• Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA)
• Camperdown, Sydney (Hybrid) | Full Time | Permanent Executive Appointment
  Exclusive Retained Search – Hays Executive
• Lead the voice. Shape the future. Champion the players.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Australian sport’s most influential and purpose-driven organisations at a defining moment for the game.

The Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) is the independent voice of Australia’s professional rugby players. Since 1995, RUPA has stood at the centre of the sport—protecting workplace standards, advocating for player welfare, and preparing athletes for life beyond rugby. Its mission is simple but powerful: to support players to become better people, better players, and to live better lives.

RUPA is now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation’s national agenda, amplify the player voice, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of professional rugby in Australia.

The opportunity
As CEO, you will work in close partnership with the RUPA Board and Player Delegates to ensure the organisation delivers meaningful outcomes for its members across welfare, workplace relations, development and long-term sustainability.

You will be a trusted leader across the rugby ecosystem; confident in high stakes negotiation, governance, stakeholder influence and public advocacy.

Key responsibilities
Reporting to the Board, you will:

• Set and lead RUPA’s strategic direction while overseeing day-to-day operations of a high-performing, values-led organisation
• Own the governance, compliance, and negotiation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including standard contracts and associated policies
• Lead RUPA’s approach to dispute resolution, arbitration, and complex member advocacy matters
• Drive the ongoing evolution of the Player Development Program (PDP) and holistic player wellbeing initiatives
• Build and strengthen relationships with Rugby Australia, players (current and former), agents, sponsors, education partners, and the media
• Secure, diversify, and grow sustainable revenue streams to expand and enhance member services
• Ensure strong governance, risk management, and transparent Board reporting, including engagement with the Audit & Risk Committee

About you
You are a credible, purpose-led executive with the presence and judgement to lead in a high-profile, stakeholder-rich environment. You bring:

• 10+ years’ senior leadership experience, ideally within sport, member-based organisations, or complex stakeholder settings
• Proven experience in industrial and employment relations, including high-level negotiations (CBA or enterprise bargaining experience highly regarded)
• Strong governance capability and confidence working in close partnership with Boards
• Outstanding relationship-building skills, with a clear, authentic and persuasive communication style
• A track record of leading distributed teams and delivering impactful services to diverse member groups
• Commercial acumen, with the ability to grow revenue through partnerships, innovation, and strategic thinking
• A strong understanding of Australian rugby and the broader sporting and commercial landscape

Why this role
This is more than a CEO appointment—it’s a platform for impact.

You will lead a respected national organisation with genuine purpose, advocate for those at the heart of the game, and help shape the future of professional rugby in Australia. Few roles offer this combination of influence, complexity, and meaning.

If you are a values-driven leader ready to step into a defining role in Australian sport, this is your moment.

Apply now
This role is being managed exclusively by Hays Executive.  Apply via SEEK here.

For a confidential discussion, contact Paul Phillips, Senior Business Director or Tomas Petkovich, Senior Researcher:
P: 02 8860 1694
E: paul.phillips@hays.com.au E: tomas.petkovich@hays.com.au

Applications will be treated in strict confidence.