Game Equipment & Quality Specialist
World Rugby is the world governing and law-making body for the sport of Rugby Union. In addition to its governance functions World Rugby organises a number of international tournaments and events including the Rugby World Cup and the annual HSBC Rugby Sevens World Series Competitions.
Help shape the future of player welfare in rugby as we look to appoint a Game Equipment & Quality Specialist to join World Rugby’s Player Welfare & Rugby Services team.
About the role
Reporting to the Playing Surfaces and Game Equipment Manager, you will play a key role in the development, administration, and quality assurance of World Rugby’s game equipment and playing surface programmes.
Your work will ensure that equipment used at every level of the game meets the highest standards of safety, performance, and compliance.
You will have the opportunity to work closely with research partners, test houses, and manufacturers to deliver projects that directly support World Rugby’s commitment to player welfare and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
1. Equipment Development & Project Delivery
* Manage the delivery of research and development projects across areas such as headgear, protective equipment, and playing surfaces.
* Collaborate with universities, test laboratories, and manufacturers to enhance testing methodologies and product standards.
* Identify opportunities to improve safety and performance, supporting innovation in injury prevention and game equipment design.
* Contribute to the development of new or revised performance specifications and technical guidance documents.
2. Quality Assurance & Compliance
* Oversee World Rugby’s quality programmes for playing surfaces and equipment, including test house accreditation, annual audits, and ongoing compliance monitoring.
* Ensure adherence to international testing standards such as ISO and CEN, maintaining robust documentation and version control.
* Support the implementation of equipment and playing surfaces ensuring all testing and certification processes are aligned with World Rugby requirements.
3. Administration & Programme Support
* Manage programme records, databases, and documentation to ensure quality, traceability, and audit readiness.
* Coordinate logistics for meetings, testing events, and accreditation reviews.
* Prepare reports, presentations, and updates for internal and external stakeholders.
* Support financial administration, supplier coordination, and contract management.
What we're looking for in you
* Degree in engineering, product design, sports technology, or a related field
* Experience in quality control, testing, or compliance within sports equipment, sport surfaces, or product engineering.
* Strong understanding of testing standards and performance evaluation methods.
* Experience in managing technical projects through to completion, balancing scientific rigour with practical delivery.
* Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage detailed administrative processes and multiple workstreams.
* Confident communicator with the ability to engage stakeholders across research, manufacturing, and governance environments.
* A genuine interest in sport and player welfare.
Why Join World Rugby
This is an opportunity to be part of an organisation at the forefront of global sport governance. You will:
* Contribute directly to player welfare and safety initiatives that have real-world impact.
* Work alongside international experts in research, testing, and sports engineering.
* Gain exposure to cross-disciplinary projects involving equipment design, surface technology, and performance innovation.
* Operate within a collaborative, research-led environment with the flexibility of a remote-first structure.
* Enjoy a flexible, hybrid working culture that combines remote work with opportunities for international travel to key meetings, testing events, and research collaborations.
How to Apply:
Ready to make an impact? Click the apply button to submit your application.
The Executives in Sport Group are retained on behalf of World Rugby to appoint a Game Equipment & Quality Specialist. All direct applications and CVs will be forwarded to The Executives in Sport Group.
We ask that applicants complete our diversity monitoring form. You are not obliged to answer any of these questions but the more information you supply, the more effective our monitoring will be.
All information supplied is anonymous and will not be viewed by recruiting managers.
https://forms.office.com/e/DnGAyAD67M (Please copy and paste into your browser)
Please note that due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide specific feedback on unsuccessful applications.