Director of Youth Rugby – Hampshire RFU

Hampshire RFU is seeking a Director of Youth Rugby to provide strategic leadership for youth rugby across the county and join the Hampshire RFU Board.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about creating positive, inclusive and sustainable rugby experiences for young people and helping shape the future of the game across Hampshire.

About the role

The Director of Youth Rugby will lead the strategic direction of youth rugby across Hampshire, helping to connect Mini, Junior, Girls’, Schools and representative rugby and strengthen the pathway into lifelong participation in the game.

As a member of the Hampshire RFU Board, you will also contribute to the wider leadership and governance of Hampshire RFU and the delivery of our Strategy 2025–2028.

You won’t be expected to deliver everything yourself. Working alongside the Deputy Director of Youth Rugby, Girls’ Lead, Executive Director and a network of competition, programme and volunteer leads, your role will be to provide leadership, establish priorities, empower others and ensure our programmes are working together effectively.

Key areas of focus will include:

• Creating a connected, player-centred approach to youth rugby across Hampshire.
• Supporting participation, retention and progression throughout the age-grade game.
• Strengthening relationships between clubs, schools, representative rugby and player development pathways.
• Supporting the continued growth and development of girls’ rugby.
• Ensuring competitions and playing opportunities continue to meet the needs of young people and clubs.
• Using insight, data and feedback from clubs to help shape priorities and investment.
• Supporting and empowering the volunteers who lead and deliver youth rugby programmes.
• Working with colleagues to champion safeguarding, RugbySafe and positive player welfare.
• Representing youth rugby while contributing to the collective leadership and decision-making of the Hampshire RFU Board.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who can bring leadership, collaboration and strategic thinking to the role.

We are particularly interested in people who can bring together different perspectives, build strong relationships and help others turn plans into action.

You should have a good understanding of youth rugby and experience of leading people, volunteers, projects or programmes. You will be comfortable working with clubs and other stakeholders, setting priorities and using information and feedback to make informed decisions.

Most importantly, you will share our commitment to creating a positive, inclusive and player-centred environment in which young people can enjoy rugby, develop and remain involved in the game.

A full Role Description and Person Specification is available to download below.

Download: Director of Youth Rugby – Role Description & Person Specification