and volunteers.
- Collaborate with Community Sevens and Festival Leads to ensure the inclusion of women’s rugby opportunities across ARU events.
- Maintain records of fixtures, results, participation levels, and player involvement.
- Ensure all activity complies with ARU regulations, Army policies, RFU regulations, safeguarding requirements, and duty of care standards.
- Conduct an annual review of Community Women’s Rugby activity and provide recommendations for future development.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This is a voluntary appointment. Further details regarding time commitment, reporting arrangements, and support available within the role will be provided to the successful applicant.
The ARU Management Board reserves the right to amend the Terms of Reference associated with this role as required.