Executive Director, Commercial - USA

World Rugby is the global governing and law-making body for Rugby Union, delivering world-class tournaments and events including the pinnacle men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups and the HSBC SVNS Series.

World Rugby is now on a mission to innovate to excite, inspire and engage new audiences in existing and new rugby markets, to grow the sport for all. Through World Rugby Events & Media (WREM), the delivery of major tournaments under a new model will be key to the success of a ten year strategic plan which will see global Rugby World Cups, and culminating in ground breaking tournaments in the USA in 2031 and 2033. Under the new model, World Rugby will have a more direct role in the setting up, running and delivery of the Rugby World Cups and aims to be the leader in the delivery of major international events. 

Closing Date: Friday 21st August 2026

Lead the Commercial Transformation of Rugby in America

The Rugby World Cup is coming to the United States. As World Rugby prepares to stage the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2031 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2033, we are creating an integrated commercial platform designed to unlock the full potential of rugby in one of the world’s largest and most exciting sports markets.

To help deliver this vision, we are seeking an outstanding Executive Director, Commercial to lead World Rugby’s commercial strategy and revenue development across the United States.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer, this executive leadership role will be responsible for shaping and delivering commercial strategies across World Rugby’s growing portfolio of rights and events in the US market.

As a key member of World Rugby’s US leadership team, you will:

• Lead commercial strategy development for Rugby World Cup 2031 and the wider USA Growth Plan.
• Drive revenue opportunities across ticketing, hospitality, sponsorship, retail and licensing.
• Provide expert market insight to inform global commercial decision-making.
• Support venue and host city commercial strategy and negotiations.
• Build and lead a high-performing commercial organisation in the US.
• Coordinate commercial delivery across World Rugby, USA Rugby and external partners.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a commercially driven senior executive with experience delivering major multi-site events, sports, entertainment or venue-based commercial programmes in the United States. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of defining and executing successful commercial strategies within complex, high-profile environments, bringing both strategic vision and operational excellence.

Location: USA based – initially in a hybrid home and office working arrangement. This is likely to change following selection of Host Cities and Venues at the end of 2027.

How To Apply - This is a career-defining opportunity to help establish World Rugby’s presence in the United States and shape the commercial success of one of the world’s largest sporting events.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

World Rugby 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.