About the Role
As a key member of the WRU Legal Team, the Legal Counsel will negotiate and draft a wide range of legal documentation and agreements across various disciplines. The role provides timely, high‑calibre legal advice to internal and external stakeholders. The position supports WRU Group compliance in data protection and handles broader commercial and regulatory matters. Closing date: Tuesday 16th June 2026.
Responsibilities
* Negotiate and draft all necessary legal documentation, providing comprehensive legal advice on a broad range of contractual and commercial matters (including sponsorship agreements, rugby competition and regulatory matters, rugby licences, match agreements, funding agreements, venue hire and event hosting, stadium agreements for major events, licensing agreements, hospitality and ticketing agreements, hospitality box licences, filming and location agreements, influencer agreements, supply and service agreements, ticket terms and conditions, ground regulations, employment, consultancy and internship matters, data protection, intellectual property and brand protection).
* Enhance and, where directed, lead on WRU Group compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, offering specialist expertise in data protection legislation, policy review, breach and reporting procedures, data subject access requests, privacy policy requirements and internal training initiatives, and support the data & digital and IT teams with new initiatives and ongoing compliance.
* Assist with WRU Group corporate compliance matters, including supply chain management, codes of conduct, anti‑bribery and corruption, Modern Slavery Act statements, the Criminal Finances Act, Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act and other legislative requirements.
* Assist with WRU Group legal advisory work as required, including property, corporate, banking, dispute resolution and litigation matters.
* Assist with WRU Group litigation matters, liaising with external counsel, insurers and providing legal disclosure/procedural support.
* Review and update relevant WRU Group policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with legal and business requirements.
* Act as the primary legal point of contact for various areas of the organisation on diverse legal issues, as directed by the General Counsel.
* Collaborate with World Rugby, Six Nations, British and Irish Lions, Nations Championships, GB7s, Women’s XV, Celtic Challenge, competition organisers, and other Rugby Unions/federations on relevant projects or where legal guidance is required.
* Assist in the management of external counsel on legal matters as required under the direction of the General Counsel.
* Review, update and maintain precedent documentation; contribute to the building of the WRU Group precedent and know‑how bank and develop template agreements for the business.
* Assist Company Secretary with statutory requirements and other company secretarial matters as directed.
* Assist in the supervision of secondees/junior members of the team where applicable.
* Support the development and delivery of internal legal training across the organisation, including new‑starter inductions and rollout of template documentation.
* Carry out duties to support the ‘One Wales’ strategy, including the club incorporations projects and shared services initiatives.
* Undertake duties that support the WRU Group Strategic Mission, Purpose, and Values.
Qualifications
* Solicitor qualified in England and Wales with at least three years post‑qualification experience.
* Experience negotiating and drafting commercial contracts with strong commercial awareness.
* Excellent IT skills, especially Microsoft packages.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Excellent knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance.
* Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
* Ability to communicate in Welsh desirable.
* Valid UK Driver’s Licence desirable; a basic/enhanced DBS check required.
Benefits
* Salary Sacrifice Pension – 5% employee contribution, matched by the WRU.
* Life assurance scheme.
* WRU Group Ticket Allocation (in line with ticketing policy).
* One additional paid day off (birthday leave).
* Employee assistance programme.
* Hybrid working arrangements – Team Tactics.
* Free stadium parking and gym.
* WRU Group store and tour discounts.
* WRU Group partnership offers.
* Eye Care Voucher Scheme.
* Cycle to Work Scheme.
We are an equal‑opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse, high‑performing and inclusive workforce.
#J-18808-Ljbffr