Description The Organisation The Rugby Football Union (RFU) is the national governing body for grassroots and elite rugby in England. Our purpose is to encourage rugby, and its values, to flourish across England. In doing so, we hope to enrich lives, introduce more people to Rugby Union, and to develop the sport for future generations. The RFU is an industrial and provident society owned by over 1,000 member organisations, representing over 200,000 registered players, and forms the largest rugby union society in the world, and one of the largest sports organisations in England. We are a members’ organisation of professional and amateur rugby clubs, referee societies and Constituent Bodies (geographic or national unions of clubs) and a society registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act, reinvesting all profits back into the sport. Responsibility for decision-making within the RFU is divided between the members (largely member clubs), the Council and the Board of Directors (the Board), with the Board delegating day to day management to the executive staff. The Opportunity The Rugby Football Union seeks a new Chair to lead the Board through a significant period of change and development for the sport. The Chair of the Board of Directors (‘the Board’) is a non-executive position with responsibility to ensure that the Board efficiently administers the affairs of the Union in accordance with the Board’s Procedures and RFU Rules and Regulations, and its national governing body obligations. As the game goes through significant change, particularly in the professional game, the new Chair is sought to continue the excellent work of the previous Chair, Tom Ilube. The Chair will lead the Board of Directors, ensuring effective governance and compliance with the RFU's rules and regulations. They will provide strategic direction and oversight, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other board members to set and achieve long-term goals. The Chair represents the RFU at various national and international forums, promoting the interests of English rugby and will play a pivotal role in major decision-making processes, including financial management, policy development, and organisational structure and changes. The Chair will be adept and strong in the management of a complex array of stakeholders to the RFU, including member clubs, players, sponsors, and the broader rugby community, to ensure their views are considered in the RFU's decisions. This is a critical role as the RFU evolves and develops in an environment of significant public profile. The Role Sitting at the heart of the game both nationally and globally, the RFU is in a period of transition and transformation with some significant imminent strategic decisions that will set the direction of the game for the next decade. Examples include: The Professional Game Partnership which determines how the RFU and the clubs will work together in partnership for the next 8 years; Relations with the Premiership and the Championship; The increasing digitalisation of the organisation, including direct to fan, player and volunteer; The re-development of Allianz Stadium; The spectacular rise of the Women’s Game, and the hosting of the Women’s Rugby World Cup this year; Readiness for the next Men’s World Cup in 2027, in Australia. The next Chair of the RFU will be intimately involved in the determination, leadership and implications of many of these decisions requiring significant change and transformation. The RFU seeks a proven Chair, capable of leading Boards in a complex, highly public stakeholder environment. They will inherently understand the impact that rugby can have on society and community and will quickly understand the way in which the game is run in England. Moreover, they will be a visible, impactful representative of the RFU amongst the international stakeholder set, ensuring English rugby remains front and centre in the way in which the game is managed and governed globally. They will therefore bring exceptional stakeholder management capabilities, combined with excellent communication skills; critical given the highly public profile of the RFU, as well as the broad range of stakeholders the organisation interacts with. They will have the experience and capability to get the best out of the executive leadership team and support in the change programme going forward as part of the strategic plan. Additional Information Time Commitment: 8 Board meetings; preparation for these and agenda planning Ad hoc calls as necessary 6 Council meetings Attendance at international games (home and away) as a minimum High likelihood of additional committee work Regular meetings with the CEO The role requires a strong working relationship with the CEO, involving regular meetings and ad hoc interaction. Minimum aggregate 2 days a week with matches and other functions in addition. The RFU is committed to embedding diversity and inclusion in all its recruitment and appointment procedures. The RFU strives to drive diversity and inclusion and operates a policy of equal opportunity with respect to employment, promotion or training. Application Process Expressions of interest, together with an up-to-date CV, should be submitted via this advert. Closing date for applications is 30th March 2025 at 5pm.