Career Opportunities: Legal Counsel (Men's RWC 2027) (3366)
Requisition ID 3366 - Posted - Country Search (1)
***CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MONDAY 24TH MARCH 2025***
LEGAL COUNSEL (RWC 2027 LOC)
6-MONTH FIXED-TERM CONTRACT
BASED IN SYDNEY
The Rugby World Cup Australia Local Operating Company (LOC) is searching for a Commercial Legal Counsel to join our team on a short-term, fixed contract basis!
The Legal Counsel will play a key role in servicing the LOC for a fixed term of 6 months to support the procurement of key stakeholders and suppliers for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup. The Legal Counsel will report into the Head of Legal.
This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be a part of a global event that will set new standards and drive the growth of rugby. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about sport, understand the power it has to make a difference and have a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. You will be part of a team that aims to inspire a new generation of fans and participants.
About the role
Key responsibilities of the position incumbent include:
1. Assisting the Head of Legal with the provision of high-quality legal support to staff at all levels of the LOC in connection with the Rugby World Cup 2027 ( RWC27 );
2. Supporting negotiations and managing drafting updates in respect of supply and services agreements with RWC27 key suppliers and advising on associated legal issues including commercial law, legislation, compliance, intellectual property, and related matters as required by the Head of Legal;
3. Carriage of a high volume of different types of commercial contracts, including goods & services agreements, standard as well as bespoke terms of purchase, venue hire agreements and other general procurement matters related to RWC27;
4. Providing training to RWC27 personnel on the impact of legal policies, procedures, legislation and contractual arrangements;
5. Ad hoc file management and responsibility for maintaining the LOC’s contract database as well as supporting and working closely with the RWC27 Procurement team;
6. Developing relationships internally with staff in all key areas of the LOC, including Operations and Venues, Procurement/Commercial, Finance and Human Resources, and externally as required by the Head of Legal including with key suppliers, and local government representatives; and
7. Any other duties as required.
Technical skills / selection criteria
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:
1. Experience of working on Legal related matters as part of a team in a major event, sports club or federation or other sports related industry would be highly regarded.
2. Proven and extensive experience of managing a high workload and working towards ambitious timelines.
3. Proven and extensive experience in providing quality legal advice, drafting, negotiating and managing contracts while also communicating effectively and clearly to Business stakeholders.
4. Ability to balance legal risk and exposure with a practical and pragmatic mindset. To be flexible in solving legal queries and issues whilst protecting the Business against exposure.
5. Legal qualification from an accredited law school, admitted into practice and in good standing.
6. Current New South Wales practising certificate (or other Australian state).
About you
1. You have at least 3 years' experience in a law firm or 2 years' experience as an in-house counsel (ideally in a sporting or events setting)
2. You have proven experience working on large procurement processes and managing a large portfolio of contracts at once
3. You have knowledge of key legal principles relating to procurement, contracts, drafting, negotiating and advising on commercial agreements and familiarity with key Federal and State legislative frameworks for consumer protection and competition law.
4. You have experience in risk management and helping manage governance and compliance programmes, including the drafting of policies and procedures.
5. You’re an innovative thinker, and an excellent communicator, highly personable and can build strong relationships with colleagues and a diverse range of stakeholders quickly;
6. You have the proven ability to collaborate with colleagues to effectively deliver on mutual objectives;
7. You have meticulous attention to detail, exceptional organisational skills, the ability to prioritise and multitask, and remain calm under pressure; and
8. You are adept at working in a fast-paced environment, delivering work to deadlines.
About us
World Rugby is the international federation responsible for the global development of rugby union. Its strategic mission is to accelerate the growth of rugby, inspiring more people to engage with the sport. Australia’s hosting of Rugby World Cups 2027 and 2029 are at the heart of that mission, representing an unparalleled growth opportunity for rugby in Australia, the region, and the global game more broadly.
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is rugby union’s pinnacle event contested every four years by the world’s best nations.
For six weeks from 1 October- 13 November 2027, Australia will welcome the world to a nationwide festival of rugby, celebrating its rich culture and heritage, and kicking off a new era of rugby that will have a positive impact for Australia, Oceania and the game globally.
With an expanded format contested by the world’s top 24 teams, Men’s RWC Australia 2027 will inspire an entire generation and break down barriers by making rugby even more accessible, relevant and inclusive, boosting rugby’s fanbase and participation globally.
All revenue generated by Men’s RWC 2027 will be reinvested in the sport, supporting World Rugby’s global growth ambition, its 133 member unions and six regional associations.
Rugby World Cup is one of the biggest sporting and entertainment brands in the world and the dual men’s and women’s hosting model creates a transformative opportunity to showcase the very best of rugby and Australia to an unprecedented global audience.
RWC 2027 tournament will be a nationwide celebration of the sport, its values and Australia’s cities, culture and people, engaging new audiences and inspiring a new generation of fans and players. In Australia, the tournament is expected to generate $1.3B in direct visitor expenditure across Australia from more than 250,000 international visitors and inject a further $80m into the Australia economy as a result of hosting in 2027 alone.
Whilst the LOC has carriage of both the 2027 and 2029 RWC’s, all roles are being recruited on the basis of working to deliver 2027, with a contract end date reflective of the successful conclusion of 2027. All roles within the LOC will be reviewed at the appropriate point in time to determine whether they will be extended to cover 2029 and to suit the needs of the business at that time.
How to apply
Please submit your CV (maximum 3 pages), along with a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to the APPLY NOW link.
RWC Australia is committed to building a diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups. We are committed to equality and inclusion and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background. We strive to be a diverse and inclusive workplace, which reflects the global sport we want to be and where everyone can be themselves and feel they belong.
The role offers hybrid working during the initial phases of planning, noting that as the event draws near the role will be required to be full time in the office integrating with the rest of the team. The current planning is based on:
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