Director of Women’s Rugby

Applications are invited for the voluntary post of Director of Women’s Rugby (DoWR) within the Army Rugby Union (ARU).

The Director of Women’s Rugby is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, performance, management, and development of the ARU Women’s XV and associated development teams. The role ensures that women’s representative rugby within the Army reflects ARU values, performance standards, and long-term strategic objectives.

The successful applicant will be a member of the ARU Council and will play a key role in shaping the future of Army women’s representative rugby.

The intended start date for the appointment is Summer 2026. The role is expected to be for a period of three seasons, subject to review.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants should submit a rugby CV and short covering email outlining relevant experience and motivation for the role to Kimberley Fowke, the ARU Chief Operating Officer (COO) via EMAIL kfowke@britisharmysport.com

• Closing date for applications:Midday Friday 27^thFebruary
• CV sift:By Friday 13^thMarch
• Interviews:Date to be confirmed
• Interview panel:To be confirmed

All applicants will be contacted following the CV sift. Candidates selected for interview will be notified directly. Following interview, the successful candidate will be informed once all unsuccessful candidates have been contacted.

QUALIFICATION, RANK AND EXPERIENCE CRITERIA

There are no mandatory rank requirements for this post. However, applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• Significant experience in rugby leadership, coaching, management, or governance roles
• A strong understanding of women’s rugby pathways and high-performance environments
• The ability to operate confidently with senior Army personnel, ARU officials, coaches, players, and external stakeholders
• Experience of strategic planning, programme management, and stakeholder engagement
• An understanding of UKAF Sport, Army Sport, and ARU governance frameworks (desirable)

Applicants must be serving within the British Army (Regular or Reserve) with at least three years’ service remaining from May 2026.

COMMITMENT

This is a prestigious voluntary appointment requiring a significant and sustained time commitment throughout the year.

The role involves:

• Strategic oversight of the Women’s XV programme
• Attendance at meetings, planning sessions, and governance forums
• Regular engagement with coaching, management, and medical staff
• Attendance at representative fixtures, camps, and events
• Ongoing liaison with UKAF Sport, Army Sport, and ARU stakeholders

Availability during evenings and weekends will be required depending on the fixture calendar.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Women’s Rugby reports to the Chair of Representative Rugby (CoRR) and, through them, to the ARU Management Board.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the focal point for all performance, management, and administrative matters relating to the ARU Women’s XV Teams
• Providing leadership and direction to coaching, management, and medical staff to sustain a high-performance environment
• Liaising with the Chain of Command to facilitate the availability of players and staff
• Ensuring the interests of both players and the ARU are represented in matters relating to professional or semi-professional contracts
• Working with the CoRR and Director of Community Rugby to develop the ARU Structured Season and ensure Women’s XV fixtures are incorporated and published
• Leading succession planning for coaching, management, and support staff
• Recommending appointments to team staff roles for endorsement by the CoRR and ARU Management Board
• Liaising with the Director of Rugby Development to support clear player, coach, and staff development pathways
• Supporting and promoting Women’s Community Rugby to ensure a sustainable talent pipeline
• Contributing to the formulation and implementation of ARU policy and ensuring compliance with ARU strategy, Army Sport policy, and UKAF requirements
• Representing the ARU at matches, meetings, and events and assisting with UKAF Women’s XV activity as required
• Attending the RFU Director of Rugby Course as part of ongoing professional development

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This is a voluntary appointment. Further details regarding time commitment, tenure, transition arrangements, and handover support 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.